Know yourself, study your own mind: "The Zen Wisdom and the Monkey Mind"

[u/t3s30]

Excerpt from the book

"The Zen Wisdom and the Monkey Mind":

The first monkey, with his hands covering his eyes, was called Mizaru. He personified the principle of “see no evil,” reminding all who crossed his path of the importance of not focusing on the bad in people and situations, nor obsessing over negative or harmful thoughts.

The second monkey, with its hands covering its ears, was called Kikazaru. He represented the idea of “hear no evil,” teaching others not to listen to gossip or harmful words that could cause discord and harm.

The third monkey, with its hands covering its mouth, was known as Iwazaru. He exemplified the concept of “speak no evil,” encouraging others to think before they speak and to use their words only for goodness and truth.

Together, the three monkeys taught everyone the importance of avoiding harmful thoughts, words and actions, to focus on seeing the positive in people and not the negative, to avoid listening to and spreading gossip and harmful words and to use words wisely and goodness.

Their simple but profound message taught everyone to strive to cultivate purity of heart and maintain a clear and calm mind.”