Jade Buddha for Universal Peace

A few weekends ago my friend Lupe invited me to the first viewing in the US of the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace.  Boy what an adventure and cultural experience it was!!  The event was held at a Buddhist Temple in Escondido CA. 

Here is some info about the Buddha~

The Jade Buddha

The Jade Buddha for Universal Peace is the largest Buddha carved from gemstone quality jade in the world. The Jade Buddha is 2.7 meters high and sits on an alabaster throne of 1.4 high. The Jade Buddha itself weighs around 4 tons and has been valued at $5 million. This Buddha was chosen because it is universally recognized by all Buddhists.

The purpose of exhibiting the Jade Buddha around the world is for everyone, irrespective of their religion, to 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. We hope that such positive inspiration will bring joy and motivation in the lives of those who are able to see the Jade Buddha.

 

We got there around 1:30 and it was packed…..there were thousands of people. 

We roamed around a bit and totally by accident ended up in front of the temple where the procession of monks were going to start on their way up to the Buddha for the ceremony.

This is the man behind this Peace Buddha project.  What an awesome event to experience so close up!!  This Buddha was at the entrance of the temple grounds.

 

Things going on around the Temple grounds..

  

This is a view of the shrines inside the Temple.  There was so much gold it appeared to be glowing.

This is as close to the Buddha as we could get during the ceremony.  Its up there under the red roof.

Once the ceremony was over we moved closer and closer…..

Check out the bird on the roof.

Until we were right in front of the Buddha.

It was BEAUTIFUL!!!

As we were leaving I saw this odd statue….

What an experience it was.  There are several more US tour dates and if you get the chance I would go. 

Robin