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 circular glass award, engraved with a maple leaf and the word 'Vancouver,' was presented to Ian Green by Thich Nhuyen Thao at Hoa Nghiem Monastery. It commemorates the Jade Buddha’s visit to Vancouver and symbolises mindfulness, community, and the jade’s Canadian origin.