The teachings on the Five Buddha Families explain the five major energies or five wisdoms. In the confused ground state, we express them as negative emotions. In the enlightened state, we manifest them as the play of wisdom energy. The ratna mask at right illustrates both the enlightened energies of generosity and equanimity and the negative energies of greed and miserliness. Accordingly, the mask is divided into two parts, the left half illustrating negativity and the right half the gold energy of ratna, with jewels of enlightened activity.

High resolution pictures of all five Buddha Family masks, and explanations of the other Buddha Family energies are available in the high resolution section of this exhibit. Lords of the Cemetery Mask