If each is read in combination with  (kuchi), the shape of the central bowl, then the characters become  which translates literally as "I only know plenty" ( =  = I,  =  = only,  =  = plenty,  =  = know). The underlying meaning, variously translated as "what one has is all one needs", or "learn only to be content" reflects the basic anti-materialistic teachings of Buddhism.
If you combine each character with (kuchi), the shape of the central bowl, the characters become a phrase that translates literally to "I only know plenty" ( =  = I,  =  = only,  =  = plenty,  =  = know). The underlying meaning, which can be translated as "what one has is all one needs", or "learn only to be content", reflects the core anti-materialistic teachings of Buddhism.