Associated Rigging were thrilled to be chosen to help install the largest of two magnificent statues at the Drol Kar Buddhist Centre in Paraparap.
Exquisitely crafted, the statue depicts Quan Yin, the East Asian representation, in female form, of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Guanyin is short for Guanshiyin, which means "(The One Who) Perceives the Sounds [or Cries] of the World." She is also known as the Goddess of Mercy.
The statue had been gifted to the Buddhist centre to create a focal point of spiritual energy and further enhance their already beautiful grounds. Geshe Sonam from the centre oversaw the process, with DK member Damian McMurrich managing the technical details.
Weighing almost 4 tonne, all eyes were on the Franna as the crane carefully manoeuvred the statue in the right direction. Associated Rigging’s highly experienced crane crew, Snappa and Steve, worked diligently and meticulously, making sure that all measurements were correct and that the statue was properly positioned on the promontory overlooking the dams.
“The job went perfectly with no damage or marks. With Steve in the crane, it was always going to be smooth as silk”, explained Snappa.
The project involved some challenges though as the statue was intricately detailed, made out of stone and fragile.
Talking about handling such a delicate piece, Snappa said, “The statue was very bottom heavy due to the base size. Standing the statue up from horizontal to vertical involved careful assessments of the rigging gear and the clearance it needed to clear the top of the statue on its rotation”.
“We left the plastic protector wrapping on the statue so soft slings wouldn’t leave any marks and until we had cleared all tree branches on its way to the final position.”
Snappa and Steve enjoyed working with the Monks visiting on site. “The Monks were so welcoming and definitely some of the nicest, polite and caring people I have ever met. They were very thankful and appreciative.” said Snappa.
After all the hard work was done, it was time to officially move on and enjoy the beauty of the magnificent statue that now adorned the grounds of the renowned religious centre.
Snappa shared his thoughts about the project once it was completed. “The statue was a work of art. The detailing was amazing. It looked fantastic up on its stand. Everyone was smiling. It was a great moment”.
Associated Rigging would like to thank the Drol Kar Buddhist Centre for entrusting us with such an important and delicate task.
The Drol Kar Buddhist Centre program aims to cultivate inner peace and self-awareness, promoting a state of psychological wellbeing, that contributes to the happiness and welfare of self and others.
The Centre is committed to the promotion of religious harmony and understanding, and aims to provide a peaceful, reflective environment open to people from all faiths and belief systems.