Sergeant Pepper’s Heart of Perfect Wisdom

A Narrative Tour by Rob Rikoon

"Sergeant Pepper’s Heart of Perfect Wisdom" is a visual exploration of the integration of Eastern thought and Western culture, emphasizing the universal unity that exists throughout humanity and between all religions. Inspired by Tibetan thangka paintings which are traditionally used for meditation, the piece incorporates intricate symbolism, blending historical, religious, and mythological elements.

At the center of the composition is a mandala, a sacred circular design featuring Earth surrounded by eight golden moons representing the I Ching and eight ecosystems within shields. A black filmstrip encircling the mandala holds miniature bodhisattva figures, symbolizing our ever-present spiritual guides.

Below the mandala, five figures represent the world's major religions—Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Christianity—standing before diamond treasures and flames that signify the spiritual trials we all must go through. Beneath them, historical figures from diverse backgrounds embody selflessness and humanitarianism, from Martin Luther King Jr. to Albert Einstein, Vincent Van Gogh, and Harriet Tubman. These individuals are considered modern bodhisattvas, celebrated for their contributions to humanity.

Further down, eight mythological semi-divine figures emerge from a floral arrangement supported by tree branches, symbolizing the connection between nature and spiritual existence. The dharma wheel of causality, an essential Buddhist concept, underscores the theme of karma and the interwoven nature of existence.

The sky above contains cloud formations representing the six realms of existence, depicting various states of spiritual well-being, from the human and animal realms up to heavenly and enlightened beings and down to tortured spirits. The uppermost central cloud features five women from different racial backgrounds, honoring the often-overlooked contributions of women in the historical records of spiritual movements.

Posters Available

  • Printed on premium heavyweight paper with fade-resistant inks

  • 34” x 24”