Three Wise Monkeys
Confucian teachings about proper conduct: do not look at, listen to, or speak what is contrary to propriety.
At the Tōshōgū shrine in Nikkō, Japan, there is a famous carving by Hidari Jingorō, of three monkeys: one covering its eyes, one its ears, and one its mouth, embodying “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.”
In the Analects of Confucius there is a passage that reads:
"Look not at what is contrary to propriety; listen not to what is contrary to propriety; speak not what is contrary to propriety; make no movement which is contrary to propriety."
A guideline for self‑discipline and morality.
In the psychology of Ayurveda what we eat, see, hear, speak and read impacts our mental clarity and our very spiritual life to the core. It can well be the downfall of a sādhaka one who practices sādhana — a disciplined spiritual practitioner committed to a path of realization.
One could argue the root and origin of this phrase and other belief systems are derived from sources of Ancient India. Yoga & Ayurveda. The Sutras. Dharma Sastras. The epics Ramayan and Mahabharat. The Puranas and of course last but not least the sacred Bhagavad Gita.
These practices were observed by Vaisnava traditions well before Confucius. Even to a significantly higher and stricter standard. This etiquette is still adhered to by many devoted Vaisnavas to this very day. Perhaps more than any other path one could argue in the modern times we live in. If not followed fully it is a desired paragon for followers.
Bhagavad-gītā 9.34 (and 18.65)
“Man-manā bhava mad-bhakto mad-yājī māṁ namaskuru” –
“Always think of Me, become My devotee, worship Me and offer obeisances to Me.
Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu (1.2.8). (Sri Rupa Goswami)
smartavyaḥ satataṁ viṣṇur vismartavyo na jātucit sarve vidhi-niṣedhāḥ syur etayor eva kiṅkarāḥ
Translation: "Krishna should always be remembered and never forgotten at any time. All rules in scripture are the servants of these two principles."
This brings us the tech world we live in today. Television and Phone addiction. Blue Light. Doomscrolling. Algorithms. Social Media. Constant Advertisements. Inane music followed by fleeting trends. Recently light has been shed on the given impact on teenagers and alarmingly young girls.
There are a promotion of habits that many simply wish to avoid and are detrimental to the health. In my grandfathers day smoking was the thing to do. Frankly alcohol can be seen as more detrimental to health than any illegal substance yet it is flagrantly displayed by marketing companies everywhere.
If we all are bombarded by such devices and this content how can we possibly focus on small fragments of spiritual progress. We will forget Krishna in this manner.
How can we remember Krishna at all times?
A recent app I came to know through Hollywood podcast interviews. Count the days you have been off Instagram. Often such apps can be through boredom, isolation, loneliness, outright ego, pride, envy and jealousy. The are superb methods of procrastination.
It is good to step away from socials sometime. After all there is a social life and always has been outside of such networks.
I am an auditory individual and budding audiophile. I listen to kirtan, lectures and audio books when i can. I'm making a conscious effort of making the shift from usual music and television to spiritual benefits. It's not easy at all.
In a world prior to computers many saintly people could dedicate themselves more. It is becoming more and more problematic by the day.
My goal. Chant more mantra. Listen to more katha. Sing more kirtan. It's fun.
For a Vaisnav every second is precious in life to devote it to Sri Sri Radha Krishna.
Time is precious. Use it well.