Giant jade Buddha to visit Bac Ninh

Bac Ninh (VNA) - The world's largest jade statue of Buddha will be on
display at the Phat Tich Pagoda in the Red river delta province of Bac Ninh from May 16-22.

The statue, named "The Jade Buddha for Universal Peace," is 3.5 metres
tall and weighs 4.5 tonnes, including its lotus base and throne of fans.

The statue is modelled on the Siddhartha Gautama Buddha inside the
Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya in the Indian state of Bihar .

The statue, which is currently housed at the Van An Pagoda in the Mekong
delta province of Dong Thap , is believed to illuminate the world and
bring peace, happiness and solace and prevent destruction, including war.

It was carved from an 18-tonne Nephrite jade boulder called the "Polar
Pride", which was discovered in Canada in 2000 and is thought to be the
world's largest single piece of pure jade.
The rock was transported in late 2006 from Vancouver in Canada to
Bangkok in Thailand , where Thai sculptors finished the statue a full
two years later.

Some 1,000 representatives from the government, ministries, agencies and
foreign embassies, as well as a number of Buddhist monks and nuns and
visitors are expected to attend the opening ceremony.

During the week-long event, there will be spiritual ceremonies to pray
for peace and happiness for all people and requiems will be held to pray for
the souls of fallen soldiers and their compatriots during wars, along with
celebrations marking the birthday of President Ho Chi Minh.

Seminars on Buddhism, Bac Ninh province's integration and development and
exchanges between businesspeople will also be held.

After Vietnam , its first destination, the statue will travel to
Australia , the US , Indonesia and other countries before being placed
permanently on display at the Mahabodhi Temple in the Atisha Centre in
Australia.-Enditem