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It seems that it was not simply a “fashion issue”, but something beyond.
We know that Dragon Ball was heavily inspired by some important South Asian and Chinese traditions, as the story of Sun Wukong or “The Road to the West” demonstrates. However, it may the origin of the shaved head and the six points on Krillin’s forehead They are due to the moxibustion tradition of the Shaolin monks, something that started as a simple medicine.
Moxibustion was originally practiced in China as a form of alternative medicine. By burning dried mugwort incense (moxa) and applying it to the meridian points, it could be used to treat all kinds of illnesses and ailments. It was also used to stimulate the flow of blood and qi.. The latter would already make sense with the narrative of Dragon Ball, which uses this source of energy, better known as Ki (気).
There are several methods of moxibustion that are both permanent and temporary. Permanent options involve applying moxa incense cones to a designated acupuncture point and burn it to the point where it leaves a scar that will be impossible to remove.
Those who don’t want scars can remove the moxa before permanent skin damage occurs or simply use sticky moxa. In Krillin’s case, he probably used the direct healing methodas a Shaolin monk of the time would do to demonstrate his devotion.
Another use of moxibustion is that used by Buddhist or Shaolin monks. As part of their indoctrination, would-be monks are required to shave their heads and adorn their foreheads with these dots. In Dragon Ball, Krillin originally came from the Temple of Orin., whose practitioners resemble Shaolin Monks. Just as they shave their heads and wear garb like Shaolin monks, they too likely undergo moxibustion for similar reasons as their real-world counterparts.
The three sets of dots represent several different things. First, they represent the Three Jewels; the Buddha, the Dharma (the teachings of the Buddha) and the Sangha (the disciples of the Buddha). They also represent the three vows a Buddhist must take; get rid of bad habits, cultivate good thoughts and accumulate wisdom. Finally, the points represent the three main forms of training for Buddhists; morality and discipline, concentration and wisdom. Usually, the dots are supposed to represent the ideals and virtues of the monks (which Krillin did not represent in his character).
Krillin in Dragon Ball, far from the principles of a Shaolin monk
In fact, most people may not know the specific origin of the six dots on Krillin’s head. Even those who saw Dragon Ball from the beginning couldn’t explain what they are doing there. The most they could say is that they have been with him since his debut in the series. And it is that the true purpose of these points is not developed in the story or dialogueplus Krillin doesn’t really represent the values he holds.
Discerning the hidden meaning of Krillin’s dots will require a look at the source material that inspired the Dragon Ball narrative. Many of the series’ settings, martial arts, plot points, ideologies, and more find their inspiration in the East Asian culture of countries such as Japan, China, and India. Assuming that this is true for the Krillin points, it is most likely that, as we mentioned at the beginning, they are the result of moxibustion burns applied to Shaolin monks.
The curious thing about Krillin is that, despite having the initial outward appearance of a Shaolin monk, did not embody many of his principles. Where Shaolin monks reject earthly pleasures in pursuit of enlightenment, Krillin became a martial artist with the express intention of attracting women. He was also impatient, fighting dirty and always looking for shortcuts in his training with Master Roshi.
Even if Krillin cannot be said to fully embody the apparent principles of his points, no one can question how he has developed as a person. Not only has he started to take his martial arts training seriously, but he is also a brave and selfless defender of Earth. In any case, the six points are here to stay.
Related topics: dragon ball
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