Daruma Dilemma
December 29, 2024 10:29 AM Subscribe
I was gifted a Daruma by the CEO of my company, to help me with a personal goal. I have since both achieved my goal and left the company, and now I'm not sure how best to dispose of it.
The Daruma was purchased at Disneyworld, so I don't think it's possible for me to return it there. I live in a state with only a handful of Buddhist temples, and I can't find any evidence that any of them hold a burning ceremony, so I doubt they'd accept it, either.
My understanding is that Daruma should be burned on New Year's Eve or soon thereafter. Would it be appropriate for me to burn the Daruma in my fireplace in a moment of personal end-of-year introspection, or is there a USian Buddhist temple where I should send it? I'm fond of it, and the sentiment with which it was given, and it really was a source of inspiration; the closure I'll receive from knowing it was properly burnt is worth the effort.
The Daruma was purchased at Disneyworld, so I don't think it's possible for me to return it there. I live in a state with only a handful of Buddhist temples, and I can't find any evidence that any of them hold a burning ceremony, so I doubt they'd accept it, either.
My understanding is that Daruma should be burned on New Year's Eve or soon thereafter. Would it be appropriate for me to burn the Daruma in my fireplace in a moment of personal end-of-year introspection, or is there a USian Buddhist temple where I should send it? I'm fond of it, and the sentiment with which it was given, and it really was a source of inspiration; the closure I'll receive from knowing it was properly burnt is worth the effort.
Best answer: I looked around (in English) for local festivals or livestream and found nothing. I think burning at home would be sweet and you could find a YouTube ceremony to play at the same time if you wish.
Alternatively if you have Japanese speaking friends they could google for you and maybe find a live stream of the festival in Feb 2025 at the main temple.
posted by St. Peepsburg at 2:12 PM on December 29
Alternatively if you have Japanese speaking friends they could google for you and maybe find a live stream of the festival in Feb 2025 at the main temple.
posted by St. Peepsburg at 2:12 PM on December 29
Best answer: The New Year's burning is more of a public community celebration than a sacred trust operated by clergy. If you have a temple nearby with a bonfire for folks to chuck arrows and Darumas into, then go there. If not, anything you do to mark the moment is respectful and in keeping with the traditions.
As an example, in some regions of Japan they just build big bonfires out of Christmas trees and old rags and paper notes, and toast mochi over the flames. Japanese Buddhism is big into "wabi-sabi" and everyday celebration of impermanence.
posted by rum-soaked space hobo at 3:24 PM on December 29
As an example, in some regions of Japan they just build big bonfires out of Christmas trees and old rags and paper notes, and toast mochi over the flames. Japanese Buddhism is big into "wabi-sabi" and everyday celebration of impermanence.
posted by rum-soaked space hobo at 3:24 PM on December 29
Response by poster: Thank you so much for the insights! I have a little fire all built for later this evening. It may seem a little goofy but closing the circle of the past year with this little home ceremony is very meaningful to me for many reasons. I love idea of playing a bit of a past ceremony in the background.
posted by rocket at 11:52 AM on December 31 [4 favorites]
posted by rocket at 11:52 AM on December 31 [4 favorites]
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