Personal Goals
For a culture with an emphasis on “we” and “us,” the Daruma doll provides an opportunity for the Japanese to state and pursue a personal goal. The doll is in the likeness of Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, and is usually made of paper mâché with a weighted base. The dolls are often given as gifts but may be purchased by the individual having a wish, for instance, for a good outcome from an illness, success in business, or excellent test scores. A new doll always has blank eyes. The instructions are simple: When you know what you want to accomplish, draw a black pupil in the doll’s left eye. Place the doll on a shelf to remind yourself of the goal. When the goal is achieved, draw in the other pupil. Congratulations!