Historical information

The Jade Buddha for Universal Peace, the largest Buddha carved from gemstone-quality jade in the world, is the centrepiece of the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo, Australia. Standing 2.5 metres tall and weighing 4 tonnes, this priceless Buddhist statue toured over 120 cities across 20 countries from 2009 to 2018, inspiring peace in families, schools, and communities worldwide. After attracting an estimated 12 million visitors, it returned to the Great Stupa in May 2018, where it continues to be a potent symbol of peace.

Significance

This plaque, presented on 16/05/2010 by Lien-Hoa Temple in Charlotte, North Carolina, features imagery of the Jade Buddha, the world, and the temple—symbolising cultural interconnectedness and the shared pursuit of harmony. Crafted from wood and metal, it expresses gratitude for the Jade Buddha’s message and its enduring spiritual impact.