It is said that this particular representation of THE Buddha has short hair to signify him shearing his Princely locks and renouncing his royalty as a Gotama to pursue enlightenment.
This statue currently resides in the Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California. If you have never been through, I do suggest it.
The Tea Garden is a beautiful piece of Golden Gate Park, which is a wonderful part of the Southern Peninsula of The San Francisco Bay, which is a remarkable piece of San Francisco, which is one of the most beautiful cities in California, or on the west coast, or the US…or for that matter the world.
Needless to say I am a fan.
To me one of the interesting parts of this statue is that it is Siddhartha Gotama to begin with. While Buddhism is widespread in Japan, most of the sects I recall were inclined towards Zen which views Bodhidharma as its patron and even more focused on Amitabha Buddhism, which celebrates the Buddha Amitabha who famously swore he would not accept enlightenment, until he knew that all would become enlightened. Hence the prayer Namu Amitabha Bhutsu (Because Amitabha became Buddha essentially).
Either way, it is a lovely statue in a great park.
Here is the book report on the statue that I made my pet bot do, so you would have some facts to go with my views.
Tea Garden Buddha
In 1949, the S. & G. Gump Company, a renowned San Francisco luxury retailer, donated a significant bronze Buddha statue to the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. This gesture was made in memory of Alfred Livingston Gump, Alfred Gump, and William Gump.
Historical Background of the Buddha Statue
The bronze Buddha was cast in 1790 in Tajima, Japan, on Honshu Island. Originally created for the Taionji Temple, the statue stands approximately 10 feet 8 inches tall and weighs around 3,000 pounds.
Journey to the Japanese Tea Garden
Before its installation in the Japanese Tea Garden, the Buddha statue was displayed at Gump’s San Francisco store. In 1949, the Gump family donated the statue to the garden, where it was placed at the eastern end of the Long Bridge.
Significance of the Donation
The donation of the Buddha statue marked a period of reconciliation and restoration for the Japanese Tea Garden, especially following the disruptions caused by World War II. The presence of the statue enhanced the garden’s cultural and spiritual ambiance, aligning with its mission to showcase Japanese art and horticulture.
Current Status
Today, the bronze Buddha remains a central feature of the Japanese Tea Garden, attracting visitors and serving as a symbol of peace and cultural heritage. Its historical significance and artistic craftsmanship continue to be appreciated by those who visit the garden.
The Gump family’s contribution of the bronze Buddha has left a lasting legacy, enriching the cultural tapestry of San Francisco and honoring the memory of the Gump family members.
