In this peaceful setting lived three wise monkeys, known throughout the village for their unique approach to life. Each monkey had a particular way of perceiving the world. The First Monkey, named Mizaru, sat comfortably beneath a cherry tree with his eyes gently closed. Kikazaru, the Second Monkey, leaned against a smooth rock, his ears covered by his hands. Lastly, Iwazaru, the Third Monkey, stood quietly with his lips pressed together, reflecting on the tranquility surrounding them.
Mizaru believed firmly in "see no evil," confident that by avoiding the sight of negativity, he could maintain inner peace. "If we choose not to witness the darkness, it shall not burden our souls," he often advised the villagers. His presence under the cherry blossom tree was a reminder to focus on the beauty that life offered.
Kikazaru advocated for "hear no evil," keeping his ears covered to shield himself from harmful words and gossip. "Words, once heard, can take root and grow into unwelcome thoughts," he explained to those who sought his counsel. His example encouraged the villagers to cultivate an environment of kindness and respect in their speech.
Iwazaru, embodying "speak no evil," chose silence over words that could potentially harm others. "In silence, we find the space to understand and heal," he communicated through his serene demeanor. His quiet wisdom inspired the villagers to think before they spoke, fostering an atmosphere of harmony.
Together, the three monkeys taught the villagers that wisdom lay in mindfulness—of what they chose to see, hear, and say. Through their simple yet profound actions, Mizaru, Kikazaru, and Iwazaru became living symbols of the proverb, "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil."
The story of the three monkeys spread far beyond their village, becoming a cherished lesson in moral integrity and the importance of shielding oneself from negativity. Through their example, the villagers learned to live with purity and wisdom, focusing only on the positive aspects of life, ensuring that peace and goodwill flourished within their community.
