also: さんざる
three wise monkeys
Refers to the three monkeys embodying 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil', often depicted as Mizaru, Kikazaru, and Iwazaru. A well-known cultural symbol.
The three wise monkeys at Nikko Toshogu are a famous carving.
see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil principle
Standard kanji spelling; the reading さんえん is the most common.
Alternate reading using the kun'yomi for 猿; less common but still encountered.
From 三 (three) and 猿 (monkey). The concept is of Chinese origin, later incorporated into Japanese folk belief and famously depicted at Toshogu shrine.