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 Clear Reflection dawns when phenomena appear to the mind in the same way that things are seen in a clean mirror - as they are and without distortion. This realization takes place when the negativity of anger is purified, and that which is immovable and changeless presides. In this state, one is devoid of dualistic thought, like a mirror merged with the content of its reflection.