In 2000, a gem-mining company discovered the largest boulder of a gem-quality jade, called polar jade, south of the Yukon border.

When miners cut open the boulder to haul it down a mountain, they found a virtually flawless, translucent green stone that became known as Polar Pride. An internationally known gemologist said it was perhaps the find of the millennium.

In 2003, Ian Green, chairman of The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, an Australian Buddhist organization, heard of the boulder and embarked on a long journey to raise money to buy it and carve a Buddha statue.

The sculpting was done in Thailands oldest jade factory, which made four prototypes in clay and fiberglass. When the final one was approved by Nepalese Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Greens spiritual adviser, the actual carving with diamond saws began.

It took two years, until December 2008, to finish, and every chip remaining was made into mementos for sale at tour venues.

The Dalai Lama consecrated the Jade Buddha in Sydney, Australia, in December 2009. From there, it went to Vietnam, where 4 million people viewed it.

When the touring is done, the Jade Buddha is expected to stay in the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Australia, Green said.
The statue is 8 1/2 ft high and wieghs 4 1/2 tons. This display was at Phap Vuong Monastery in
Escondido, CA (North San Diego County).

(Above summary from San Diego Tribune Article by Angela Lau)

Duration : 0:8:37

Continue reading Rare Jade Buddha Statue Display at Escondido, CA

Technorati Tags: Buddha, chanting, Escondido, jade, Monastery