The Bethesda Fountain

            The Bethesda Fountain is located in Central Park on the Bethesda Terrace. The fountain depicts a statue of the Angel of the Waters on the top. The fountain is a religious artifact as it references the Gospel of John in which an angel blesses the Pool of Bethesda and gives it healing powers. The fountain celebrates the Croton water system of 1842, which brought fresh water to New York City for the first time.  In her left hand, the Angel of the Waters carries a lily, which is a symbol of the purity of the water.  The lily is a very significant symbol for New York City, which was faced with the cholera epidemic before the Croton water system was created. The four figures situated below the angel represent peace, health, purity, and temperance.

            Found in the exact center of Central Park, which itself is in the center of Manhattan, the Bethesda Fountain is an artifact that can be appealing to people of all religions and is a landmark that people of all faiths can visit and enjoy. The fountain’s location in the center of Central Park is a representation of the idea that it’s message and significance is central to many different faiths, not just to Christianity. When viewed outside the historical context of the Bethesda Fountain, the Angel of the Waters itself is a symbol of love, peace, and healing. Reached by a series of steps, the Angel is located in an area that is ideal for reflection and meditation. With the world seeing so much random violence, the Angel of the Waters beckons to individuals to stop a minute and consider not only themselves, but also others. The angel blesses those who visit her and serves as a reminder that in spite of differences in color of skin, language, or religion, all people are special in the eyes of God. She exudes a feeling of calm and peace. 

            The fountain itself and the statue it exhibits is a reminder that the even though the world is filled with violence and sickness, people should continue to strive to establish a world filled with peace and purity. Even though the fountain references the Gospel of John, people of all religious faiths can understand and appreciate its message. In The Dharma Bums, Ray realizes the similarity of all religions; the idea that Christianity and Buddhism really are not very different and the concept that all religions are the same to a certain extent is central throughout the book. The message of the importance of peace, health, purity, and healing that the Bethesda Fountain portrays is a central message in most religions. In The Dharma Bums, Ray says, “I felt suppressed by this schism we have about separating Buddhism from Christianity, East from West, what the hell difference does it make? We’re all in heaven now, ain’t we?” (Kerouac 114). Ray wants to break down the barrier between Buddhism and other religions by suggesting that while each religion differs, overall they each share the same ideals and messages. Each faith is a representation of love, peace, and healing just like the Angel of the Waters.