Three monkeys - I don’t see, I don’t hear, I won’t say: a symbol of what, what it means. Three wise monkeys I don’t see I don’t hear I won’t tell the meaning

The image of three monkeys, personifying the Buddhist concept of the 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, souvenir products. But the origin of the famous composition still raises questions.

Each monkey symbolizes a certain idea, or rather, part of it, and has a corresponding name: Mi-zaru (covers eyes, “See no evil”), Kika-zaru (covers ears, “Hear no evil”) and Iwa-zaru (covers 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 do monkeys personify this wise thought? It's simple - in Japanese the suffix “zaru” is consonant with the word “monkey”. That's a pun.

You see, there is no such thing as the Old Academy yet 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 have only forty-sixty thousand chairs, which will make two million and four hundred thousand happy and five to six billion with great hopes. You've probably already seen three monkeys in figurines or photographs, one of which covers the ears, the other the mouth, and the last one hides the eyes.

But do you know what this means? In the West, they are commonly seen as decorative objects, but little is said about them. 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 it was time to search for Buddhist texts to bring back to China. However, he didn't invent monkeys, he just let them know and helped develop them.

It is not known exactly when the first image of the three wise monkeys appeared, but the origin of the symbol most likely arose in the depths of the Japanese folk belief Koshin. It has its roots in Chinese Taoism, but is widespread among Shintoists and Buddhists. In accordance with the teachings of Kosin, three spiritual entities live in a person, who have the unpleasant habit of reporting to the supreme deity about all his misdeeds every sixtieth night, when a person falls asleep. Therefore, believers try to do as little evil as possible, and approximately once every two months, on the fateful night, they perform collective ritual vigils - if you don’t fall asleep, your entities will not be able to come out and tell lies. Such a night is called the night of the monkey, and the oldest mentions of it date back to the 9th century.

Several legends claim that these three monkeys come from the Japanese Koshin faith. The latter is based on the idea that within each person there are three evil worms, the Sanshi, who leaves our bodies once every sixty days to communicate our sins to a higher entity, Ten-Tei. But it is difficult to dismantle 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 lead Japan out? Monkeys on the facade of the Toshogu Temple. The Three Mystical Monkeys, as they are sometimes called, are called sanzarus. Their names are Mizaru, Iwazaru and Kikazaru. In Japanese, "san" means three, and saru means monkey. Over time, saru became zaru, giving his word to sanzar. The common meaning of "does not see, does not hear, and does not 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 stable doors of the famous Toshogu Shinto Shrine 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 World Heritage List. cultural heritage UNESCO. No wonder the Japanese proverb says “Don’t say kikko (Japanese: “wonderful”, “great”) until you have seen Nikko.” How and why did the image of three monkeys appear in the design of such a minor outbuilding Toshogu Temple as a stable is unknown, but the construction of the building is confidently dated back to 1636 - therefore, by that time the wise monkey trio already existed as a single composition.

Moreover, in Japanese tradition the monkey must chase evil spirits. These monkeys must represent a way to not 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 whether the vehicle's antenna is removable. He tries to unscrew the rack holders, but his small hands don't get them. The monkey looks around and loves the scooter. With an invisible leap, she landed in her seat, stepped onto the wheel and tried the mirror, teeth clicking at the top.

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 are also similarities between the Japanese concept of the three monkeys and the three vajras of Tibetan Buddhism, the “three jewels”: purity of action, word and thought.

He gives in, looks at him, pauses in a friendly manner, starts pressing all the buttons in front of him. Her monkeys are so fascinating that visitors to the Temple of the Rock forget what we've come to. On the Indonesian island of Bali, exotic things come from all over the world, greenery, beaches, reefs, strange smells, exquisite temples, bells of fancy instruments, bright colors of local clothes.

Traditional ideas 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 cliff, what more does a person want?

The funny thing is that there are actually not three monkeys, but four. Se-zaru, symbolizing the principle of “Do no evil,” is depicted covering the stomach or groin, but is rarely found as part of 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 try to exclude from their lives everything connected with this number, so the fourth monkey suffered a sad fate - it is always in the shadow of its companions.

Uluwatu Park on the Bukit Rock Peninsula is full of monkeys, including children, who easily fall into human hands. They also want to jump, but they mostly hit the target at the end and fall to the ground. They cry a cry, and their mothers sit on a branch above, scratch and give her a pedagogical-stoic. And when the child begins to scream and tremble, the mother hugs him and jumps onto 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 limit iron network. The artists put into play not just jokes, but strange changes in movements, moods, expressions and the nature of ridicule.

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 have become firmly established in contemporary art, occupying 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 illustrates the famous phrase “See nothing, hear nothing, say nothing.”

About two thousand spectators gather every evening to watch the Kecak dance. The unique thing is that it is without traditional musical accompaniment, but only to the sounds male voices, who almost in a trance repeat what sounds to us like “kachachakaka-kechakachaka-kechakachaka.” Kneeling in several circles, men dance from the shoulders only.

For anyone new to Indonesia, absolutely nothing is “normal” or “normal.” Of course, the amphitheater where the Kecak 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 Tendai Buddhist philosophy. It represents three dogmas that symbolize worldly wisdom. Carved panel with monkeys - just one small part large series panels at Tosho-gu Shrine.

The show is always sold out, including for regulars. Spectacle against the sunset. A crowd of people making their way along a narrow path to the amphitheater passes through parapets from a height from a cliff to the ocean, and on the other side is a grove in which monkeys play. Some of them hang out with tourists, show personal passions, and then walk on the railings.

One of them is beautiful, frighteningly close to human expression. The monkey, more enraged than our complete lack of dexterity, leans on us and shows lion teeth. At that moment, a local employee with a thick stick waved it over the lion monkey, who is growing up, and with an elegant leap he leaves. In the dance, the monkey is illuminated in the midst of true fires - no wonder it is attributed to her bad spirits and therefore deserves to be roasted!

Three monkeys at Tosho-gu Shrine in Nikko, Japan.

There are 8 panels in total, which represent the “Code of Conduct” developed by the famous Chinese philosopher Confucius. A similar phrase appears in the collection of sayings of the philosopher “Lun Yu” (“Analects of Confucius”). Only in the edition, dating back to approximately the 2nd - 4th centuries AD, it sounded a little different: “Do not look at what is contrary to decency; do not listen to what is contrary to decency; do not say anything that is contrary to decency; do not do anything that is contrary to decency.” It is possible that this is an original phrase that was shortened after it appeared in Japan.

Just a few hours ago, at another dance performance, the monkey monkey is fighting again, but there are also people who have each other with dance step, much more. The names, legends, monsters, beliefs, signs of these speeches are difficult to understand from the content from the uninitiated. They are more like a parade of flowers and a strange chain of strange instruments.

Indonesia is not an ordinary country, and talking about "something traditional Indonesian" is presumptuous and incorrect. In most cases, countries around the world are defined based on their geographical location and their neighbors. Indonesia, however, is made up of 17,000 islands, and those that constantly operate with volcanoes are created every year in the waters between other islands. Some regions are so wild that it is likely that the natives are still human. When Papua suffered several floods a few years ago, authorities sent helicopter assistance.

World War II poster addressed to participants in the Manhattan Project.

The monkeys on the carved panel are Japanese macaques, which are very common in the Country rising sun. On the panel, monkeys sit in a row, the first one covers its ears with its paws, the second one covers its mouth, and the third one is carved with its eyes closed.

It turns out, however, that the indigenous peoples had never seen such a noisy flying miracle and began to shoot poisonous arrows at the “enemies”. And one more question doesn't stop me from worrying: how many islands would local students have to name sixth in geography? How are the 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 blacks on the island of Borneo? When you reach Indonesia, don't miss to find Captain Ephram Longsock among the people and this island island of Indonesia. However, for Indonesia the easiest island to talk about is Bali. Part of the annoying image and lack of disgust among tour operators. A luxurious place with magnificent beaches, exquisite resorts, rich yachts, sophisticated ladies and rich Europeans who bathe in glitter.

Monkeys are commonly known as "see no, hear no, speak no" monkeys, but in fact, they have their own names. The monkey who covers his ears is called Kikazaru, the one who covers his mouth is Iwazaru, and Mizaru closes his eyes.

Three on the beach in Barcelona.

But unless they land directly with a helicopter at their resort, they will 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, be it with the fame of a world resort.

Apparently the most common thing for Indonesians is to arrive with two suitcases from a flight and pick them up with a scooter. The first thing you'll notice is that there's no cargo on the scooter that can't be attached to it - there's little obstruction from suitcases.

The names are likely a play on words, as they all end in "zaru", which is the Japanese word for monkey. 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”, i.e. “Three Mystical Monkeys”. Sometimes a fourth monkey named Shizaru is added to the famous trio, who represents the principle of “do no evil.” It is worth noting that according to the generally accepted opinion, Shizaru was added much later in the souvenir industry, only for commercial purposes.

A family of five can ride a scooter, carry a full kitchen with blasted pots, ladles and lids to transport goods to load stores. And all this oversized traffic sneaks in about 2-3 cm from the heavy traffic of all cars, buses, trucks, lorries, horse-drawn carriages and all kinds 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, cattle and remain completely ends.

Brass casting.

Monkeys represent the approach to life in the Shinto and Koshin religions. Historians believe that the symbol of the three monkeys is approximately 500 years old, however, some argue that similar symbolism was spread in Asia by Buddhist monks, originating in the ancient Hindu tradition. Photographs of monkeys can be seen on ancient koshin scrolls, at which time Tosho-gu Shrine, where the famous panel is located, was erected as a sacred building for Shinto believers.

According to local laws, anyone who has taken the test at 16 can drive a scooter. I'm wondering about the laws about wearing helmets, keeping children safe, but it turns out the law gives parents the freedom to keep their children as they see fit. If a person pushes inside the shops, an attack of hospitable merchants begins. Guests are willing to bargain for the value of the smallest rag, as this is part of the game.

It turns out that Bali Beach surprises no one, because everyone expects what they see: wide, spacious, sandy, soft and clean beaches. Behind them are beautiful beachfront elegant buildings with bars, restaurants, magnificent toilets and bathrooms. And delight is reflected in the mirror in completely justified predictions.

Most old monument kosin

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 country other than Japan. The oldest kosin monument to feature monkeys was built in 1559, but it only features one monkey, not three.

In the surf, the waves are intensely explored by surf enthusiasts, and one thing is clear: staying straight on the board is a big deal. And if you're already in Bali, you've been to a show with weird monsters, bad, beautiful, funny and weird characters, you haven't eaten a monkey in a bad mood while heading into the jungle.

The most amazing surprise on the popular island is the possibility of an unforgettable multi-hour rafting trip 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 are looking at racing, although none of us know about rafting. We put on the vests, tighten the helmet straps, raise the oars, get a short course about which we only realize that we must try to listen to the boat driver.

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The belief is believed to stem from the blue-faced god Vajrayaksha, who protects people from spirits, diseases and demons. In Koshin belief he is called Shomen-Kongo and is often depicted accompanied by three monkeys.

There is a similar phrase in the book of sayings of Confucius “Lun Yu”: “Do not look at what is wrong; Don't listen to what is wrong; Don't say what is wrong; Don't do what is wrong." Perhaps this particular phrase was later simplified in Japan.

According to the legend of the Tendai Buddhist school, three monkeys were brought to Japan from China by the monk Saicho at the beginning of the 8th century.

Parallels with the symbolism of the three monkeys can be found in Taoism (“Zhuang Tzu” and “Le Tzu”), Hinduism (“Bhagavad Gita”), Jainism (“Naladiyar”), Judaism and Christianity (“Ecclesiastes”, “Psalms” and “ Book of Isaiah"), Islam (Sura of the Koran "Al-Baqarah"), etc.

Impact on culture

The plot of “The Three Wise Monkeys” is reflected in painting, in particular in the ukiyo-e genre.
Mahatma Gandhi carried figurines of three monkeys with him.
The film by Turkish director Nuri Bilge Ceylan, released in 2008, is called “Three Monkeys”.
The series “Three Monkey Mountain” from the animated series “The Adventures of Jackie Chan” is dedicated to three monkeys
Three monkeys have been depicted on commemorative coins of Somalia, the Cook Islands and Tanzania.
Three monkeys have been featured on postage stamps of Iraq, Tajikistan and New Caledonia.
American thrash metal band Megadeth has a mascot named Vic Rattlehead, appearance which is based on the idea of the non-action of evil.
In the 1968 film Planet of the Apes, during Taylor's trial, three monkey judges sit at the table, posing as three apes.
In the third episode See no evil(“See No Evil”), the first season of the television series “Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior,” plays on this cultural phenomenon metaphorically.
In the episode Sense and Sense Ability In the series “Charmed,” the plot revolves around the totem of three monkeys.
Mentioned in Andrei Grebenshchikov's novel Below Hell. The novel is part of the book series “Metro Universe 2033”
In the film “The Woman in Black” (2012) she is depicted as an element of the interior in the Il-Marsh estate
In the film "Dracula" (2014) it is depicted as an element of the interior of Dracula's castle.
In I. A. Efremov’s novel “The Hour of the Ox,” a sculpture of three monkeys is kept on his table by Choyo Chagas, the ruler of the planet Yan-Yakh.
In the film The People Under the Stairs (1991), the heroine Alice repeats the phrase “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” as a prayer.
IN computer game Gta 5 has a mission in which the three main characters (Trevor, Michael and Franklin) make the following gesture: Trevor closes his eyes, Michael covers his ears, and Franklin covers his mouth. Thus, they depict those same three monkeys.
The three monkeys characters are included in the Unicode standard: 🙈, 🙉, 🙊 (code positions U+1F648, U+1F649, U+1F64A respectively).
In the computer game Far Cry 4, there are missions in which Hurk asks the main character to look for golden monkey figurines that represent the same three monkeys.
The image of three monkeys is present in the central part of the triptych “At the Source” by artist Alla Tsybikova.
In the episode The One with the Fake Monica first season of the television series "Friends"

Gallery

"No Evil" Monkey LACMA AC1998.249.87.jpg

Composition with one monkey “I don’t see, I don’t hear, I won’t say”, proposed by netsukeshi Kaigyokusai. Netsuke, amber, Japan, mid-second half of the 19th century. Los Angeles Museum of Art

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Notes

Excerpt characterizing the Three Monkeys

- What is it? - asked both Rostov, the elder and the younger.
Anna Mikhailovna took a deep breath: “Dolokhov, Marya Ivanovna’s son,” she said in a mysterious whisper, “they say he has completely compromised her.” He took him out, invited him to his house in St. Petersburg, and so... She came here, and this head-off man followed her,” said Anna Mikhailovna, wanting to express her sympathy for Pierre, but in involuntary intonations and a half-smile, showing sympathy for the head-off man, like she named Dolokhov. “They say that Pierre himself is completely overwhelmed by his grief.”
“Well, just tell him to come to the club and everything will go away.” The feast will be a mountain.
The next day, March 3, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, 250 members of the English Club and 50 guests were expecting their dear guest and hero of the Austrian campaign, Prince Bagration, for dinner. The first time upon receiving news of Battle of Austerlitz Moscow was perplexed. At that time, the Russians were so accustomed to victories that, having received the news of defeat, some simply did not believe it, while others sought explanations for such a strange event in some unusual reasons. In the English Club, where everything that was noble, with correct information and weight gathered, in December, when news began to arrive, nothing was said about the war and about the last battle, as if everyone had agreed to remain silent about it. People who gave direction to the conversations, such as: Count Rostopchin, Prince Yuri Vladimirovich Dolgoruky, Valuev, gr. Markov, book. Vyazemsky, did not show up at the club, but gathered at home, in their intimate circles, and Muscovites, speaking from other people’s voices (to which Ilya Andreich Rostov belonged), remained on short time without a definite judgment about the matter of war and without leaders. Muscovites felt that something was wrong and that it was difficult to discuss this bad news, and therefore it was better to remain silent. But after a while, as the jury left the deliberation room, the aces who gave their opinions in the club appeared, and everything began to speak clearly and definitely. The reasons were found for the incredible, unheard of and impossible event that the Russians were beaten, and everything became clear, and in all corners of Moscow the same thing was said. These reasons were: the betrayal of the Austrians, the poor food supply of the army, the betrayal of the Pole Pshebyshevsky and the Frenchman Langeron, the inability of Kutuzov, and (they said on the sly) the youth and inexperience of the sovereign, who entrusted himself to bad and insignificant people. But the troops, the Russian troops, everyone said, were extraordinary and performed miracles of courage. Soldiers, officers, generals were heroes. But the hero of heroes was Prince Bagration, famous for his Shengraben affair and his retreat from Austerlitz, where he alone led his column undisturbed and spent the whole day repelling an enemy twice as strong. The fact that Bagration was chosen as a hero in Moscow was also facilitated by the fact that he had no connections in Moscow and was a stranger. In his person due honor was given to a fighting, simple, without connections and intrigues, Russian soldier, still associated with the memories of the Italian campaign with the name of Suvorov. In addition, in bestowing such honors on him, the displeasure and disapproval of Kutuzov was best shown.
“If there were no Bagration, il faudrait l"inventer, [it would be necessary to invent him.] - said the joker Shinshin, parodying the words of Voltaire. No one spoke about Kutuzov, and some scolded him in a whisper, calling him a court turntable and an old satyr. Throughout Moscow repeated the words of Prince Dolgorukov: “sculpt, sculpt and stick around,” who was consoled in our defeat by the memory of previous victories, and Rostopchin’s words were repeated about the fact that French soldiers must be excited to fight with pompous phrases, that we must reason logically with the Germans, convincing them that It is more dangerous to run than to go forward; but the Russian soldiers just need to be held back and be quiet! From all sides new and new stories were heard about individual examples of courage shown by our soldiers and officers at Austerlitz. He saved the banner, he killed 5 French. , he alone loaded 5 guns. They also said about Berg, who did not know him, that he was wounded in right hand, took the sword to the left and walked forward. They didn’t say anything about Bolkonsky, and only those who knew him closely regretted that he died early, leaving behind a pregnant wife and an eccentric father.

On March 3, in all the rooms of the English Club there was a groan of talking voices and, like bees on spring migration, scurried back and forth, sat, stood, converged and dispersed, in uniforms, tailcoats and some others in powder and caftans, members and guests of the club . Powdered, stockinged and booted footmen in livery stood at every door and strained to catch every movement of the guests and members of the club in order to offer their services. Most of those present were old, respectable people with wide, self-confident faces, thick fingers, firm movements and voices. This kind of guests and members sat in well-known, familiar places and met in well-known, familiar circles. A small part of those present consisted of random guests - mainly young people, among whom were Denisov, Rostov and Dolokhov, who was again a Semyonov officer. On the faces of the youth, especially the military, there was an expression of that feeling of contemptuous respect for the elderly, which seems to say to the old generation: we are ready to respect and honor you, but remember that after all, the future belongs to us.
Nesvitsky was there, like an old member of the club. Pierre, who, at the orders of his wife, had let his hair grow, had taken off his glasses and was dressed fashionably, but with a sad and despondent look, walked through the halls. He, as everywhere else, was surrounded by an atmosphere of people who worshiped his wealth, and he treated them with the habit of kingship and absent-minded contempt.
According to his years, he should have been with the young; according to his wealth and connections, he was a member of the circles of old, respectable guests, and therefore he moved from one circle to another.

The origin of the composition of three monkeys covering their eyes, ears and mouth, popular and recognizable in all countries, is associated with the countries of the East. Most likely, the birthplace of the symbol is Japan. It is associated with the main monastery of the Japanese, the mausoleum of ruler Ieyasu Tokugawa, in the city of Nikko. The walls of the Temple of the Sacred Stable are decorated with carved half-meter figures of monkeys, whose poses demonstrate the non-recognition of evil.

I don’t see three monkeys, I don’t hear, I won’t say - a symbol of what, what does it mean in different countries is interpreted differently, like this:

according to one theory, a person cannot achieve Nirvana until he renounces various kinds of desires, this is what is symbolized by monkeys covering their mouths, ears and eyes;
according to legend, three scout monkeys were sent by the gods with the mission of informing about the sins of people;
in the indigenous religion of Japan, Sambiki-saru, as this symbol is also called, occupy a place of honor - they guard horses that belong to the gods;
one can trace the similarities with the three principles of Buddhism: purity of action, word and thought.

I don’t see three monkeys, I don’t hear, I won’t say - a meaning that is often misinterpreted. The Buddhist religion tells us about the non-action of evil, but this does not at all mean rejection of reality and indifference to everything that happens around. Therefore, the popular interpretation in Western countries of “no see, no hearing, no speaking,” when monkeys prevent evil from entering by closing their mouths, eyes and ears, does not correspond to the actual meaning assigned to this symbolic group of monkeys.

It is more correct to use the symbol as a conscious renunciation of bad deeds and the manifestation of wise caution: “I see no evil. I don't hear anything bad. I’m not talking about evil.” It is logical to mention the fourth monkey, covering its belly or groin with its paw, which demonstrates the principle “I do no evil,” unfortunately, it is not common; among the Japanese, the number four brings misfortune, but Sezaru, that is the name of this monkey, can be found in India.

In general, in eastern countries, monkeys as such are treated with respect; they signify luck, resourcefulness, subtle intelligence and talent. In popular eastern calendar they are given the ninth position in a cycle of 12 periods. The coming year 2016 is just that.

In India, where the image of monkeys came from Chinese missionaries, sacred monkeys embody the idea of \u200b\u200bdetachment from evil and non-action of it. In Indian religion, the monkey Hanuman, the monkey god, is a noble protector, a warrior endowed with a keen mind and incredible strength.

The small figures of Sambiki-saru represent moral and ethical honesty and integrity.

Monkeys with their mouth, eyes and ears closed are by nature a very positive and benevolent symbol. The souvenir figurines of these monkeys are a talisman, providing protection from evil words and slander, and the toy monkeys protect the kids.

This gift will appeal to people who want to preserve some purity and kindness in our dual and imperfect world. If I don’t see, hear or talk about evil, then I am protected from evil.

Three wise monkeys, presented in the Buddhist concept, are found many times in films, animation, books, and souvenirs. They have taken a strong place in modern art.

It is believed that this proverb came to Japan from China in the 8th century, as part of Tendai Buddhist philosophy. It represents three dogmas that symbolize worldly wisdom. The carved monkey panel is just one small part of a larger series of panels at Tosho-gu Shrine.

The monkeys on the carved panel are Japanese macaques, which are very common in the Land of the Rising Sun. On the panel, monkeys sit in a row, the first one covers its ears with its paws, the second one covers its mouth, and the third one is carved with its eyes closed.

Hello, dear readers – seekers of knowledge and truth!

Perhaps among the oriental souvenirs you have come across figurines of monkeys covering their mouths, eyes or ears. These are three monkeys - I don’t see, I don’t hear, I won’t say. They have a curious and entertaining history going back several centuries.

Today’s article will tell you what the cute figures of monkeys mean, where they come from, thanks to whom they saw the light, what non-obvious meaning they have, and also whether they somehow relate to religion.

What are they called?

The very name of the three monkeys indicates their national origin. They are called “san-zaru”, or “sambiki-no-saru”, which means “three monkeys” in Japanese.

I don’t see anything, I don’t hear anything, I won’t say anything - in this case, the word “nothing” must be understood as precisely evil. Philosophy and life position is this: I don’t see evil, I don’t hear it, I don’t talk about it, which means I’m completely protected from it. Monkey figurines are a symbol of rejection of the evil of this world.

Each monkey has its own name:
Mia-zaru – closes eyes;
Kika-zaru - covers the ears;
Iwa-zaru closes his mouth.

The meaning of their names lies in their action, or rather inaction: “miazaru” is translated as “not to see”, “kikazaru” - “not to hear”, “iwazaru” - not to speak.

“Why monkeys?” – you ask. The fact is that the second part of all the above actions - “zaru” - is consonant with Japanese word, meaning monkey. So it turns out to be a kind of play on words, the originality of which only a true Japanese can fully appreciate.

IN lately A fourth monkey is increasingly being added to the monkey trio. Her name is Shizaru, and she personifies the moral of the whole phrase - “I do no evil.” In the images, she covers her tummy or “causal areas” with her paws.

However, Shizaru did not take root among its relatives, especially in Asia. According to one statement, the reason for this is the unnaturalness of this monkey, because it was allegedly invented artificially as a well-calibrated marketing ploy.

Another opinion says that the problem is in Eastern numerology, which calls the number “four” bringing misfortune. So the famous statuette remained as a trio, and not as a quartet.

Origin of the symbol

The figurine’s hometown is Nikko, which is located 150 kilometers from the capital of Japan, Tokyo. The Japanese love this place, and this is not surprising - the Tosho-gu Shinto shrine is located here. It is a striking complex of carved buildings - a real masterpiece wood carvings.

No wonder Tosho-gu is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. But another attraction is the stables. It is here that the carved sculpture “San-zaru” has been displayed above the door since the 17th century. Its author is Hidari Jingoro, the man thanks to whom the three monkeys became known to the whole world.

In Japan people generally love monkeys. In this country, they are considered wise animals, personifying resourcefulness and leading to success.

You can often see a sculpture of a monkey – Migavari-zaru – near houses. In another way, it can be called a double of a monkey. She drives away evil spirits, evil spirits that can attract misfortune, illness, injustice.

Religious overtones

An offshoot of Tendai Buddhist thought, the monkey symbol reached Japanese lands through the Chinese Buddhist monk Saicho in the 8th century. Even then, three monkeys meant practical intelligence and boundless wisdom.

Indeed, gladly accepts and supports wise saying from the mouth of Sanzaru: there is no need to notice the evil that is happening around, just as there is no need to commit it, feed it, and then the path to Enlightenment will be cleaner and easier.

Moreover, figurines of monkeys are quite often used in Buddhist shrines. But it would be wrong to assume that they originate in philosophy.

In fact, the three “zaru” go back to the Japanese cult of Koshin, which, in turn, “migrated” from the Chinese Tao religion. According to the Kosin belief, a person is inhabited by certain entities that watch over the owner.

If he cannot cope with internal evil, once every two months these entities find out the master’s secrets about atrocities, directing them to the Almighty.

Three monkeys on the walls of Toshogu Temple, Nikko city, Japan

To avoid punishment, a person needs not to see, not to hear evil, not to talk about it and not to commit, but dangerous days, when entities can break out, you shouldn’t even sleep!

Similar worldly wisdom associated with renunciation and renunciation of atrocities is found in many religious movements and their sacred texts: in the Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Judaic, Jain religions.