Historical information

The Jade Buddha for Universal Peace, the largest Buddha carved from gemstone-quality jade in the world, is the centerpiece of the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo, Australia. Standing 2.5 meters 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 mounted artwork, presented in August 2009 by Thich Minh Hieu, Abbot of Minh Quang Temple in Sydney, embodies the principles of wisdom, compassion, and enlightenment. Depicting the Buddha in deep contemplation, it serves as a visual expression of mindfulness, inner harmony, and the temple’s role in promoting peace and spiritual reflection.