Monumental
The idea was to create the largest stupa in the Western World. The challenge was financing it. … Challenging unless you are a 1970s ad-man.
To many people the idea of building a huge structure (called a stupa) in the middle of the Australian bush involves a fair degree of the quixotic, if not plain craziness. Ian Green has lived many lives – from Mad Man ad-man to Buddhist student, from global fundraiser to Buddha’s builder. In this powerful and inspiring modern day fable, Monumental, Ian recounts the story of his life and in particular the story of the creation of the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion and the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace.
A spellbinding and fiercely honest reflection on what it takes to dedicate your life to others, this self-penned memoir reveals how Ian Green transformed himself into the driving force behind the creation of one of the largest Buddhist monuments in the Western world. But beyond the lively and hedonistic adman years and the blow-by-blow account of the creation of the Great Stupa and the Jade Buddha, this is a story about what can be achieved if an ordinary person is devoted to making a difference and dares to, “think big” amid so many doubters.
Publication Date: 19 November 2023
Pages: 364 | ISBN: 978-0-6488830-3-6 | Format: Paperback
Praise for Monumental
—From the Foreword by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
“Lama Yeshe always told us to “think big.” Similarly, Lama Zopa Rinpoche would exhort us to “do more, not less.” In building the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, Ian has succeeded in fulfilling his Lamas’ wishes beyond anybody’s wildest dreams. It really is a mind-boggling achievement—one that will continue to benefit uncountable people and other sentient beings for longer than we can imagine. And it is great to be able to read the blow-by-blow of how the Stupa was built, not to mention the builder’s backstory and what led him to undertake this monumental challenge.”
—Dr. Nicholas Ribush, Director of the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive
‘In this book we encounter a man driven by an overwhelming sense of mission, and in the Jade Buddha, the Great Stupa and the Peace Garden we sense the potential of that mission to break down barriers of distrust and misunderstanding, not just for Australia but for humankind.’
—Rabbi Fred Morgan, Emeritus Rabbi, Temple Beth Israel, Melbourne
‘Leaders who have great vision can be found in every nation. But those that dedicate all their efforts with sacrifice, humility and grace, and finally achieve their vision are only a few in number. Ian Green is one of them.’
—Sheikh Atalla Khawaldeh, Imam of Bendigo
About the Author
Ian Green OAM became a student of Buddhism in the early 70s. He has undertaken Buddhist training at Kopan Monastery and at various Buddhist centres throughout Australia and the USA.In 1981, Ian and his wife Judy moved to Bendigo to set up Atisha Buddhist Centre. In August of that year, Lama Yeshe, a senior teacher in Tibetan Buddhism, laid out the masterplan for a monastery, lay community, aged care facility and, right in the centre, a large structure called a stupa. Ian’s life’s work has been building this stupa, officially named, “the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion” by His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. In 2003 Ian heard about a large boulder of jade discovered in Canada dubbed “Polar Pride.”
A series of events led to the purchase of the boulder and the eventual creation of the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace, a major international project to promote peace and harmony. Ian toured the Jade Buddha internationally for nine-years before it was housed in inside the Great Stupa. In the process the Jade Buddha visited 120 cities throughout North America, Asia, Europe and Australia and it is estimated in that time over 11 million people viewed it. During this time, Ian and his wife Judy travelled to most of these showings where they represented the Jade Buddha. Ian’s work has been recognised with a Meritorious Award for Excellence in multicultural affairs by the Government of Victoria in 2009.
He has also received Special Recognition for Honouring Leadership in Promoting Peace from Phap Vuong Monastery, San Diego. Added to this he was awarded Special Recognition for Efforts in Promoting Peace from the Office of the Assistant Chief of Police, San Diego and for Outstanding Contribution to World Peace and Tranquility from the International Buddhist Meditation Association in Hawaii. Ian’s contributions have most recently been recognised in 2020, receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to Buddhism and Interfaith Relations. Ian continues to live and work in Bendigo as Chairman of the Great Stupa to this day.