The three wise monkeys said, see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil. This saying of the wise monkeys originated in Japan, during the Muromachi period (a time of turbulence). It is believed that they were influenced by the teachings of the Buddha. Their names were Mizaru who covered his eyes and saw no evil; Kikazaru, who covered his ears and heard no evil; Iwazaru, who covered his mouth and spoke no evil. Then there is the San Saru symbol, which says, “See the good, hear the good and speak the good.” The wise monkeys are also known as the three mystical monkeys. Continue reading →