Jade Buddha

WORCESTER – The exquisite Jade Buddha for Universal Peace, a four-ton statue carved from an extremely rare 18-ton boulder of translucent jade, is being exhibited at numerous sites around the world before being put on permanent display in Australia. Its only New England stop will be in Worcester, Mass., from May 22 through June 5, at the Linh Son Temple, 16 Ruthven Avenue.



The 12-foot statue has already drawn crowds totaling more than 4 million as it toured Asia and Australia; many thousands more are expected to pay tribute as it makes its way across the United States. Already appearing in Miami, Memphis and Charlotte, the Jade Buddha will continue through the states and Canada through the rest of 2010 before heading to Europe in 2011. The statue was carved from a jade boulder discovered in Canada in 2000 and took five years to complete before receiving blessings and embarking on its world tour.



“Its stay at the Linh Son Temple is the only opportunity for people in our area to be in its presence,” said Valerie Sampson, an organizer of the visit. “There will be guides on the weekends at the Temple to help visitors understand the immense importance of what is being viewed. To be in the presence of the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace, which has been personally blessed by the Dalai Lama, promises to be an incredibly moving experience for all.”



The tour commenced in Vietnam in March 2009. Eventually the Jade Buddha will go to its home at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo, Victoria, where it will be a symbol of peace to inspire the world for millennia to come. The tour of the Jade Buddha is dedicated to universal peace. It is hoped that the Buddha’s presence will inspire everyone who sees it to find peace in their home, their schools and work, their family, and in their own hearts.



“In Worcester and all around New England, people are struggling with unemployment, homelessness, serious illness, the threat of terrorism, and eternal uncertainty,” said Venerable Man Shing, assistant at the Temple. “The Jade Buddha is a symbol of hope and strength in a time when deep cynicism and hopelessness darken the horizon. At this time it is quite evident that people feel disempowered and have lost faith in the institutions that once served society. It is my hope that the presence of the Jade Buddha will inspire people through its transcendent beauty.”

Activities during the exhibition of the Jade Buddha include a dedication on May 22, dharma talks throughout the week, opportunities to experience the chanting of the monks accompanying the statue, exhibition of relics, vegetarian meals and ceremonies to honor those who have passed on.

“Our hope is that everyone, irrespective of their religion, will take a moment to reflect upon peace: peace for the world, peace in their relationships, peace for their families and friends, peace at work, peace in their mind,” said Sampson. “By spending time in the presence of the Jade Buddha, we hope that you will leave the Temple feeling joyful and inspired, feeling hopeful about your life, your family and your future. Buddhists believe that even by your presence, your taking time to contemplate and be in the presence of the statue, there are benefits which extend beyond just seeing the Jade Buddha, benefits to others around you.”

For more information about the Jade Buddha’s visit to Worcester and related activities, please call Valerie Sampson, organizer, at 508-926-3470.