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 carved wooden statue of the Buddha, enclosed in an acrylic case, was presented to Ian Green on 19 August 2012 by Jagath Sumathipala, President of the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress, during the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace tour in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Offered in recognition of Green’s role in sharing the Jade Buddha’s message, the statue symbolises spiritual reverence, generosity, and the deep cultural ties nurtured throughout the international journey. Presented during the Jade Buddha Asia Tour January 2012 - August 2013.