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The Jade Buddha for Universal Peace, the largest Buddha carved from gemstone-quality jade in the world, is the centrepiece of the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo, Australia. Standing 2.5 metres 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.

The Jade Buddha for Universal Peace was carved from a rare boulder of translucent gemstone-quality jade (“Polar Pride”) that was discovered in Canada in the year 2000. This certificate confirms its origin and quality and details its dimensions and weight in support of the claim that it is the largest Buddha carved from gemstone-quality jade in the world.

jade buddha, memorabilia

Woodblock printing in Tibet began to flourish from the 10th century onwards, driven by the high demand for Buddhist scriptures and images. Monasteries saw woodblock printing as a means to preserve and propagate authentic Buddhist teachings. The durability of woodblocks made them ideal for creating lasting impressions of sacred texts, enabling mass production and wide dissemination. Those involved in the printing process consider their work an offering to the Buddha.

White Tara, revered as a compassionate and healing deity, is considered to provide protection, health, and longevity. She embodies the transcendent wisdom that helps practitioners overcome physical and mental suffering.

White Tara woodblock print on paper in red ink, created using an old wooden handcrafted printing board from the Derge Sutra Printing House. Framed, sandwiched between acrylic sheets.

woodblock printing, buddhist art

Thangkas are cloth scrolls unique to Tibetan Buddhism, depicting deities, venerated spiritual figures, or common religious symbols. Intended for personal meditation or instruction of monastic students, they are invested with the spirit of a deity to whom they are consecrated. A thangka is a composite three-dimensional object consisting of a picture panel which is painted or embroidered; a brocade mounting; and one or more of the following: a silk cover, leather corners, wooden dowels at the top and bottom and metal or wooden decorative knobs on the bottom dowel.

Guru Padmasambhava (meaning 'Lotus-born', signifying his mythical origin as a being emerging from a lotus flower), also known as Guru Rinpoche, is seen as a manifestation of Buddha Shakyamuni. He was responsible for bringing advanced Buddhist Tantric teachings to Tibet in the 8th century. His teachings and legacy are deeply ingrained in Tibetan culture.

A Tibetan thangka depicting Guru Padmasambhava. Framed in a traditional silk brocade border; a wooden dowel is inserted in a sleeve along the bottom edge of the fabric frame.

buddhist art, tibetan buddhism, holy objects

In Tibetan Buddhism a "dorje" (also known as "vajra" in Sanskrit) symbolizes the indestructible nature of reality, spiritual power, and enlightenment, often depicted as a thunderbolt or diamond scepter, representing the ability to cut through illusion and achieve ultimate wisdom; it is a key ritual object in the Vajrayana school of Tibetan Buddhism, signifying the union of compassion and wisdom through its male principle association when used with a bell (female principle).

The Double Dorje (Vishvavajra), is a powerful Buddhist symbol. It consists of two crossed vajras (dorjes) and represents the foundation of the physical world. The Double Dorje is often associated with stability and protection, symbolizing the indestructible nature of the universe.

This double dorje is a cross of two dorjes, which look like a small scepter with multiple prongs at each end.

tibetan buddhism, holy objects, worship devices

The Shakyamuni Buddha statue holds profound significance in Buddhism, representing the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, who lived around 2,500 years ago.

The statue portrays Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, who attained enlightenment and shared his teachings to help others achieve the same. For practitioners, the Shakyamuni Buddha statue serves as a focal point during meditation, promoting mindfulness, peace, and a deeper connection to the Buddha's teachings.

The Buddha is depicted seating in meditation on a lotus throne. His legs are crossed in the lotus position. His right hand is holding an alms bowl, signifying care and compassion for all beings. His left hand touches the ground in a gesture (bhumisparsha mudra) calling the earth to witness his determination to achieve enlightenment.

buddhist art, tibetan buddhism, holy objects, statues

Representing the original Indian pandits (Hindu scholars) who brought Buddhism to Tibet; used in the Cham Dances performed by monks during the Monlam Prayer Festival.

A solid wood mask carved in a Tibetan style

tibetan buddhism, worship devices, rituals

Amitayus, also called Amitabha, is the Buddha of Infinite Light, associated with longevity. He is holding in his hands a vessel containing the nectar of immortality. Amitayus is considered one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas in Mahayana Buddhism.

Amitayus Buddha statue, wearing jewelled ornaments of a peaceful heavenly god according to the classical Indian system of divine aesthetics.

tibetan buddhism, holy objects, buddhist art, statues

Printing stamps were traditionally used as personal seals for letters and documents. They were usually made of brass or iron alloys.

Ornate printing stamp, shaped like a foo dog

stamps, personal seals, everyday life

Gau boxes are ancient religious objects with deep cultural and spiritual significance in Tibet. Worn on a chain around the neck and hung close to the heart, they are believed to ward off negative energy and attract blessings. They open up to a concealed inner space, containing a picture of a deity, a scroll of mantras or sacred relics, blessed by a lama.

Large square gau box incrusted with turquoise

ritual implements, amulets

A prayer wheel is used in Tibetan Buddhism for personal worship. Tibetans believe that spinning the prayer wheel which as thousands or millions of mantras inside is equal to saying that many mantras, while being done in a fraction of the time. This helps accumulate merits, purify negative karma and obstacles on the path to enlightenment.

This wheel has a hollow metal cylinder attached to a rod handle, made of ivory (with carved elephants), inlaid with coral and turquoise. Inside the cylinder is a tightly wound scroll printed with numerous mantras and wrapped around a spindle. The cylinder is embossed and decorated with inlaid coral and turquoise. A chain with a small weight at the end (made out of copper alloy) is affixed to the cylinder, allowing it to be spun by a slight rotation of the wrist.

tibetan buddhism, holy objects, worship devices

Teapot used to make butter tea which is the national beverage. It is ideal in the extreme climatic and geographical conditions of the Tibetan plateau due to its high butter content. Although butter tea is the most popular tea, black tea is also popular.

Ornamental Teapot Inlaid with lapis, coral and turquoise

everyday life, silver, gemstones

The Tibetan astrological calendar is a lunisolar calendar composed of either 12 or 13 lunar months, each beginning and ending with a new moon. A thirteenth month is added every two or three years, so that an average Tibetan year is equal to the solar year. The Tibetan astrological calendar has roots in the Indian calendar system and has been in use for over a thousand years.

The Tibetan calendar is an important tool for determining auspicious dates and times and for making predictions about future events. The calendar is an essential aspect of Tibetan identity and culture and continues to be used and revered to this day.

This ornate copper disk represents the traditional Tibetan astrological calendar (called Phukpa) based on a 60-year cycle where each year is associated with an animal and an element. The central figure is surrounded by eight trigrams (known as Parkhas), featuring one of the four seasons and four cardinal directions. The middle circle depicts 12 zodiac animals: the mouse, ox, tiger, hare, dragon, serpent, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

astrological calendars (almanacs), amulets

A reproduction of a rare portrait of the Dalai Lama in a pith helmet, worn when travelling during his visit to China in 1954 when he was 19 years old.

There are very few photographs of the 14th Dalai Lama from his trip to China, which was his first foreign visit outside Tibet. The Dalai Lama toured various parts of China and held discussions with the Chinese leadership about the future of Tibet, aiming to foster better relations between Tibet and China. His efforts were unsuccessful.

Framed colour reproduction of a photograph on a polyester cloth canvas

buddhist art, tibetan buddhism, dalai lama xiv

Brass pendant, silver and turquoise pendant on chain. Examples of jewellery worn by women; with coral, turquoise and lapis lazuli inlaid in silver.

Brass pendant jewelry with coral, turquoise and lapis lazuli inlaid in silver

everyday life, jewellery

Woodblock print of Namgyalma, a deity associated with long life and purification. The engraver of the woodblock was the historically famous artist called Tsangpo. This block print was made from one of those historic woodblocks that are now designated as protected treasure of Derge Printing Press and therefore not allowed to be used anymore. Those involved in the printing process consider their work an offering to the Buddha.

Namgyalma, often depicted in female form, is believed to remove obstacles that shorten one's lifespan. Reciting her mantra can help purify negative karma, heal diseases, and ensure a favorable rebirth.

Woodblock print of Namgyalma printed in red on parchment paper

woodblock printing, buddhist art

Woodblock printing in Tibet began to flourish from the 10th century onwards, driven by the high demand for Buddhist scriptures and images. Monasteries saw woodblock printing as a means to preserve and propagate authentic Buddhist teachings. The durability of woodblocks made them ideal for creating lasting impressions of sacred texts, enabling mass production and wide dissemination.

Vajrayogini is considered a female Buddha, embodying the ultimate state of enlightenment. She represents the union of wisdom and compassion and is known for her ability to transform strong passions into enlightened virtues.

Woodblock print of Vajrayogini on yellow cloth, created using an old wooden handcrafted printing board from Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet.

woodblock printing, buddhist art

Woodblock printing in Tibet began to flourish from the 10th century onwards, driven by the high demand for Buddhist scriptures and images. Monasteries saw woodblock printing as a means to preserve and propagate authentic Buddhist teachings. The durability of woodblocks made them ideal for creating lasting impressions of sacred texts, enabling mass production and wide dissemination.

Jambhala is a Bodhisattva of material and spiritual wealth often invoked by practitioners seeking to eliminate poverty and remove obstacles and misfortunes.

Woodblock print of Jambhala on yellow cloth, created using an old wooden handcrafted printing board from Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet.

woodblock printing, buddhist art

Thangkas are cloth scrolls unique to Tibetan Buddhism, depicting deities, venerated spiritual figures, or common religious symbols. Intended for personal meditation or instruction of monastic students, they are invested with the spirit of a deity to whom they are consecrated. A thangka is a composite art form consisting of a picture panel which is painted or embroidered; a brocade mounting; and one or more of the following: a silk cover, leather corners, wooden dowels at the top and bottom and metal or wooden decorative knobs on the bottom dowel. This allows a thangka to be rolled up for portability, reflecting its origins in the nomadic lifestyle of Tibetan monks.

The Medicine Buddha (also known as Bhaisajyaguru or Sangyé Menla) is revered as the embodiment of healing and associated with practices helping with mental and physical ailments, as well as purifying negative karma. His iconic imagery, including the medicine bowl and healing plant, represents the union of wisdom and compassion as forces of healing. His teachings, rooted in the "Four Medicine Tantras," emphasize that the root of all diseases lies in negative emotions of greed, hatred, and ignorance.

The central figure in this old thangka is Medicine Buddha, seated on a lotus throne and surrounded by other deities and figures. He has a bowl in his left hand, and a flower in his right hand. An interesting feature is that his body is not painted blue, as is customary for the image Medicine Buddha. The paint colours were derived from natural ingredients – grinded coral, turquoise and other gemstones.

The 'Om Ah Hum' mantra is printed in Tibetan in red ink on the verso of the thangka.

buddhist art, tibetan buddhism, holy objects

Tibetan felt hats, typically made from wool felt crafted from sheep or yak wool, are well-suited to the harsh, cold climate of the Tibetan Plateau. A lining and decorative elements, such as embroidery or patterns, are often added. The fur flaps, made from rabbit or fox fur, provide extra warmth. Felt hats are worn by both men and women.

Tibetan hats (also known as ‘chuba hats’ or ‘tsamtha’) are rich in cultural significance. They are often worn during religious ceremonies, festivals, and other important occasions. The design and quality of a hat can indicate the wearer's social status or role within the community.

Traditional Tibetan hat with silk brocaded crown; it has dark brown background, and silver and beige flower pattern, the fur flaps are of ruse colour.

everyday life, clothing, hats

Called Zom-pa in Tibetan. Tibetan boots, often knee-high and fastened below the knees with a leather string, have a variety of names depending on regional linguistic differences or differences in material. The most common materials for Tibetan boots are cowhide, pigskin, corduroy, and pulu, a traditional woolen fabric.

Handmade boots, with leather soles and embroidered tops, worn tied up at top with laces.

everyday life, clothing, boots

Tibetan felt hats, typically made from wool felt crafted from sheep or yak wool, are well-suited to the harsh, cold climate of the Tibetan Plateau. A lining and decorative elements, such as embroidery or patterns, are often added. The fur flaps, made from rabbit or fox fur, provide extra warmth. Felt hats are worn by both men and women.

Tibetan hats (also known as ‘chuba hats’ or ‘tsamtha’) are rich in cultural significance. They are often worn during religious ceremonies, festivals, and other important occasions. The design and quality of a hat can indicate the wearer's social status or role within the community.

Traditional Tibetan hat with silk brocaded crown in blue, red and golden colours, and large fur flaps.

The TFG initials written in ink inside.

everyday life, clothing, hats

Tibetan felt hats, typically made from wool felt crafted from sheep or yak wool, are well-suited to the harsh, cold climate of the Tibetan Plateau. A lining and decorative elements, such as embroidery or patterns, are often added. The fur flaps, made from rabbit or fox fur, provide extra warmth. Felt hats are worn by both men and women.

Tibetan hats (also known as ‘chuba hats’ or ‘tsamtha’) are rich in cultural significance. They are often worn during religious ceremonies, festivals, and other important occasions. The design and quality of a hat can indicate the wearer's social status or role within the community.

Traditional Tibetan hat with silk brocaded crown in blue and purple colours, with red and white flower pattern, and large fur flaps.

everyday life, clothing, hats

Thangkas are cloth scrolls unique to Tibetan Buddhism, depicting deities, venerated spiritual figures, or common religious symbols. Intended for personal meditation or instruction of monastic students, they are invested with the spirit of a deity to whom they are consecrated. A thangka is a composite three-dimensional object consisting of a picture panel which is painted or embroidered; a brocade mounting; and one or more of the following: a silk cover, leather corners, wooden dowels at the top and bottom and metal or wooden decorative knobs on the bottom dowel.

The Shakyamuni Buddha thangka embodies the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, whose journey to enlightenment and then teaching forms the cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy.

A Tibetan thangka depicting Shakyamuni Buddha.

buddhist art, tibetan buddhism, holy objects

Tibetan felt hats, typically made from wool felt crafted from sheep or yak wool, are well-suited to the harsh, cold climate of the Tibetan Plateau. A lining and decorative elements, such as embroidery or patterns, are often added. The fur flaps, made from rabbit or fox fur, provide extra warmth. Felt hats are worn by both men and women.

Tibetan hats (also known as ‘chuba hats’ or ‘tsamtha’) are rich in cultural significance. They are often worn during religious ceremonies, festivals, and other important occasions. The design and quality of a hat can indicate the wearer's social status or role within the community.

Traditional Tibetan hat with silk brocaded crown in dark and light brown colours, with orange and green flower pattern, and large fur flaps.

everyday life, clothing, hats

Woodblock printing in Tibet began to flourish from the 10th century onwards, driven by the high demand for Buddhist scriptures and images. Monasteries saw woodblock printing as a means to preserve and propagate authentic Buddhist teachings. The durability of woodblocks made them ideal for creating lasting impressions of sacred texts, enabling mass production and wide dissemination.

This woodblock print on hand-made paper depicts Gesar, a legendary Tibetan warrior king who is invoked as a protector of the Buddha's teachings and emanation of Padmasambhava. Gesar's image is surrounded by four magical animals - garuda (top left), makara (top right), tiger (bottom left) and snow lion (bottom right). The print is framed using acrylic sheets.

padmasambhava, tibetan buddhism, woodblock printing

Lama Zopa Rinpoche visited the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in September 2014 to lead a six-week retreat, encompassing teaching on Shantideva’s ‘A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ (Bodhicaryavatara). During the retreat he gave an extremely rare oral transmission (lung) of the 21st chapter version of the Golden Light Sutra. He also gave a talk on the benefits of stupas at the Thubten Shedrup Ling Monastery.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche (1945-2023) was the co-founder and spiritual director of the Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition worldwide through teaching, meditation, and community service. He was also a spiritual director of the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion at the time of the visit.

'Photos' in gold lettering on the front cover.

lama zopa rinpoche, retreats