Did you know that a statue of Shinran Shonin once survived an atomic bombing? This remarkable bronze statue of Shinran Shonin stands as a testament to resilience and hope. It’s a powerful symbol of peace and compassion. Shinran Shonin was a pivotal figure in Japanese Buddhism. He founded the Jodo Shinshu sect also known as Shin Buddhism. His teachings emphasized faith in Amida Buddha’s vow of salvation.
The statue you see before you is one of six identical statues. They were cast in 1937 and 1938. The craftsman was commissioned by Seiichi Hirose. Hirose was a metalworks industrialist from Osaka. He was a devout Jodo Shinshu Buddhist. Three of the original six statues were unfortunately destroyed during the war. Their metal was used for the Japanese war effort. However this particular statue in Hiroshima miraculously survived the atomic bombing of August 6 1945. It stood less than a mile from ground zero. Amazingly it endured the blast. Even today you can see red burn marks on the statue. You might even detect tiny traces of radioactivity.
This statue of Shinran Shonin is not just a work of art. It’s a survivor. It’s a reminder of the horrors of war. It also represents enduring hope and the peaceful teachings of Shin Buddhism. The industrialist who commissioned the statues saw this as a symbol for peace compassion and harmony. After the war the statue was brought to New York City. It was seen as a gateway to the world. It now stands as a powerful and moving memorial. It is a lasting testament to Shinran Shonin’s legacy. It is also a reminder of the power of faith and resilience even in the face of unimaginable destruction.