See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil - The Enduring Message of the Three Wise Monkeys

The Meaning Behind the Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil Buddhas

The hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil monkey statue motif depicting three wise monkeys is a popular iconographic maxim. The monkeys are shown covering their eyes, ears, and mouth respectively. This memorable maxim conveys the Message of focusing on oneself rather than worrying about the actions of others. The Message serves as a moral code to keep oneself free from evil.

The Origins of the Three Wise Monkeys

The earliest known depiction of the hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil monkeys comes from a 17th century carving over a door of the famous Toshogu shrine in Nikko, Japan. However, the concept originated much earlier in China where the phrase is found in a Buddhist text dated to the 13th century. The maxim made its way to Japan where it became strongly associated with the Tendai school of Japanese Buddhism.

Over time, the design evolved by the addition of the fourth monkey, "do no evil," who is shown crossing its arms. Together, the four monkeys teaching became a popular symbolic maxim across many Asian cultures. Today, it remains an instantly recognizable motif representing a moral precept to turn away from inappropriate behavior.

The Meaning of Each Wise Monkey

Each of the three wise monkeys in the maxim conveys a specific Message:

• See no evil - by covering its eyes, the first monkey conveys that a person should not see or witness evil, wrongdoing or inappropriateness.
• Hear no evil - covering its ears, the second monkey signifies avoiding hearing gossip, lies, untruths, or impolite speech.
• Speak no evil - covering its mouth, the third monkey instructs that a person should refrain from saying things that are harmful, untrue, malicious, or crude.

Together, the three wise monkeys teach a moral behavior of intentionally avoiding evil thoughts, words, and deeds. They serve as a reminder to keep one's mind, eyes, ears and mouth free from wickedness.

The Relation to Buddha's Teachings

The key message behind the three monkeys aligns with core Buddhist ethical teachings, particularly the Noble Eightfold Path. This foundational teaching outlines eight key areas that followers should train their minds in to reach enlightenment.

Specifically, the maxim reinforces Right Speech, Right Actions, and Right Livelihood. Turning away from speech and behavior that causes harm or fuels desire keeps one mindfully in line with Buddha's teachings for skillful living.

Modern Meanings and Usage

Over centuries, the memorable hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil monkeys have come to commonly represent:

• The ability to turn away from inappropriate speech, action and thoughts
• Willful ignorance of immoral behavior
• Avoiding inappropriate speech that offends others
• The ethics ofConfidentiality and non-disclosure

Beyond the strongly Buddhist connotation, today these icons have expanded meanings. The maxim is universally applied to represent moral wisdom. The simplicity of the design and concept ensure its cultural legacy lives on.

The Enduring Use of the Three Wise Monkeys

The lasting appeal of these symbolic monkeys comes from the straightforward yet thought-provoking concept. Their recognizable depiction covering mouth, eyes and ears serves as an effective reminder to Act appropriately through our deeds, observations and speech.

This memorable message translates Buddhist thought into a simple visual image. It has stood the test of time by adapting fluid meanings to diverse cultural context across Asia and globally.

The fundamental concept behind the three monkeys continues to be relevant today. This unique icon has expanded from religious maxim to cultural legacy - ensuring its timeless Message will be passed on for generations.

FAQs

What is the meaning of the hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil monkeys?

The three monkeys covering their eyes, ears, and mouth depict the maxim of intentionally avoiding thoughts, speech, and actions that cause harm or are inappropriate. They instruct a moral code to keep one's mind pure and free from wickedness.

Where did this concept originate from?

The earliest known depiction is from a 17th century carving in Japan. However, the phrase dates back to a 13th century Buddhist text in China. It later made its way to Japan where it became associated with the Tendai Buddhist tradition before evolving into an iconic maxim across Asia.

How are the monkeys connected to Buddhist teachings?

The monkeys' guidance to turn away from inappropriate behavior aligns with Right Speech, Action, and Livelihood in Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path for skillful living and enlightenment.

Why have the three monkeys endured over time?

The simplicity and memorability of the monkeys' depicted Message has allowed the concept to stand the test of time. The maxim adapts fluid meanings across cultures while retaining its core concept relevant today - to intentionally turn away from evil.