Griffin Speaks

SEE NO EVIL

Who among us have not heard the saying, “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil?” If you haven’t heard the saying then you must have been under a rock. Many times we utilize phrases without a clue or idea on what they actually mean. We also seldom know where the phrases originated from. 

Scholars really don’t know where the phrase originated. My dad claims it originated with him. Just kidding! The phrase has been around for centuries. 

My research reveals that the phrase usually means that an individual does not want to get involved because this individual chooses to see, hear and speak nothing. The phrase is represented by three wise apes from the seventh century, each of which covers its eyes, ears and mouth with its own hands. These three apes are carved on the door of the Sacred Stable in Nikko, Japan. The names of the three apes are Mizaru (see no evil), Kikazaru (hear no evil) and Iwazaru (speak no evil). 

My son Christopher and I were out shopping when we stumbled across a set of these three wise apes. The owner of the store said that they were a gift from a childhood friend, but he would sell them to me. I made him an offer that he couldn’t refuse and now the three wise apes adorn the mantle of my fireplace. 

For some reason I believe the elders got it right: “If we do not hear, see or talk evil, we ourselves will be spared all evil.” The three apes have become a global symbol. The symbol reminds me of a very good piece of advice. 

In the words of my dad, Dr. Melvin J. Griffin Sr.: “I have never seen a discontented tree.”

Greg Griffin is a free lance writer. You can read his previous articles by visiting his web page at www.greggriffin.com or write to him at P.O. Box 250194 Montgomery, Alabama 36125-0194.