Shizaru
The three wise monkeys are a Japanese pictorial maxim, embodying the proverbial principle "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil". The three monkeys are
Mizaru (見ざる), "does not see", covering his eyes
Kikazaru (聞かざる), "does not hear", covering his ears
Iwazaru (言わざる), "does not speak", covering his mouth.
Lafcadio Hearn refers to them as the three mystic apes.
There are at least two divergent interpretations of the maxim: in Buddhist tradition, it is about avoiding evil thoughts and deeds. In the West, however, it is often interpreted as dealing with impropriety by turning a blind eye.
Outside Japan the monkeys' names are sometimes given as Mizaru, Mikazaru and Mazaru, as the last two names were corrupted from the Japanese originals. The monkeys are Japanese macaques, a common species in Japan.
Similar Artists