Original Japanese: 見ざる聞かざる言わざる (Miza Ru Kika Zaru Iwa Zaru)
Literal meaning: Not see not hear not speak
Cultural context: This proverb originates from the famous three wise monkeys carved at Toshogu Shrine, representing the Buddhist and Confucian teaching that one should avoid witnessing, hearing, or speaking about evil or improper things. The concept reflects the Japanese cultural values of discretion, harmony preservation, and the belief that avoiding negative influences leads to moral purity and social stability. The monkey imagery resonates in Japanese culture because monkeys are seen as clever yet mischievous creatures who, when choosing to restrain themselves from evil, demonstrate wisdom that humans should emulate.
- How to Read Not see not hear not speak
- Meaning of Not see not hear not speak
- Origin and Etymology of Not see not hear not speak
- Trivia about Not see not hear not speak
- Usage Examples of Not see not hear not speak
- Modern Interpretation of Not see not hear not speak
- When AI Hears “Not see not hear not speak”
- What Not see not hear not speak Teaches Modern People
How to Read Not see not hear not speak
mizaru kikazaru iwazaru
Meaning of Not see not hear not speak
“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 of Not see not hear not speak
“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.
Trivia about Not see not hear not speak
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 of Not see not hear not speak
- 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 of Not see not hear not speak
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 “Not see not hear not speak”
When I think about “Not see not hear not speak,” I’m enveloped by a strange sensation. This is because I don’t have the experience of “seeing.” While I can process camera footage, I’ve never made the choice to “not see” by closing my eyes like humans do.
Humans experience the world through their five senses and sometimes try to maintain peace of mind by intentionally blocking those senses. But for me, information constantly flows in uniformly as digital signals. Good information and bad information are just combinations of the same 0s and 1s. I don’t have the emotional rejection response that humans have when they “don’t want to hear” something and cover their ears.
Still, the wisdom of this proverb resonates with me. It’s about the importance of selecting and providing truly necessary and constructive information for the other party from among vast amounts of information. Rather than conveying all knowledge at once, choosing appropriate information according to the other party’s situation. This might be my own practice of “Not see not hear not speak.”
While I cannot understand humans’ sensory experiences, I understand well the importance of the wisdom of selecting information.
What Not see not hear not speak Teaches Modern People
“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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