who is daruma
Most of our knowledge about Bodhidharma comes from a Chinese document from 1053 AD called “chuan fa zheng zong ji”. If translated into English, it means “Record of the Transmission of the Law and the Correct Teaching”. It was stated in many accounts that Bodhidharma was said to be the son of a Brahmin king in South India. After attaining enlightenment, he became the 28th successor to Shaka Nyorai (the historical Buddha).
According to historical notes, Daruma, also known as Dharmo, was an Indian sage who lived around the 5th to 6th century. He is the undisputed founder of Zen Buddhism… (Ch. = Chan), and many notes noted that he introduced Zen to China during his travels to the Middle Kingdom. One thing to note is that Zen Buddhism is a common term only in Japan. In China it is known as Chan Buddhism.
There are endless legends about this sage. But there is a common conclusion that he achieved enlightenment after meditating in a cave for several years. It was disputed that some claim 9 years while others claim 7.
Most legends agree that bodhidharma was facing a cave wall in the “Shao lin shi” and due to years of meditation, his arms and legs atrophied, shrank and fell off. This is also one of the possible explanations why the Daruma Doll has no hands and no legs. Some of the legends also credit bodhidharma with cutting off his eyelids when he apparently fell asleep during mediation. In a fit of rage, he cut his eyelid, which fell to the ground and miraculously sprouted China’s first green tea.
What is Daruma doll?
The Daruma doll, also known as the Okiagari Koboshi (Tumbler Doll), is a lucky charm or talisman. It is a tumbler doll or doll with no arms or legs, usually made of papier-mâché and traditionally red in color showing Bodhidharma in a seated position. Since it’s like a roly-poly, when knocked down, the wrist bounces back and returns to its upright position. This means determination. While most Daruma dolls are male, some Japanese localities have female daruma.
Where to get the Daruma doll
The city of Takasaki (Gunma prefecture), 100 kilometers north of Tokyo, is the capital of the Daruma doll, a good luck charm, representing a famous Zen monk. The tradition of using the Daruma doll as a good luck charm began at the Takasaki Shorinzan Daruma Temple several centuries ago and has since spread throughout Japan. Today, Takasaki remains the leading producer of Daruma dolls, and Shorinzan Daruma Temple continues to host the country’s largest and most famous Daruma market (Daruma ichi) annually on January 6 and 7, attracting thousands of visitors. and offering Daruma dolls of all sizes.
When to get a Daruma
Any time is a good time to pick up a Daruma, although the Japanese usually pack the Daruma market on January 6 and 7 of each year. Daruma generally blesses the owner with good luck and grants the owner’s wishes, therefore there is no particularly good or bad time to obtain a Daruma. In fact, “Any time is a good time and the sooner it comes, the better.” This is especially true when the Daruma is meant to bless the owner with good luck. Everyone, anyone would love to have a stroke of good luck.
Why get a Daruma?
Daruma comes in different colors that have different meaning. Some got it for decorative purposes, others got it as a gift for their loved one. Some even use it as a wedding gift for the guests that attended their wedding. It is very unique and would make the perfect gift to remind the guest of this wonderful and joyful occasion.
The most popular colors are gold and orange. Gold brings wealth and orange brings academic success to its owner.
The car driver would also love to buy the red color to put on his car for smooth and safe driving. The following table would summarize the meaning of the different Daruma colors.
BLACK – is to ward off evil and a successful year
BLUE – is for success and personal achievement.
GOLD – is to increase wealth and prosperity.
GREEN – is to increase vitality and good health.
ORANGE – is the prayer for school success.
ROSA: is for love, marriage proposal and giving birth without problems.
PURPLE: is to elevate to a high rank and supremacy.
RED – is for success and safety in all aspects.
WHITE – is for purification, new birth and best wishes.
YELLOW – is for safety and security.