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 elegantly crafted circular glass award, engraved with a maple leaf and the inscription “Vancouver,” was presented to Ian Green by Thich Nhuyen Thao at Hoa Nghiem Monastery on 6 August 2010. Offered during the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace tour, the award commemorates the statue’s visit to Vancouver and honors the shared spirit of mindfulness and community.
The piece not only reflects the significance of the Canadian leg of the international tour but also pays tribute to the jade’s origins in Canada.