What is a Daruma?

A daruma is a Japanese figurine modeled after the Buddhist monk credited with founding the Zen tradition. These dolls are often symbols of perseverance and determination but also signs of encouragement when gifted to others. They are often hollow and designed in a way to get back up even when knocked down. The eyes are blank when brand new. The owner sets a goal or makes a wish and colors in the left eye (full fill or a circle). The daruma is positioned in a place of prominence to help the owner stay focused on their goal. When the goal is reached, the right eye is colored in. Darumas representing completed goals, as well as goals that need reinvigorating, are often burned at year end to make room for new goals or a recommitment to unfulfilled goals.

Why has Dre included darumas in his collection?

Dre remembers being introduced to these when he was younger as a mean to focus his goals. Today, he is interested in learning how this “tool” was used over the past 200+ years, exploring the ways in which this reimagined iconography translates outside of Japan, and fostering a conversation between current
generations who are working to solve problems and set goals despite living through a period of great transition. Having come from a culture that persevered and even thrived despite periods of great upheaval and transition, what lessons do the daruma teach us today about willfulness, determination, focus, the power of prayer and even collective intentionality?