Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives for the India-Japan summit in Tokyo, Japan.
When Narendra Modi reached the temple connected to India in Japan, Japanese priest Seishi Hirose presented him a Daruma doll, considered a cultural symbol.
The doll is called a Daruma doll in Japan and is considered a lucky doll in Japan. The Daruma doll has roots in India and is considered a symbolic representation of the Bodhi religion, a form of Jain Buddhism in Japan.
The Japanese Daruma doll is a cultural symbol of good luck and desire. In Japan, it is considered a symbol of achieving a goal. The doll can vary in height and is made from a piece of paper.
It is believed to be used to accomplish and achieve a goal. Traditionally, when setting a goal, one eye is painted over, and when the goal is achieved, the other eye is painted over. This doll is considered a symbol of never giving up, as its rounded bottom part helps it stand up again after falling.
Daruma dolls have a deep connection to India. They are associated with a Buddhist monk. The person who established Buddhism in Japan was an Indian monk named Bodhidharma from Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. Bodhidharma traveled to China to preach the teachings of Lord Buddha. In Japan, Bodhidharma is known as Daruma Daishi.
The Daruma doll is considered a symbol of Bodhidharma. A Buddhist monk from Japan founded Jain Buddhism and Shulin Kungfu in China. The fifth and sixth Bodhidharma were founded, and their origins remain a mystery.
Bodhidharma originated in South India. Bodhidharma was born in Kanchipuram, the son of King Sugandha of Kanchipuram. He loved studying the teachings of the Buddha and began training under his guru, Prajnata Tara. He embraced Buddhism and went to China a few years later.
This journey took Bodhidharma three years. Bodhidharma began spreading Buddhism in China, but faced fierce opposition. He was denied entry into the Shaolin Temple, so he settled in a cave.
Bodhidharma meditated continuously for nine years with complete devotion, without speaking to anyone. He once fell asleep while meditating, and became so angry with himself for his lack of discipline that he cut off his eyelids to prevent himself from falling asleep.
For this reason, Buddhist monks often drink green tea to stay awake. Some legends say that Bodhidharma’s hands and feet shrank due to nine years of meditation.
Daruma Doll Wishes and goals are fulfilled
Art and folk tales depicting Bodhidharma, including Daruma Dolls, were all characteristically displayed. Impressed by his concentration and dedication, the Shaolin monks were allowed into the monastery. Bodhidharma stayed at Shaolin for several years, teaching Kung Fu and meditation. Bodhidharma passed away at the age of 100. He was opposed to his ideas and encouraged everyone to awaken.
Today, Bodhidharma is known as the father of both Jain Buddhism and Shalin martial arts.
It is believed that keeping a Daruma doll, a symbol of Bodhidharma, at home fulfils wishes and goals. When you bring a Daruma doll home, you are required to set a goal. After setting this goal, its right eye is painted with black ink. The doll is placed in a place where it can be seen frequently.
Doing this reminds people of their goals when they are accomplished. When a goal is achieved through hard work, the doll’s other eye is painted. Some people write their goals on the back of the doll, which is made from paper mache. The doll is shaped in such a way that if it falls to the ground, it can stand up again.
The Daruma symbolizes a popular Japanese saying, “Nana kurobi yao,” meaning “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.” The dolls teach us to never give up in life and to keep moving forward toward our goals. The dolls are traditionally painted red, symbolizing success and desire.
Daruma dolls are displayed in Japanese markets in various colors. People believe the Daruma doll’s powers last for a year. If wishes remain unfulfilled within a year, the doll is taken to a temple and burned, considered an auspicious ritual. Doing so ensures fulfillment of wishes the following year. A special ritual is held after the New Year to burn the doll.
After purchasing a new Daruma doll, they pray again. The Daruma dolls Princess Daruma and Lady Daruma appear. This contradicts the traditional representation of Buddhism. The Daruma dolls are depicted in a traditional masculine form.
The Daruma doll is not just a decorative doll, but rather a symbol of struggle, perseverance, and self-control. Embracing Daruma Japanese culture.