The image of three monkeys, embodying the Buddhist concept of non-action of evil, has long become a textbook - it has been depicted hundreds of times in works of art and literature, coins, postage stamps, and souvenirs. But the origin of the famous composition still raises questions.
Each monkey symbolizes a certain idea, or rather, part of it, and bears the corresponding name: Mi-zaru (covers his eyes, “See no evil”), Kika-zaru (covers his ears, “Hear no evil”) and Iwa-zaru (covers his mouth , "Speak No Evil"). Everything together adds up to the maxim "If I do not see evil, do not hear about evil and do not say anything about it, then I am protected from it." Why is this wise thought personified precisely by monkeys? It's simple - in Japanese, the suffix "zaru" is consonant with the word "monkey". Such is the pun.
You see, there is still no such thing as the Old Academy to know many perfections that are not found on the streets. Don't forget that the best is always hidden enough and that the highest and most precious thing in the world is always zero. We will only have forty-six thousand chairs that will make two million and four hundred thousand happy and five or six billion great hopes. You have probably already seen three monkeys in figurines or photographs, one of which clogs the ears, the other the mouth, and the last one hides the eyes.
But do you know what that means? In the West, it is customary to view them as decorative objects, but little is said about their true meaning. It is difficult to imagine the appearance of the first wisdom monkeys. According to legend, this monk was accompanied by a monkey during his travels. He left China to go to India realizing that the time had come to look for Buddhist texts to bring them back to China. However, he didn't invent the monkeys, he just let them know and helped develop them.
When the first image of the three wise monkeys appeared is not exactly known, but the origin of the symbol most likely arose in the bowels of the Japanese folk belief Koshin. It has its roots in Chinese Taoism, but is common among Shintoists and Buddhists. In accordance with the teachings of Koshin, three spiritual entities live in a person, who have an unpleasant habit every sixtieth night, when a person falls asleep, to report to the supreme deity about all his misdeeds. Therefore, believers try to do as little evil as possible, and about once every two months, on a fateful night, they perform collective ritual vigils - if you do not fall asleep, your essences will not be able to come out and snoop. Such a night is called the night of the monkey, and the oldest references to it date back to the 9th century.
Several legends claim that these three monkeys come from the Japanese belief of Koshin. The latter is based on the idea that in every person there are three evil worms, Sanshi, who once every sixty days leave our bodies to communicate our sins to a higher entity, Ten-Tei. But it is difficult to make out the legend of reality.
Moreover, one of the oldest known representations of these three monkeys is on the facade of the Toshogu Temple in Nikko, Japan. Will these three monkeys get out of Japan? Monkeys on the facade of Toshogu Temple. The three mystical monkeys, as they are sometimes called, are called sanzaru. Their names are Mizaru, Iwazaru and Kikazaru. In Japanese, "san" means three and saru means monkey. Over time, saru became zaru, giving the floor to sanzaru. The common meaning of "does not see, hear, or speak" may therefore come from a play on words in Japanese.
But three monkeys became popular much later - in the 17th century. This happened thanks to the sculpture above the doors of the stables of the famous Shinto shrine Toshogu in the Japanese city of Nikko. This is one of the oldest religious and pilgrimage centers in the country, famous for its picturesque views and temples included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. No wonder the Japanese proverb says "Don't say kikko (Jap. "wonderful", "great") until you see Nikko." How and why the image of three monkeys appeared in the design of such a secondary outbuilding of the Toshogu temple as a stable is unknown, but the construction of the building is confidently attributed to 1636 - therefore, by this moment the wise monkey trio already existed as a single composition.
Moreover, in Japanese tradition, the monkey is supposed to chase evil spirits. These monkeys must represent a way not to feel evil. The most common meaning is: see nothing, hear nothing and say nothing. But is it really that simple? Is it possible to generalize such a philosophy in this way?
He stays for just a few seconds, rolling over onto his back, scratching his stomach and sitting up. Checks if the vehicle's antenna is removable. He tries to unscrew the trunk holders, but small hands don't get them. The monkey looks back and loves the scooter. With an invisible leap, she landed in her seat, stepped onto the wheel and tried the mirror, her teeth snapping from above.
However, the principle personified by the three monkeys was known long before the 17th, and even the 9th century, not only in Japan: in the great book of Confucius "Conversations and Judgments" (Lun Yu) there is a very similar phrase: "Do not look at what is wrong, don't listen to what's wrong, don't say what's wrong." There is also a similarity between the Japanese concept of three monkeys and the three vajras of Tibetan Buddhism, the "three jewels": purity of action, word and thought.
He gives up, looks at him, pauses him amiably, starts pressing all the buttons in front of him. Her monkeys are so fascinating that visitors to the Temple of the Rock forget where we come from. On the Indonesian island of Bali come from all over the world exotics, greenery, beaches, reefs, strange smells, exquisite temples, fancy instrument bells, bright colors of local clothes.
Traditional performances are full of history, magic, special symbols that foreigners don't really understand but are absorbed as colors and experiences. And when a monkey show is added to an upcoming sunset performance over a stunning ocean rock, what more does a man want?
The funny thing is that the monkeys, in fact, are not three, but four. Se-zaru, symbolizing the principle of “do no evil”, is depicted covering the stomach or groin, but is rarely found in the overall composition. And all because the Japanese consider the number 4 unlucky - the pronunciation of the number 4 ("shi") resembles the word "death". The Japanese are trying to exclude from their lives everything connected with this number, so the fourth monkey suffered a sad fate - she is always in the shadow of her companions.
Uluwatu Park on the Bukit Rock peninsula is full of monkeys, and among them are children who easily fall into the human hand. They also want to jump, but they most often hit the target at the end and fall to the ground. They cry weeping, and their mothers sit on the branch above, scratch and give her a pedagogical-stoic. And when the child begins to scream and tremble, the mother hugs him and jumps on the branches of nearby trees and palms.
The presence of monkeys is an integral part of Indonesian folklore. Indonesian artists, dressed and made up like monkeys, know much more about them than tourists who enjoy it for the happiness of being close to entertaining creatures without the restriction of an iron net. The artists put into the game not just jokes, but a strange change in the movements, moods, expressions and nature of the taunts.
Wise monkeys are often mentioned in films and songs, depicted in cartoons and graffiti, they even served as prototypes for the Pokemon series - in a word, they firmly entered modern art, taking a small but strong place in it.
The famous Shinto shrine Nikko Tosho-gu in the Japanese city of Nikko houses a work of art known throughout the world. A carved panel depicting three wise monkeys has been located above the door of this temple since the 17th century. Made by sculptor Hidari Jingoro, the carving is an illustration of the well-known phrase "See nothing, hear nothing, say nothing."
About two thousand spectators gather every evening to watch the Kechak dance. The unique thing is that it is without the traditional musical accompaniment, but only to the sound of male voices, which, almost in a trance, repeat what sounds to us like “kachachachakaka-kechakachaka-kechakachaka”. Kneeling in several circles, the men only dance from their shoulders.
For anyone who first came to Indonesia, absolutely nothing is “normal” or “normal”. Of course, the amphitheater where the Kechak dance is performed is on the edge of a huge cliff overlooking the ocean, covered with flowers, greenery, temples and jumping monkeys.
Three wise monkeys. / Photo: noomarketing.net
It is believed that this proverb came to Japan from China in the 8th century as part of the Tendai Buddhist philosophy. It represents three dogmas that symbolize worldly wisdom. The monkey carved panel is just one small part of a large series of panels at the Tosho-gu shrine.
Tickets for the show are always sold out, including for regulars. Spectacle against sunset. A crowd of people who make their way along a narrow path to the amphitheater, pass through the parapets from a height from the cliff to the ocean, and on the other side, a grove in which monkeys play. Some of them hang out with tourists, show personal passions, and then walk along the railing.
One of them is beautiful, frighteningly close to human expression. The monkey is more furious than our complete lack of dexterity, leans on us and shows lion's teeth. At that moment, a local employee with a thick stick waved her over the lion monkey, which is growing up, and with an elegant leap he leaves. In the dance, the monkey is lit up in the midst of true fires - no wonder it is attributed to its bad spirits and therefore deserves to be baked!
Three monkeys at the Tosho-gu shrine in Nikko, Japan.
There are 8 panels in total, which are the "Code of Conduct" developed by the famous Chinese philosopher Confucius. In the collection of sayings of the philosopher "Lun Yu" ("Analects of Confucius") there is a similar phrase. Only in the edition, dating from about the 2nd - 4th centuries of our era, it sounded a little differently: “Do not look at what is contrary to decency; do not listen to what is contrary to decency; do not say what is contrary to decency; do not do what is contrary to decency." It is possible that this is the original phrase, which was shortened after it appeared in Japan.
Just a few hours ago, at another dance performance, the monkey monkey fights again, but there are many more people who have each other with the dance step. Names, legends, monsters, beliefs, signs of these speeches are difficult to understand from the content of the uninitiated. They are more like a parade of flowers and a strange string of strange instruments.
Indonesia is not an ordinary country and talking about "something traditional Indonesian" is self-confident and wrong. In most cases, countries around the world are defined based on their geographic location and their neighbours. Indonesia, however, consists of 17,000 islands, as well as those that are constantly working with volcanoes, which are created annually in the waters between other islands. Some regions are so wild that it is likely that the natives are still human. When several floods hit Papua a few years ago, the authorities sent helicopter assistance.
World War II poster addressed to the participants in the Manhattan Project.
The monkeys on the carved panel are Japanese macaques, which are very common in the Land of the Rising Sun. Monkeys sit in a row on the panel, the first of them covers its ears with its paws, the second closes its mouth, and the third is carved with closed eyes.
It turns out, however, that the indigenous peoples had never seen such a noisy flying wonder and began to shoot at the "enemies" with poisonous arrows. And one more question does not stop me from worrying: how many islands should local students be called sixth in geography? How are geographical zones and climatic features of 17,000 islands studied? Can you imagine homework: "Draw a map of Indonesia"?
And do you remember that Pippi's father, according to her, became the king of the Negroes on the island of Borneo? When you get to Indonesia, don't miss to find Captain Ephram Longsock among the inhabitants of this island island of Indonesia as well. However, for Indonesia it is easiest to talk about the island of Bali. Part of the irritating image and lack of revulsion on tour operators. A luxury destination with gorgeous beaches, sophisticated resorts, rich yachts, sophisticated ladies and wealthy Europeans bathed in glitz.
Monkeys are commonly known as "see not, hear, not speak", but in fact, they have their own names. The monkey that closes its ears is called Kikazaru, which closes its mouth is Iwazaru, and Mizaru closes his eyes.
Three on the beach in Barcelona.
But if they don't land directly from the helicopter at their resort, they still have to cross Denpasar Airport - the capital of the popular Indonesian island. And then the unexpected begins. It is impossible to guess what awaits him on one of the 17,000 islands, whether it be with the glory of a world resort.
Apparently, the most common thing for Indonesians is to arrive with two suitcases from a flight and meet them with a scooter. The first thing you'll find is that there's no load on the scooter that can't be attached to it - suitcases are hardly a problem.
The names are probably puns as they all end in "zaru", which means monkey in Japanese. The second meaning of this word is "to leave", that is, each word can be interpreted as a phrase aimed at evil.
Together, this composition in Japanese is called "Sambiki-Saru", that is, "Three mystical monkeys." Sometimes, a fourth monkey named Shizaru is added to the well-known trio, which represents the principle of "doing no evil." It is worth noting that according to the generally accepted opinion, Shizara was added much later in the souvenir industry, only for commercial purposes.
A family of five can ride a scooter, carry a complete kitchen full of blown up pots, ladles and lids, to transport goods to load shops. And all this oversized traffic makes its way about 2-3 cm from the dense traffic of all cars, buses, trucks, lorries, horse-drawn carriages and all kinds of vehicles. At first glance, it seems impossible for many road users to remain a target, even if they just stopped at each other, but the fact is that they all penetrate this tangle of tires, sheets, boards, bags, legs, baskets, livestock and remain completely ends.
Casting from brass.
Monkeys represent an approach to life in the Shinto and Koshin religions. Historians believe that the symbol of the three monkeys is about 500 years old, however, some argue that such a symbolism was spread in Asia by Buddhist monks, originating in the ancient Hindu tradition. Pictures of monkeys can be seen on ancient koshin scrolls, while the Tosho-gu shrine, where the famous panel is located, was erected as a sacred building for Shinto believers.
According to local laws, a scooter can be driven by anyone who took the exam at 16 years old. I'm interested in laws on how to wear helmets, keep children safe, but it turns out the law gives parents the freedom to keep their children as they see fit. If a person rubs himself inside the shops, an attack of hospitable merchants begins. Guests are ready to bargain for the value of the smallest rag, as this is part of the game.
It turns out that the Bali beach surprises no one, because everyone expects what they see: wide, spacious, sandy, soft and clean beaches. Behind them are beautiful elegant beach buildings with bars, restaurants, magnificent toilets and bathrooms. And delight is reflected in the mirror in fully justified predictions.
The oldest monument is Koshin.
Contrary to popular belief that the three monkeys originated in China, "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" sculptures and paintings are unlikely to be found in any other country than Japan. The oldest koshin monument that featured monkeys was built in 1559, but it only has one monkey, not three.
In the surf, the waves are intensely exploring surfers and one thing is clear: staying right on the board is a big deal. And if you are already in Bali, you have been to a show with bizarre monsters, bad, beautiful, funny and strange characters, you have not eaten a monkey in a bad mood, heading into the jungle.
The most amazing surprise on the popular island is the opportunity for an unforgettable many hours of rafting with a difficulty of 3.5 on a 5-degree scale. Suddenly Bali became the Island of Adventure. Our group is 12, but at the beginning we are people from Japan, Korea, Germany, who also receive instructions. We watch racing even though none of us know about rafting. We put on our vests, tighten the helmet straps, raise the oars, get a short course that we only know we should try to listen to the boat driver.
the image of three monkeys, symbolizing the Buddhist idea of non-action of evil, detachment from the untrue. "If I do not see evil, do not hear about evil and do not say anything about it, then I am protected from it" - the ideas of "not seeing" (見ざる mi-zaru), "non-hearing" (聞かざる kika-zaru) and "non-speaking » (言わざる iwa-zaru) about evil.
Sometimes a fourth monkey is added - Sezaru, symbolizing the principle of "doing no evil". She may be depicted covering her belly or crotch.
The choice of monkeys as a symbol is connected with a play on words in Japanese. The phrase "see nothing, hear nothing, say nothing" sounds like "mizaru, kikazaru, iwazaru", the ending "zaru" is consonant with the Japanese word "monkey".
The "Three Monkeys" became popular in the 17th century thanks to the sculpture above the doors of the famous Shinto shrine Toshogu in the Japanese city of Nikko. Most often, the origin of the symbol is associated with the folk belief Koshin (庚申.
There is a similar phrase in the book of Confucius “Lun Yu”: “Do not look at what is wrong; Do not listen to what is wrong; Don't say what's wrong; Do not do what is wrong.”
Mahatma Gandhi carried with him figurines of three monkeys
The image of three monkeys, personifying the Buddhist concept of non-action of evil, has long become a textbook - it has been depicted hundreds of times in works of art and literature, coins, postage stamps, and souvenirs. But the origin of the famous composition still raises questions.
Each monkey symbolizes a certain idea, or rather, part of it, and bears the corresponding name: Mi-zaru (covers his eyes, “See no evil”), Kika-zaru (covers his ears, “Hear no evil”) and Iwa-zaru (covers his mouth , "Speak No Evil"). Everything together adds up to the maxim "If I do not see evil, do not hear about evil and do not say anything about it, then I am protected from it." Why is this wise thought personified precisely by monkeys? It's simple - in Japanese, the suffix "zaru" is consonant with the word "monkey". Such is the pun.
When the first image of the three wise monkeys appeared is not exactly known, but the origin of the symbol most likely arose in the bowels of the Japanese folk belief Koshin. It has its roots in Chinese Taoism, but is common among Shintoists and Buddhists. In accordance with the teachings of Koshin, three spiritual entities live in a person, who have an unpleasant habit every sixtieth night, when a person falls asleep, to report to the supreme deity about all his misdeeds. Therefore, believers try to do as little evil as possible, and about once every two months, on the fateful night, they perform collective ritual vigils - if you do not fall asleep, your essences will not be able to come out and snoop. Such a night is called the night of the monkey, and the oldest references to it date back to the 9th century.
But three monkeys became popular much later - in the 17th century. This happened thanks to the sculpture above the doors of the stables of the famous Shinto shrine Toshogu in the Japanese city of Nikko. This is one of the oldest religious and pilgrimage centers in the country, famous for its picturesque views and temples, included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. No wonder the Japanese proverb says "Don't say kikko (Jap. "wonderful", "great") until you see Nikko." How and why the image of three monkeys appeared in the design of such a secondary outbuilding of the Toshogu temple as a stable is unknown, but the construction of the building is confidently attributed to 1636 - therefore, by this moment the wise monkey trio already existed as a single composition.
However, the principle personified by the three monkeys was known long before the 17th, and even the 9th century, not only in Japan: in the great book of Confucius "Conversations and Judgments" (Lun Yu) there is a very similar phrase: "Do not look at what is wrong, don't listen to what's wrong, don't say what's wrong." There is also a similarity between the Japanese concept of three monkeys and the three vajras of Tibetan Buddhism, the "three jewels": purity of action, word and thought.
The funny thing is that the monkeys, in fact, are not three, but four. Se-zaru, symbolizing the principle of “do no evil”, is depicted covering the stomach or groin, but is rarely found in the overall composition. And all because the Japanese consider the number 4 unlucky - the pronunciation of the number 4 ("shi") resembles the word "death". The Japanese are trying to exclude from their lives everything connected with this number, so the fourth monkey suffered a sad fate - she is always in the shadow of her companions.
Wise monkeys are often mentioned in films and songs, depicted in caricatures and graffiti, they even served as prototypes for the Pokemon series - in a word, they have firmly entered modern art, taking a small but strong place in it.
There are many assumptions about the place where the three monkeys appeared: they call China, India, and even Africa, but the birthplace of the three monkeys is still Japan. A confirmation can be the reading in Japanese of the actions expressed by the composition: “I don’t see, I don’t hear, I don’t speak” (when written using the kanji 見猿, 聞か猿, 言わ猿 - mizaru, kikazaru, iwazaru). The suffix giving the negation "-zaru" is consonant with the word "monkey", in fact it is a voiced version of the word "saru" (猿). It turns out that the image of three monkeys is a kind of pun or rebus, a play on words, understandable only to the Japanese. So....
Undoubtedly the original religious significance of the monkey group. Often it is directly called a Buddhist symbol, but not everything is so simple. Yes, Buddhism adopted three monkeys, but it was not he, or rather, he alone was the cradle of three monkeys.
Religion in Japan has special properties: it is unusually malleable and at the same time elastic: throughout history, the Japanese met many religious and philosophical teachings, accepted and processed them, combining sometimes incompatible into complex systems and syncretic cults.
Cult of Kosin
Three monkeys are originally associated with one of the Japanese folk beliefs - Koshin. Based on Chinese Taoism, Kosin's faith is relatively simple: one of the main postulates is that in each person three certain observer entities ("worms") "live", collecting dirt on their master and regularly setting off during his sleep. with a report to the Heavenly Lord. In order to avoid big troubles, a cult follower needs to refrain from evil in every possible way, and those who have not succeeded in this, so that these internal informants cannot transmit something unseemly “to the center” in time, at the estimated time of “sessions” (usually once every two months) one must refrain from sleeping to hold vigils.
When the three monkeys appeared
The question of the exact time of the appearance of the three monkeys, apparently, cannot be resolved, partly because of the folk character of the faith, which has no centralization and no archives whatsoever. Adherents of the Koshin cult erected stone monuments (koshin-to). It is on them that one should look for the most ancient materially fixed images of three monkeys. The problem is that it is difficult to date such monuments.
Some certainty is given by the most famous of the three monkeys. For the Japanese, such a composition is known as "three monkeys from Nikko."
Three monkeys from Nikko
Nikko is one of the oldest and most famous religious centers in Japan. It is located 140 km north of Tokyo. The attitude of the Japanese towards Nikko can be assessed by the saying "do not say kekko (Japanese wonderful) until you see Nikko." And the most famous attraction of the wonderful Nikko is the Toshogu Shinto Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Treasure of Japan. Toshogu is a complex of structures decorated with rich, expressive wooden carvings. The secondary outbuilding of the complex - the stable - became world famous thanks to the three monkeys carved on it.
Apart from the general fame, the monkeys from Nikko can give us a precise upper bound on the appearance of the symbol. The construction of the stable with its decorations is confidently attributed to 1636, so by this time the three monkeys already existed as a single composition. It is possible to carefully postpone the time of the appearance of three monkeys by 1-2 centuries before their depiction in Nikko, it is unlikely that the monkeys in the Koshin cult were borrowed from the stable of the sanctuary, it is more logical to assume the opposite direction of borrowing, and the symbolism should be sufficiently formed and widely known.
The meaning of the three monkeys
The meaning of the composition is often misunderstood: it is easier for a Westerner to see in three monkeys a kind of collective ostrich, sticking his head in the sand in the face of problems.
So what do monkeys symbolize? If we recall the Japanese reading-pun (I don’t see - I don’t hear - I don’t pronounce) composition, we can understand that it serves as a visual expression of the corresponding negatives.
The basis that unites various religious and philosophical currents (including the Kosin cult) is the goal of personality development - the achievement of enlightenment, opposition to everything untrue (in English, simply “evil” - that is, evil) inside and out. For example, Buddhists have mechanisms that can be illustrated by monkeys, this is the development of peculiar "filters" that do not allow the untrue to reach consciousness, a Buddhist must "not hear" "evil". One of the English-language versions of the name of the composition of the three monkeys "no evil monkeys" - "monkeys without evil." If a person observes the principles portrayed by monkeys, he is invulnerable. But in fact, the three monkeys are a reminder poster, like the Soviet “Don't talk!”, A call to maintain purity (equally ethical and aesthetic).
Sometimes a fourth monkey is added - Shizaru, symbolizing the principle of "doing no evil". She may be depicted covering her belly or crotch.
Well, that is, do not yet dissolve what you have below the belt ...
Surely you understand what kind of monkeys we will talk about: one closes its ears, the other closes its eyes, the third closes its mouth. They are painted on T-shirts, key rings and figurines are made with them. This symbol has become so popular that its meaning has been distorted more than once. For example, some interpret it as indifference to everything. But this is fundamentally wrong and has nothing to do with the real meaning!
Monkeys are known in the West as "See Nothing, Hear Nothing, Say Nothing". But to be precise, the figurines contain the idea of rejecting everything that is bad. The main point is to avoid evil deeds and practice wise caution.
Each monkey has its own name: Kikazaru, Iwazaru, Mizaru. Sometimes, along with them, they also depict a fourth named Shizaru, who covers her stomach with her paw. Its main idea is "not to do evil". But it is not so widespread, since in Asian numerology the number 4 is considered unfavorable. The endings of the names of animals are similar in sound to the word "saru", which means "monkey". Another meaning is "leave". Many see here a play on words.
In the composition, which is called in Japanese "Sambiki-Saru", the rejection of evil is embodied in monkeys for a reason. These animals in Shinto, the traditional religion of Japan, are sacred. They are considered a talisman that protects against slander.
The phrase became famous thanks to a carved panel depicting three monkeys. The sculptor Hidari Jingoro depicted them in the 17th century at the Shinto shrine Tosho-gu. It is located in the ancient city of Nikko - the religious and pilgrimage center of the country.
A similar idea of the phrase was seen in the book of sayings of Confucius. Here's what he said:
“Don't look at what's wrong; Do not listen to what is wrong; Don't say what's wrong; Don't do what's wrong." Some believe that the Japanese adopted it and reduced it.
In addition, three monkeys accompanied the deity Vajrayaksha. He protected people from evil spirits and diseases.
Three monkeys - symbolize the idea of non-action of evil and detachment from the untrue. “If I do not see evil, do not hear about evil and do not say anything about it, then I am protected from it” - this famous saying is known all over the world. His symbol is three monkeys: one closes his mouth, the other - his eyes, the third - his ears.
Three monkeys - meaning
In the mouth of the Buddha, this saying sounds like this: "If I do not see evil, do not hear about evil and do not say anything about it, then I am protected from it."
In the exposition of Confucius: “Do not look at what is wrong; do not listen to what is wrong; do not say what is wrong; don't do what is wrong."
Sometimes the fourth monkey, Shizaru, may be present in the composition, symbolizing the principle of "doing no evil". She is depicted covering her stomach or perineum.
The sculptural composition with monkeys first appeared in Japan; it is decorated with the Toshogu shrine in the city of Nikko. Why, then, were monkeys chosen as the symbol of this statement?
Most likely due to the play on words in Japanese. The phrase “I don’t see, I don’t hear, I don’t speak” sounds like “mizaru, kikazaru, iwazaru”, the ending “zaru” is consonant with the Japanese word for “monkey”.
The god Vajrayaksha, who protects people from spirits, diseases and demons, also has three monkeys as his escorts.
Parallels with this statement are present in many scriptures: Taoism (“Zhuangzi” and “Lezi”), Hinduism (“Bhagavad Gita”), Jainism (“Naladiyar”), Judaism and Christianity (“Ecclesiastes”, “Psalms” and "The Book of Isaiah"), Islam (Sura of the Koran "Al-Baqarah"), etc.
You can often hear the opinion that "by closing our eyes to evil, we simply move away from what is happening in the world."
But the meaning of this sculpture and saying is different, it can be most easily explained through knowledge of the philosophy of Ayurveda.
In addition to nutrition for the physical body, we also receive energy and mental nutrition. This food is absorbed by our subtle body, and also digested in it. The positive, pure energy received from the contemplation of beautiful landscapes, being in the company of benevolent, bright people, is redistributed in temples during divine services into the higher contours of the subtle body. This subtle type of nutrition gives us inspiration, creative insight, deepens spiritual experiences.
The energy received through negative sources of information, which is now in most cases the media, is coarse and destructive, being absorbed, it will be used for such states as the expression of anger, aggression, impure tendencies of the mind, creating images.
Mental energy is the most important energy, because the state of the whole organism depends on its quality. Positive and bright energy saturates all organs and tissues, bright images in the mind make our dreams clear, our mind calm, relax tightness and spasms in the body, remove stress phenomena, help heal both diseases of the body and psyche.
Negative energies lead to improper functioning of organs, the accumulation of internal fear and unreasonable anxiety, despondency, suppress the bright and creative consciousness in a person. Absorbing information and events that are not his destiny, a person himself changes his life for the worse.
Protect yourself from negative information, and you will see what changes will take place in your life, how wonderful and beautiful this world can be.