Jade Buddha Returns for Second Tour of the United States

Buddhistdoor International Dorje Kirsten 2014-10-30

After traveling the world for the last four years, the Jade Buddha has returned to tour the United States for a second time. Carved out of a single piece of polar jade that was discovered in Canada in the year 2000, the Jade Buddha weighs over 4 tons and stands 2.5 meters high. It was modeled after the Buddha statue in the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya because the statue’s form, which is said to actually resemble the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, is recognized by all Buddhist traditions. The Jade Buddha is the largest gemstone-quality Buddha statue in the world. Since the completion of its carving in 2009, it has traveled to over 14 countries including Vietnam, Australia, the USA, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, France, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and India.

The Polar Pride jade from which the statue is made is the largest gemstone-quality piece of jade found in living memory. Its carving into the Buddha statue was overseen by Ian Green, who spearheaded the project after his teacher Lama Zopa Rinpoche told him it was destined to become a Buddha that would “illuminate the world.” The work was done in Thailand, and took three years. It was completed under Lama Zopa’s supervision, and was consecrated by the Dalai Lama. Having an appeal for all schools of Buddhism, it has found itself at both Vajrayana and Mahayana Buddhist centers during its tour, and has so far been seen by over 7 million people.

Last month, the Jade Buddha was in the Seattle area, and it has now moved to the Samantabhadra Buddhist Center INC in Braintree, Massachusetts, where it can be viewed until 9 November. It will then travel to the Vietnamese Bhikkhuni Buddhist Congregation in San Jose, California, and will stay there from 13 November until 4 January 2015. Next year it will continue to travel around the United States, visiting Florida, Texas, Virginia, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina, before heading back to Massachusetts. Eventually the statue will make its way to its final resting place at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, which is being built in Bendigo, Australia, by Ian Green.

A number of photographs taken of the Jade Buddha while on tour display spheres of light resembling Buddhist mandalas. These lights have appeared in all weather conditions, and even in photos taken inside the buildings where the Buddha was on view. When the photographs were analyzed, the lights themselves were seen to contain colorful patterns. These lights have appeared at every showing of the Jade Buddha so far.

The intent of the Jade Buddha tour is to inspire everyone who sees the statue, whatever their religion, to meditate on peace, whether in the world, in their relationships, or within themselves. Lama Zopa Rinpoche has said that the statue will “bring inconceivable peace and happiness and help prevent the destruction that is happening in so much of the world, including war.” Let us hope that it may indeed be a source of joy, inspiration, and positive motivation for all those fortunate enough to see it.