A Daruma is a traditional Japanese figurine that is typically red and egg-shaped and represents the Buddhist monk, Bodhidharma, who lived in the 5th century AD. He is known for helping to transmit Buddhist teachings from India to China and Japan. These are foundational to the Zen Buddhist approach that values the simplicity of observing the mind and allowing realization to lead to enlightenment and transformation. According to legend, Bodhidharma also valued embodiment since he is attributed with teaching the Shaolin monks to do physical exercises to cultivate a strong body as well as mind. Another story about him states that he meditated in a cave for countless hours with unwavering determination for many years until his arms and legs fell off due to his extreme dedication to sitting practice.

Today, Daruma figurines do not have arms or legs as a reminder of single minded focus, and they are seen as a representation of perseverance and dedication. They are associated with the Japanese phrase “七転び八起き” (nanakorobi yaoki), which means something like “fall down seven times, get up eight times.” It is a reminder that we can keep going even when there are bumps in the road; we just have to keep getting up no matter how many times it takes.

Daruma are a sign of good luck and it is customary in Japan to purchase one as a reminder to help achieve your goals and dreams. The figurine is kept for a year or more until the desired outcome is achieved. After the goal has been accomplished, the figurine can be returned to the temple where it was purchased for a traditional ceremony where old figurines are burned at a specific time each year in gratitude as we release them and their completed purpose.

To learn more see: https://www.visit-gunma.jp/en/discover/stories-and-guides/takasaki-daruma-dolls-gunma-icon/

Daruma making video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDKsW_4XrOI&t=3s

For the Healing Daruma logo, I chose a blue color and the kanji from “癒す”, (iyasu) which means "heal" to be displayed on the front of the Daruma. This symbol represents the wish and perseverance required for healing, as well as the assistance of those who have gone before us on this path. This also represents the work required to achieve one's goals, whether for self-healing or working with others. I believe that every human being is on a healing journey, and the Daruma symbolizes this all-encompassing process. It serves as a reminder to those ready for new beginnings of the importance of working towards their goals with strong focus and determination to fulfill their purpose.

The words Daruma and Bodhidharma are related to the Sanskrit term “dharma,” which can mean one’s “right way of living” or even purpose or work. Bodhidharma was working towards enlightenment, and those following a healing dharma are working on the healing path. While everyone may not be following a healing dharma in the same way, I believe that everyone is to some degree on this journey. In my view, embracing healing dharma includes anyone who has a wish for healing and is working persistently and perseveringly towards that goal with strong focus and determination. It can also include those working to assist others in the healing process. The Daruma symbol is deep and can be very helpful in achieving our goals and desired outcomes. It is important to have a clear goal in mind and to work towards it in an ideal way. I hope that this prompts those who visit my website to consider their wishes for the future and the type of healing they would like to welcome into their lives.