The Three Wise Monkeys represent a world-renowned pictorial maxim that embodies the proverbial principle: "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil." This iconic trio consists of three Japanese macaques, each depicted covering a different sensory organ to shield themselves from moral impurity. While the imagery has become a staple of modern pop culture and digital communication, its roots extend deep into ancient Japanese folk religion, Chinese philosophy, and complex linguistic wordplay.

The three monkeys are identified by their specific actions and names:

  • Mizaru: Covers his eyes, representing "see no evil."
  • Kikazaru: Covers his ears, representing "hear no evil."
  • Iwazaru: Covers his mouth, representing "speak no evil."

In many historical and regional variations, a fourth monkey, Shizaru, is occasionally included to represent "do no evil," though the trio remains the most prominent configuration globally.

The Linguistic Foundation of the Three Monkeys

The association between the moral maxim and monkeys is not a coincidence of nature but a sophisticated linguistic pun found in the Japanese language. The original phrase "see not, hear not, speak not" is rendered in Japanese as mizaru, kikazaru, iwazaru.

In classical Japanese, the suffix -zaru serves as a negative conjugation for verbs. For instance, mi (to see) becomes mizaru (to not see). However, the word saru is also the Japanese word for "monkey." When saru is used as a suffix in compound words, it undergoes a phonological change known as rendaku, becoming voiced as -zaru.

Consequently, to a Japanese speaker, the phrase mizaru, kikazaru, iwazaru sounds identical to "see-monkey, hear-monkey, speak-monkey." This clever play on words effectively transformed an abstract moral code into a vivid, memorable visual representation. By the Edo period (1603–1867), this linguistic connection was firmly established, leading to the monkeys being adopted as the definitive messengers of this ancient wisdom.

The Nikko Tōshō-gū Shrine and the Artistic Legacy

The most famous physical representation of the Three Wise Monkeys is found in Nikko, Japan, at the Tōshō-gū Shrine. This Shinto shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, features an architectural masterpiece known as the Sacred Stable (Shinkyusha).

Above the doors of this stable, the 17th-century sculptor Hidari Jingorō carved a series of eight panels depicting the life cycle of a person, using monkeys as metaphorical stand-ins for human beings. The Three Wise Monkeys appear in the second panel. In this context, the carving was intended to represent the stage of childhood. The philosophy suggests that children should be shielded from evil influences during their formative years to ensure they grow into virtuous adults.

The use of monkeys at a Shinto shrine is also spiritually significant. In Shinto tradition, monkeys are considered messengers of the Hie shrines and are often associated with the deity Sarutahiko Okami. By placing the monkeys on the Sacred Stable, the architects were invoking divine protection for the horses and reinforcing the moral education of the visitors.

Philosophical Origins: From Confucius to Japan

While the visual representation of the monkeys is uniquely Japanese, the underlying philosophy is believed to have originated in ancient China. The core tenets are frequently traced back to the Analects of Confucius, written between the 4th and 2nd centuries BCE.

In a famous passage from Book XII of the Analects, Confucius advises his disciple Yan Yuan on the nature of ren (virtue or propriety): "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."

This four-fold path of restraint was brought to Japan via Buddhist monks and scholars during the Nara period (8th century). Over time, the Buddhist "Middle School" (Tendai) integrated these teachings into Japanese culture. The philosophy emphasizes a form of "moral hygiene"—the idea that by refusing to acknowledge or internalize negativity, one can maintain a state of spiritual purity.

The Kōshin Belief and the Mystery of the Three Corpses

Beyond the Confucian influence, the Three Wise Monkeys are inextricably linked to a complex Japanese folk religion known as the Kōshin belief. This tradition, which combines elements of Taoism, Buddhism, and Shintoism, centers on the concept of the Sanshi, or the "Three Corpses."

According to Kōshin mythology, three supernatural entities (the Sanshi) live inside every human body. These entities keep a meticulous record of the individual's sins and bad deeds. Every 60 days, on a night known as Kōshin-machi, while the human host is asleep, the Sanshi leave the body and ascend to heaven to report these misdeeds to the celestial deity Ten-Tei. Based on these reports, the deity may shorten the person’s life or inflict illness as punishment.

To prevent this, practitioners of the Kōshin faith would stay awake all night during Kōshin-machi, engaging in communal prayer and celebration. The Three Wise Monkeys were adopted as the patron symbols of this ritual. It was believed that the monkeys, by neither seeing, hearing, nor speaking of the person's sins, could prevent the Sanshi from having anything negative to report, or perhaps even block the spirits from leaving the body.

Throughout the eastern parts of Japan, particularly around Tokyo, thousands of stone monuments (Kōshin-tō) featuring carvings of the monkeys remain as a testament to this once-pervasive folk tradition.

Mizaru, Kikazaru, Iwazaru: A Detailed Breakdown

Each monkey in the trio serves a specific symbolic purpose, and their physical gestures are carefully standardized in traditional iconography.

Mizaru: The Guardian of Vision

Mizaru is depicted covering his eyes with his hands. This gesture symbolizes the refusal to observe or dwell upon improper actions or unvirtuous sights. In a modern psychological context, Mizaru represents the protection of the subconscious mind. By not exposing oneself to "visual evil"—whether that be violence, corruption, or inappropriate behavior—one prevents these images from taking root in the mind and eventually influencing one's own behavior.

Kikazaru: The Guardian of Hearing

Kikazaru covers his ears, representing the rejection of harmful information. This includes gossip, slander, malicious lies, and discouraged speech. The wisdom of Kikazaru suggests that hearing evil is the first step toward internalizing it. In ancient traditions, this was seen as a way to avoid the "pollution" of the spirit that comes from listening to discord or negativity.

Iwazaru: The Guardian of Speech

Iwazaru covers his mouth, embodying the restraint of speech. This is arguably the most difficult aspect of the trio to master. It involves abstaining from lying, spreading rumors, or using words to harm others. Iwazaru encourages "Right Speech," a core tenet of the Buddhist Eightfold Path, suggesting that if one has nothing virtuous or necessary to say, silence is the superior alternative.

The Fourth Monkey: Shizaru and the Missing Link

While the three-monkey configuration is the global standard, historical records and regional variations often mention a fourth monkey. This monkey is named Shizaru, which translates to "do not do."

In carvings and statues, Shizaru is typically depicted covering his abdomen, groin, or crossing his arms. He represents the principle of "do no evil" or "not committing any wrong action." This four-monkey set aligns more closely with the original four-part maxim from the Analects of Confucius, which included a warning against "making no movement contrary to propriety."

There are several theories as to why Shizaru is often omitted from the group:

  1. Artistic Symmetry: A trio is often considered more aesthetically pleasing and balanced in visual arts than a group of four.
  2. Linguistic Flow: The rhythmic cadence of Mizaru, Kikazaru, Iwazaru is more catchy and memorable than adding a fourth term.
  3. Redundancy: Many interpret the first three monkeys as the "inputs" and "outputs" of morality. It is assumed that if one does not see, hear, or speak evil, one will naturally refrain from doing evil. Thus, Shizaru is seen as the logical conclusion of the first three, making his physical presence redundant.

Cultural Divergence: Eastern vs. Western Interpretations

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Three Wise Monkeys is how their meaning shifted as they traveled from East to West.

The Eastern Perspective: Mindfulness and Purity

In Japan and throughout much of Asia, the monkeys are viewed as positive symbols of self-discipline and spiritual integrity. They represent a "code of conduct" for those seeking a virtuous life. The emphasis is on the individual's responsibility to protect their own mind and spirit from the pervasive influence of a "corrupted" world. It is a philosophy of mindfulness and selective attention.

The Western Perspective: Apathy and Willful Blindness

In Western cultures, the monkeys have taken on a significantly more critical and often cynical meaning. Rather than being seen as virtuous, the phrase "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" is frequently used to describe people who ignore wrongdoing to avoid personal responsibility or conflict.

This is often referred to as "willful blindness" or "turning a blind eye." In this context, the monkeys represent a lack of moral courage—someone who sees an injustice but chooses to cover their eyes to maintain the status quo. This interpretation is common in political cartoons and corporate critiques, where leaders are depicted as the three monkeys when they ignore scandals or corruption within their organizations.

Global Influence and Mahatma Gandhi

The global spread of the Three Wise Monkeys was greatly aided by the influence of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi, who was famous for his lifestyle of non-possession and simplicity, made a notable exception for a small statue of the three monkeys that had been gifted to him by a Japanese monk, Nichidatsu Fujii.

Gandhi kept this statue with him constantly, using it as a reminder of his commitment to truth and non-violence. To Gandhi, the monkeys represented the necessity of keeping one's senses pure in the struggle for justice. He famously named them Bapu, Ketan, and Bandar. Because of Gandhi's global stature, the image of the monkeys became synonymous with peaceful resistance and moral fortitude in India and beyond.

The Three Wise Monkeys in the Digital Age

In the 21st century, the Three Wise Monkeys have undergone yet another transformation: they have become a standard set of emojis in digital communication.

  • 🙈 (See-No-Evil Monkey)
  • 🙉 (Hear-No-Evil Monkey)
  • 🙊 (Speak-No-Evil Monkey)

In the world of social media and instant messaging, the original moral weight of the symbols has largely been replaced by more lighthearted meanings. The "See-No-Evil" monkey is often used to express embarrassment ("I can't look!"), the "Hear-No-Evil" monkey for surprise or disbelief, and the "Speak-No-Evil" monkey for "my lips are sealed" or "I can't believe I just said that."

Despite this secularization, the persistent presence of the monkeys in our digital vocabulary demonstrates the enduring power of the visual metaphor. Even when stripped of their religious and philosophical baggage, the gestures remain universally recognizable.

Ethical Implications in Modern Governance

Beyond emojis and folk religion, the concept of the Three Wise Monkeys remains a vital tool for discussing ethics in governance and corporate culture. Sociologists and ethicists often use the "monkey" metaphor to analyze how organizations fail.

Filter Bubbles and Selective Hearing In an age of algorithmic news feeds, many individuals have become modern-day versions of Kikazaru. By only "hearing" information that confirms their existing biases, they create a "filter bubble" that excludes dissenting voices or uncomfortable truths. This "hear no evil" approach to information consumption can lead to extreme societal polarization.

Corporate Irresponsibility In corporate governance, the "three monkeys" approach describes a culture where employees and executives are discouraged from reporting misconduct. When a company "sees no evil" in its supply chain or "speaks no evil" about its environmental impact, it risks systemic failure. The evolution of "Whistleblower" laws is essentially a societal attempt to force the "monkeys" to uncover their eyes and ears.

Summary

The journey of the Three Wise Monkeys from 8th-century Chinese philosophy to modern smartphones is a testament to the versatility of human symbolism. Whether they are seen as protectors of the soul against the "Three Corpses" of the Kōshin belief, or as a critique of those who refuse to acknowledge injustice, Mizaru, Kikazaru, and Iwazaru continue to offer a mirror to human behavior.

The monkeys remind us that our relationship with the world is defined by what we choose to perceive and how we choose to respond. While the linguistic pun may be Japanese, the challenge of navigating a world filled with both beauty and "evil" is a universal human experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the names of the three wise monkeys?

The three monkeys are Mizaru (covering eyes), Kikazaru (covering ears), and Iwazaru (covering mouth).

Where is the most famous carving of the three wise monkeys?

The most famous carving is located at the Tōshō-gū Shrine in Nikko, Japan, specifically on the panels of the Sacred Stable.

Is there a fourth wise monkey?

Yes, a fourth monkey named Shizaru is sometimes included. He represents the principle of "do no evil" and is usually depicted covering his abdomen or crossing his arms.

What is the origin of the "see no evil" phrase?

The philosophy is rooted in the Analects of Confucius from ancient China, though the specific imagery of the monkeys was popularized in Japan through a linguistic pun on the word saru (monkey).

Why did Gandhi like the three wise monkeys?

Mahatma Gandhi valued the monkeys as a reminder of moral discipline and the importance of keeping one's mind and speech free from malice and negativity.