The Three Wise Monkeys

The three wise monkeys originate from Japanese folklore and are often depicted in sculptures and carvings. The names and meanings of the monkeys are as follows:

Mizaru (See No Evil)

- Meaning: Mizaru covers his eyes, symbolizing the avoidance of seeing evil. This can be interpreted as a call to ignore evil actions and sights to maintain purity of thought.

- Literature Reference: The concept is illustrated in ancient Japanese proverbs and religious teachings.

- Example Quote: "Look not at what is contrary to propriety; listen not to what is contrary to propriety; speak not what is contrary to propriety; make no movement which is contrary to propriety." - Confucius, The Analects.

Kikazaru (Hear No Evil)

- Meaning: Kikazaru covers his ears, indicating the avoidance of hearing evil. This suggests that one should refrain from listening to harmful gossip or malicious talk to protect one’s mental well-being.

- Literature Reference: This idea is echoed in many Buddhist teachings about guarding the senses.

- Example Quote: "Do not give your attention to what others do or fail to do; give it to what you do or fail to do." - Gautama Buddha, The Dhammapada.

Iwazaru (Speak No Evil)

- Meaning: Iwazaru covers his mouth, symbolizing the avoidance of speaking evil. This emphasizes the importance of refraining from harmful speech and lies.

- Literature Reference: Similar advice is found in many religious texts, such as the Bible and Buddhist scriptures.

- Example Quote: "A man is already halfway in love with any woman who listens to him." - Brendan Francis.

Buddhism and the Three Wise Monkeys

Buddhism focuses on the cultivation of a pure mind, ethical living, and the cessation of suffering.

Avoiding Evil

- Meaning: Avoiding evil in Buddhism means steering clear of actions, speech, and thoughts that cause harm to oneself or others.

- Literature Reference: "Avoid evil, do good, and purify the mind." - The Dhammapada.

- Example Quote: "Do not dwell on the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment." - Gautama Buddha.

Promoting Goodness

- Meaning: Buddhism encourages positive actions, speech, and thoughts, promoting compassion, kindness, and wisdom.

- Literature Reference: "Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." - The Dhammapada.

- Example Quote: "Radiate boundless love towards the entire world." - Gautama Buddha.

Yin and Yang Philosophy and the Three Wise Monkeys

Yin and Yang is a Chinese philosophical concept that describes how seemingly opposite forces are interconnected and interdependent.

Avoiding Evil

- Meaning: In the context of Yin and Yang, avoiding evil means reducing the influence of negative (Yin) forces to maintain balance.

- Literature Reference: "In all things, balance is the key." - Laozi, Tao Te Ching.

- Example Quote: "He who conquers others is strong; he who conquers himself is mighty." - Laozi, Tao Te Ching.

Promoting Goodness

- Meaning: Promoting goodness involves enhancing positive (Yang) forces, leading to harmony and balance in life.

- Literature Reference: "The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own." - Laozi, Tao Te Ching.

- Example Quote: "Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom." - Laozi, Tao Te Ching.

Stoic Philosophy and the Three Wise Monkeys

Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy that teaches the development of self-control and fortitude to overcome destructive emotions.

Avoiding Evil

- Meaning: In Stoicism, avoiding evil means not allowing external events to disturb one’s inner peace.

- Literature Reference: "We suffer more often in imagination than in reality." - Seneca, Letters from a Stoic.

- Example Quote: "You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength." - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations.

Promoting Goodness

- Meaning: Promoting goodness in Stoicism involves cultivating virtue through wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance.

- Literature Reference: "The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts." - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations.

- Example Quote: "Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one." - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations.

Conclusion

The concept of the three wise monkeys, when expanded and integrated with Buddhist teachings, Yin and Yang philosophy, and Stoic philosophy, offers a profound guide for living a balanced and virtuous life. Each philosophy, while distinct, shares common principles of avoiding negative influences and fostering positive actions and thoughts. By incorporating these teachings into daily life, one can achieve inner peace, harmony, and a deeper understanding of virtue.