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Dharma (Daruma) |
I have thick eyebrows and a mustache. I am dressed in red and donft have
hands or feet. You know who I am. Yes, I am a daruma, a doll made of
papier-mâché. However I may be done alone by hard luck, I sit up again
without fail. I am your friend and supporter. I will happily help you
towards your dreams.A long time ago, Bodhidharma, who was born in India and studied Buddhism, crossed over to China to preach there. He was summoned by the emperor and was permitted to teach Buddhism. But to his great regret, he realized that he was still unskilled and could not enlighten the audience at all. So he retreated into the mountain to the east of the capital and practiced ascetic exercises there. He did the sitting meditation with his legs crossed for nine years, facing a wall. When he eventually attained enlightenment, his legs were paralyzed and unable to walk. This Bodhidharmafs sitting meditation posture is said to have been the model for the gdaruma dollh. Bodhidharma was thought to be the founder of the Zen sect, but this has not been certified historically. When you make up your mind to do something, please get a daruma doll with no eyes. Praying for the accomplishment of your project, paint in the left eye. The red clothes of a daruma doll are believed symbolize fire that destroys heresy. After fulfillment of your purpose, paint in the right eye and complete it. It is said that you should get a bigger daruma doll for the accomplishment of your next aim. From late December to early spring, daruma ichi (daruma doll fairs) are held in the precincts of temples or on town streets all over Japan. The ones held at Shorinzan in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture and at Jindaiji Temple in Chofu, Tokyo, are the most popular. In Hitachi too, there is one at Taga(on Dec. 28th), Heiwa-dori(on Dec. 30th and 31st), and other places every year. |