The origin of "See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil" traces back to a 17th-century carving at the Tōshō-gū shrine in Nikkō, Japan. This iconic phrase is often associated with three wise monkeys—Mizaru, covering his eyes, who sees no evil; Kikazaru, covering his ears, who hears no evil; and Iwazaru, covering his mouth, who speaks no evil. These monkeys are a symbolic embodiment of the principle "if we do not dwell on evil thoughts, we shall be spared from evil deeds." This teaching is deeply rooted in various religious and cultural traditions, including Buddhism, where it emphasizes the importance of moral propriety and self-discipline in leading a good life. Over time, this philosophical trio has transcended cultural boundaries, becoming a universal symbol advocating for ethical conduct and mindfulness in actions, speech, and thoughts.
