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 framed photograph, taken during the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace’s exhibition at Phap Hoa Temple in South Australia, was presented to Ian and Judy Green on 17/10/2009. It honours their contribution to an event that marked the Buddha’s first public appearance in Australia, uniting faith, community, and the message of universal compassion. Set before the temple’s stupa, the image symbolises Australia’s early role in a global journey that would inspire millions before the Jade Buddha’s final return to Bendigo.