“The Jade Buddha for Universal Peace is perhaps the largest and most beautiful Buddha carved from gemstone quality jade. Including lotus and throne the Buddha is over 3.5 metres (11.4 feet) tall. Its size and beauty make it a wonder of the world. The Buddha has been carved from a rare boulder of translucent jade (“Polar Pride”) which was discovered in Canada in the year 2000. Lama Zopa Rinpoche named the Buddha the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace in the belief that this Buddha will inspire all beings to follow the peaceful path. Rinpoche has said of the Jade Buddha: “It will illuminate the world and bring inconceivable peace and happiness and help prevent the destruction that is happening so much in the world, including war.” The Buddha inside the Mahabodhi Stupa in Bodh Gaya (India) is the model for the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace. This Buddha was chosen because it is universally recognised by all Buddhists. The Mahabodhi Society at Bodh Gaya gave special permission for a detailed photographic study of the statue. These photographs were used as reference for the sculptors and carvers to create the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace.”
- From the Jade Buddha brochure
