Why DARUMA

Daruma are a type of Japanese dolls modeled after the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma, known as Daruma in Japan. Bodhidhrama is considered the founder of Zen Buddhism and is well known for his method of attempting to achieve enlightenment through meditation.

 According to some legends, the Bodhidhrama meditated for nine years straight, during which his arms and legs are said to have withered and fallen off. It’s also told that once, the Bodhidhrama fell asleep while meditating, and cast away his eyelids in anger so he would never be interrupted by sleep again.

Daruma dolls have a very distinctive shape and face. They are round, in the shape of a tumbler doll, and are often weighed down in the bottom so that even if they fall over they’ll right themselves. Because of their ability to return to their original position even when pushed over, they have become synonymous with a popular Japanese phrase “Nana korobi yaoki” (七転び八起き) which means “fall down seven times, stand up eight.”

So Daruma is a symbol of patience, perseverance and sacrifice. As we strive to make a difference and create tangible value for both our Clients and our network this is the same philosophy we apply with every day.