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.