The Daruma doll, also known as a Dharma doll, is a traditional Japanese talisman believed to bring good luck, fortune, and perseverance. It has a rounded shape, with a blank face and a body that is usually red in color. The Daruma doll is said to have originated in the Edo period in Japan and has since become an iconic symbol of good fortune, especially in business and personal life.
The doll is associated with the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma, who is said to have meditated for nine years straight without sleeping or blinking, losing the use of his arms and legs. The Daruma doll is a representation of the monk, who is depicted with a round, bald head and a beard, similar to the appearance of the Daruma. The blank eyes on the doll are meant to be filled in, with one eye being filled in when a wish is made and the other when the wish comes true.
Daruma dolls are often given as gifts during the New Year in Japan, and it is believed that they bring good luck and prosperity to the recipient. They are also often used as a tool for setting and achieving personal goals. The round shape of the doll is symbolic of resilience and the ability to bounce back from setbacks, and the blank eyes remind the owner to focus on their goal and never give up.
In terms of spirituality and New Age thought, the Daruma doll is seen as a powerful talisman that can help to manifest desires and bring about positive change in one's life. By filling in one eye and setting a goal, the owner is putting their intention and energy into the Daruma, and the act of filling in the other eye when the goal is achieved is seen as a way of acknowledging and celebrating success.