Need some luck? Get a Daruma Doll
Have you been having a string of bad luck lately? Are you starting a new job, a new business or a new relationship that you want to be successful at? If so, you should get a Daruma Doll. Legend says that these dolls are named after Daruma, the Japanese name for Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, who achieved enlightenment by staring at a blank wall for many years and who lost the use of his arms and legs as a result.
The first Daruma Dolls are said to have been made some 300 years ago at a temple in Takasaki City,Gunma Prefecture. The dolls symbolically lack arms and legs and the pupils are left blank. They are considered good luck talismans in Japan and represent the persistence and dedication required to achieve your goals. When you purchase or receive a Daruma Doll as a gift, make a wish and draw in one of the pupils (usually the right) and when your wish comes true it is time to draw in the other pupil.
Many businesses in Tokyo, and throughout Japan, have a prominently displayed Daruma Doll in their establishments. The most common color for Daruma Dolls is red, symbolizing good luck, while white Daruma represent purification and new birth and blue Daruma represent the vitality of the spirit.
If you need some luck, get yourself a Daruma Doll. The Japanese have had faith in these rotund dolls for over three hundred years so it’s worth a shot!
Photo Credit: Personal Collection
Tags: Buddhism, Daruma, good luck, Japan, The Tokyo Traveler, Tokyo, Tokyo Travel Guide, Tokyo Travel Tips, Tokyo Visitors Guide, Travel, ZenRelated Stories
POSTED IN: History & Information, Symbols of Japan
5 opinions for Need some luck? Get a Daruma Doll
tornadoes28
Jul 19, 2008 at 5:06 am
Daruma also refers to a doll portraying Bodhidarma sitting zazen. The zazen position gives the appearance that the person has no arms or legs. Accordingly, the Daruma doll has no arms or legs. The doll can be knocked over, but because of its shape it immediately rises back into position. Being knocked over but always coming back is the spirit behind the Daruma doll.
This is from the Zenshuji Soto Temple website.
Kim
Jul 19, 2008 at 5:35 am
Shane,
Have you seen those Russian dolls that stack into each other and get smaller and smaller? That’s how many Daruma Dolls I could use right now;-))
Shane
Jul 19, 2008 at 8:01 am
Tornadoees28 - That makes sense and ties in nicely to the perseverance and dedication that my research found. Funny how these old legends get slightly different spins on them over time, isn’t it?
Kim - I’d send you a few but they might get lost in the move ;)
Jackie Dishner
Jul 20, 2008 at 5:40 am
Shane,
What an interesting doll story. Do you know where I might find these Daruma dolls in Phoenix? Luck must be good to have around.
Jackie
Shane
Jul 20, 2008 at 6:54 am
If you have a Japan town in Phoenix that would be the place to look, Jackie. The traditional Daruma Dolls are made from paper mache but you can also find ceramic versions.
Good luck finding one ;)
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