English version
This is a shot I took in Katsuoji Temple, Osaka. This temple is famous for daruma dolls. The photo shows relatively big ones that have been dedicated. Besides these, there are small ones everywhere.
As its website is available only in Japanese, I've summarized the information on the winning* daruma doll ritual for you.
* Katsu in Katsuoji means "win" in Japanese
How to paint the eyes
1. Select a daruma doll
Buy a winning daruma doll that your instinct tells you is right for you.
2. Clarify your goal
(Goal) Write down the goal you want to achieve in the year on the back of the doll.
(Purpose) On the bottom, write down your purpose of life to achieve through the goal.
3. Time for gratitude
Take a few incense sticks and offer your gratitude to all people involved in your wish.
4. Smoke the doll
Smoke the doll with "your gratitude", which now takes the form of smoke.
5. Swear to yourself
Paint the right eye (left eye facing you), swearing to yourself that you will spare no effort and do your best to achieve the goal.
How to dedicate the winning daruma doll
1. Goal accomplished
Once your wish comes true, paint the daruma's left eye (right eye facing you) as a proof of accomplishment.
2. Report
Report the result and give your thanks at the main hall.
3. Dedicate
Dedicate the winning daruma doll to the Daruma Shelf, offering your gratitude.
Some of you may be wondering if you have to buy one there and the answer is that of course, you don't have to and I didn't. You can just enjoy seeing them.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention. This temple is also famous for red autumn leaves. So, I definitely recommend that you visit there in autumn.
Photo info.
Camera: PENTAX K100D
Photo editor: Lightroom 6
Retouch software: DxO FilmPack 5
日本語版
これは勝尾寺（大阪府）で撮った写真です。このお寺はダルマで有名なところ。この写真には奉納された比較的大きなものが写っていますが、これら以外にも小さいのがいたるところにあります。
お寺のホームページにダルマに目を入れたり奉納したりするお作法について詳しく解説がありました（英語版はなかったのでEnglish version では英訳してみました。いや～、知らない単語のオンパレードで苦労しました^^）。
ダルマ、買わなきゃいけないの？とお思いの方もいらっしゃるかもしれませんが、もちろん買う必要なんてありません、というのが答えです。僕も買ってないですし。ただ見て楽しめばOK。
おっと、もう少しで言うの忘れるところでした。このお寺は紅葉も有名ですので、行くなら絶対秋がおすすめ。
写真情報
カメラ: PENTAX K100D
写真編集ソフト: Lightroom 6
レタッチソフト: DxO FilmPack 5
