Prime Minister Modi Receives Daruma Doll During Japan Visit
On the first day of his visit to Japan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was gifted a Daruma doll, a symbol of good luck in Japanese culture. This unique item has ties to India, linking back to an ancient monk.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, “Takasaki City in Gunma is recognized as the birthplace of the well-known Daruma dolls. This tradition has its roots in Bodhidharma, an Indian monk from Kancheepuram, who is referred to in Japan as Daruma Daishi. He is believed to have traveled to Japan over a thousand years ago.”
In a message shared on X, PM Modi expressed his appreciation, stating, “It was an honor to meet Rev. Seishi Hirose, the chief priest at Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple in Takasaki, Gunma. I am grateful for the Daruma doll. This figure is an important cultural symbol in Japan and has connections to India, inspired by the monk Bodhidharma.” The PMO emphasized that this gesture highlights the enduring cultural and spiritual relationship between India and Japan.
The Daruma doll, an iconic symbol of perseverance, is modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism. These dolls are used to represent setting goals and achieving them. The tradition involves coloring one eye when a goal is set and filling in the other eye upon achieving it. This symbolizes resilience, echoing the saying, “Fall seven times, stand up eight.”
Bodhidharma is said to have meditated for nine years without interruption, which is reflected in the doll’s distinctive shape, lacking limbs and eyes. The design allows it to right itself when tipped over, symbolizing the spirit of never giving up.
