Four wise monkeys Buddhist principle
Many of us are familiar with Three wise monkeys representing Buddhist religion principle of non-doing three evils. In particular, “see no evil”, “hear no evil”, and “do not speak of evil”. Monkeys Mi-zaru, Cica-zaru and Yves-zaru “hide” from evil, closing the mouth, eyes and ears. And we often meet their images in sculptures and figurines, as well as copied and parodied ones. However, they also have a fourth friend, whose image we meet much rarer. Meanwhile, forgotten Sedzaru embodies the principle of “do not commit evil,” and the arms cover belly or crotch area. Since the Japanese consider the number 4 unlucky, fourth, though the most important monkey, is mentioned very rarely. Undoubtedly, the four wise monkeys have become the real inspiration for artists and craftsmen all over the world.

Somewhere, in the early 2000s when plowing a field near the village of Pokrovka of Pavlovsk district, Voronezh region peasants, removed from the earth a very unusual statue. A small figure made of marl (sedimentary rock, intermediate between the clay and limestone) is truly unique. It is an anthropomorphic image with a large egg-shaped head, large almond eyes, hands pressed to the head and bent legs.

Interestingly, alongside with the scaphoid people raised the boat-shaped ax, and the very figure refers to about 2.5-3 thousand years BC. e.

Once again, look closely: the right hand covers the ear, the left – the mouth, the eyes may be closed (the pupils are not indicated). “I do not see, do not hear, do not say’, similar to the three monkeys? And it is from the Bronze Age? Beautiful, but not provable. If it’s true, the hypothesis of the Japanese origin of the three monkeys could be considered inappropriate.

Four wise monkeys

Meanwhile, on the island of Mindoro there is a resort town Benilda (Benilda Resort, named after the owner’s mother). Nothing unusual: cottages, a large swimming pool and a restaurant, until you get to the garden. The garden features a huge sculpture of three monkeys. It is difficult to say for sure, but most likely, it is the largest statue of three monkeys in the world. (Image credit firingyourimagination.blogspot.com)