How to Read “見ざる聞かざる言わざる”
mizaru kikazaru iwazaru
Meaning of “見ざる聞かざる言わざる”
“Not see not hear not speak” represents the teaching of self-restraint: not seeing, not hearing, and not speaking about things that go against morality, people’s bad words, or bad things.
This is not mere escapism from reality, but rather an active method of character cultivation. It was born as wisdom to prevent oneself from becoming corrupted by turning one’s heart toward bad things, and to maintain a pure heart. It also has the practical meaning of preserving harmony in human relationships by not speaking about or keeping in one’s heart the mistakes and ugly aspects of others, even when one sees and hears them. Even today, it is understood as a very practical life lesson that teaches us the importance of not being swayed by negative information and focusing our consciousness on constructive things.
Origin and Etymology
“Not see not hear not speak” is widely known from the three monkey carvings at the sacred stable (shinkyusha) of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, but the origins of this teaching are actually much older, tracing back to Chinese classics.
The most credible theory suggests it originated from Confucius’s teaching in the Chinese “Analects”: “非礼勿視、非礼勿聴、非礼勿言、非礼勿動” (Do not look at what is contrary to propriety, do not listen to what is contrary to propriety, do not speak what is contrary to propriety, do not act contrary to propriety). This meant do not see, hear, speak, or do things that go against morality.
It was introduced to Japan around the Heian period along with Buddhism and became established as “Not see not hear not speak” within the teachings of the Tendai sect. Monkeys came to be used because the word “saru” (to leave/go away) has the same sound as “saru” (monkey), incorporating the auspicious meaning that disasters will go away. During the Edo period, it became widely beloved among common people and established itself as the proverb we know today.
Interesting Facts
The three monkey carvings at Nikko Toshogu Shrine actually consist of 8 panels of monkey carvings, and “Not see not hear not speak” corresponds to the childhood part of a story depicting human life. The other carvings show monkeys growing up, falling in love, getting married, and raising children.
If you look closely at the poses of the three monkeys, they are arranged from left to right as “not see,” “not hear,” and “not speak.” This is thought to be an order that admonishes against the human behavioral pattern of seeing bad things, then hearing about them, and finally speaking about them, presented in reverse.
Usage Examples
- I try to practice not see not hear not speak regarding workplace gossip
- For social media controversies, it’s best not to get involved with not see not hear not speak
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, “Not see not hear not speak” has taken on new meaning as wisdom for self-defense in an age of information overload. On social media and the internet, negative news, criticism of others, and controversies flow continuously 24 hours a day. It would be difficult to maintain mental health if we responded to all of this.
On the other hand, in modern times, we also see incorrect usage where it’s used to justify indifference to social problems and injustice as “turning a blind eye” or “pretending not to hear.” While the original teaching meant avoiding things contrary to morality, it is sometimes used in modern times as an excuse to abandon a sense of justice and social responsibility.
However, when compared with modern concepts like digital detox and mindfulness, the essential value of this proverb is being recognized anew. The attitude of intentionally distancing oneself from harmful information and concentrating on constructive things has become an indispensable skill for modern people. The ability to selectively receive information can be said to be the practice of the modern version of “Not see not hear not speak.”
When AI Hears This
Research shows that modern people face approximately 34,000 decisions per day. Most of these involve choosing whether to “receive this information or ignore it.” Here, “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” takes on an entirely new meaning.
Traditionally, this principle was often viewed as a “passive attitude of turning away from inconvenient truths,” but it was actually “an advanced technique for protecting oneself from the flood of information.” For example, deliberately avoiding inflammatory topics on social media, letting unsubstantiated news pass by, and not spreading uncertain information. These are the modern version of the three monkeys.
According to psychology’s “cognitive load theory,” there are limits to the amount of information the human brain can process at once. In other words, trying to accept all information prevents us from making truly important decisions.
What’s fascinating is research showing that people who “actively block information” tend to have higher creativity and concentration. The reason today’s successful people practice “digital detox” follows this same principle. The teaching of the three monkeys was actually cutting-edge life hacking for surviving in the information society.
It’s surprising that ancient wisdom would become a modern mental health strategy.
Lessons for Today
“Not see not hear not speak” teaches modern people wisdom about how to deal with information. It’s not necessary to react to all information; what’s important is developing the ability to choose what is truly necessary for one’s peace of mind and growth.
Particularly in modern times, making the intentional choice to “not see,” “not hear,” and “not speak” actually leads to a more active way of living. Rather than having your time stolen by negative information, focusing on your goals and relationships with important people will lead to a much richer life.
However, this doesn’t mean abandoning social responsibility. When truly necessary, it’s also important to speak up and take action. The key is developing the judgment to discern where to direct your energy. The accumulation of small daily choices creates a peaceful and fulfilling life.
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