I am almost certain that this is not a statue of Jabba The Hut, though the resemblance is uncanny. I am almost certain that it is a statue of Daruma, the Japanese name given to the Bodhidharma, known as the founder of Zen.
Bodhidharma is believed to have been an Indian monk who took new Buddhist teaching to China where it became known as Ch’an. When Japan appropriated Ch’an they called it Zen.
Daruma dolls are found all over Japan. They have no arms or legs as the Bodhidarma spent so many years in ascetic meditation that his limbs dropped off through lack of use.
Daruma dolls are usually sold without eyes. They are used to help achieve your goals. After purchasing one a single eye is painted in as you set your self a goal. When you achieve your goal you paint in the second eye.
this story and other interesting information on Japan
More glimpses of unfamiliar Japan
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Daruma
Here is a poem I wrote about turtles that I should have pasted with yesterdays post but here is the link…
Turtle Time
may all your wishes come true
10 comments
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January 15, 2012 at 4:26 am
mysterycoach
How cool is that? 🙂
January 15, 2012 at 5:13 am
Sue Dreamwalker
I have never heard of these dolls before or Daruma, I will follow your link.. and also that of your poem.. Wishing you a good Sunday ~Art
January 15, 2012 at 6:45 am
Sheena
I learned something new today! Really cool ❤
January 15, 2012 at 11:31 am
Writing Jobs
This was a very nice post. I enjoyed reading your blog today very much.
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January 15, 2012 at 1:15 pm
nevercontrary
I know you have already won this many times, but your blog is so awesome I had to put it on my list of nominations for the Versatile Blogger Award http://wp.me/p1PCSn-7P
January 15, 2012 at 1:26 pm
Fergiemoto
Hmmm…I wonder if the look of Jabba the Hut was modeled after this statue. The resemblance is definitely uncanny.
We had daruma dolls in our house when I was a kid.
January 16, 2012 at 4:57 am
granbee
Art, the wonderfully positive attitude of the turtle climbing back up to go forward again, inspite of the other turtles’ grins was really inspired. I would just say that you might try to “polish” this Turtle Time poem by making some of the meter match the pace of turtles walking on a log.
January 16, 2012 at 9:48 am
lorrelee1970
Very cool…and that first picture, so looked like Jabba the Hut.
January 16, 2012 at 10:55 am
Linda Vernon
If that’s no Jabba the Hut, it’s his twin brother.
January 20, 2012 at 2:59 am
ojisanjake
attribution please