2016
Gold plated bronze
5 x 5 x 5 cm



One of five individual altarpieces depicting the set of five skulls gazing in the five directions, which feature in depictions of Tantric deities who wear them as crowns and necklaces. They are known as ‘dry skulls’ because they represent the ‘drying up’ of the five poisons (pride, aversion, attachment, envy, ignorance) and the transmutation of these poisons into the five wisdoms (Wisdom of Equality, Wisdom of Clear Reflection, Wisdom of Discernment, Wisdom of Accomplishment, Wisdom of Ultimate Reality).

Wisdom of Accomplishment dawns when one spontaneously carries out all that needs to be done for the welfare of all beings. This realization takes place in the absence of jealousy, no longer envying the achievements of others but rather seeing and evoking the best in them. In this state of boundless beneficence, all meaningful activity comes to fruition without impediment.