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 Ultimate Reality shines forth as one experiences all things as they are, without reacting to habitual patterns of body, speech, and mind. This highest realization is the universal substrate of the other four and takes place as the veil of ignorance is lifted, revealing perfected knowledge of all things as they arise. In this state is a sense of spacious wonder, spontaneously arising from an authentic connection to one’s real situation.