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 Discernment dawns when one understands and has empathy with every living being, appreciating each one’s unique qualities. This realization occurs when greed, lust, and selfishness are released, and there is no craving for more or better things. In this state of non-expectation, all things are naturally magnetized as one’s own, without effort or force.