Material: Polyresin, Resin, Injection Molding, Mold

Size: Approximately 10 cm / Set of five

Description:

This small Buddha statue primarily illustrates the Buddhist idiom "Do not look at what is not proper, do not listen to what is not proper, do not say what is not proper."

Detailed description of the idiom "Do not speak what is not proper, do not look at what is not proper, do not listen to what is not proper"

"Do not speak what is not proper, do not look at what is not proper, do not listen to what is not proper" is a famous saying from ancient Chinese Confucian classics, often used as an idiom or aphorism. It stems from the core of Confucius's thought and emphasizes personal moral cultivation and the principles of etiquette. This saying is often used in conjunction with "Do not move what is not proper," forming the complete "Four Don'ts": Do not look at what is not proper, do not listen to what is not proper, do not say what is not proper, and do not move what is not proper. The following details its origin, when, and how to use it.

Origin

This quote comes from the Yan Yuan chapter of the Analects, compiled by Confucius and his disciples during the Spring and Autumn Period. It is Confucius's teaching on "benevolence" to his disciple Yan Yuan (Yan Hui). The original text reads: "Yan Hui asked about benevolence. The Master said, 'To restrain oneself and return to propriety is benevolence. For every day that one restrains oneself and returns to propriety, the world will be filled with benevolence. Is the practice of benevolence up to oneself, or is it up to others?' Yan Hui said, 'Please tell me the purpose.' The Master said, 'Do not look at what is not proper, do not listen to what is not proper, do not speak what is not proper, do not act what is not proper.' Yan Hui said, 'Although Hui is not intelligent, I will follow these instructions.'"

- **Background Explanation**: Yan Hui asked Confucius how to practice "benevolence" (benevolence, benevolence). Confucius first pointed out that "to restrain oneself and return to propriety is benevolence," meaning to restrain one's desires and return to propriety, which is the fundamental path to achieving benevolence. When Yan Yuan further inquired about specific methods ("its purpose"), Confucius offered these four principles: Do not look (勿视), do not listen (勿听), do not speak (勿言), and do not do (勿动) what is not in accordance with propriety. This embodies the Confucian concept of "ritual" as a cornerstone of social norms and personal cultivation, aiming to achieve inner benevolence through self-discipline.

- **Cultural Extension**: This saying later became highly influential, often simplified to the "Three Don'ts" (don't look at what is not propriety, don't listen to what is not propriety, don't speak what is not propriety), and is associated with the symbolism of the "Three No Monkeys" (don't see evil, don't hear evil, don't speak evil). It is rumored that the "Three No Monkeys" may be derived from the Tendai Buddhist principle of "don't see, don't hear, don't speak," but in Chinese culture, it can be directly traced back to this statement of Confucius. Similar translations and symbols are found in Japanese and Indian cultures, conveying the idea of ​​avoiding evil. Confucius emphasized that this was not an abstract theory, but a guide for daily practice. Yan Yuan, upon hearing this, stated that he would strive to follow it, even if he was not particularly intelligent.

The emergence of this idiom reflects the social unrest of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, when Confucius sought to restore moral order through rituals. It became the core of Confucian thought and influenced subsequent education and ethical systems.

When to Use It

This idiom is often used to emphasize moral self-discipline and avoid negative influences. It is suitable for the following situations:

- **Moral Education and Self-cultivation**: In family, school, or workplace education, it is used to advise people to avoid unrighteousness. For example, parents might teach their children to avoid harmful information, spread rumors, or engage in immoral behavior. Confucius considered this a concrete practice of "benevolence" and is applicable when pursuing inner purity and improving personal character.

- **Avoiding Temptation or Negative Environments**: When faced with social temptations, rumors, violence, or indecent content, use this idiom to remind yourself or others to maintain a distance. For example, in discussions of media literacy, the idiom "Do not look at what is inappropriate" is used to avoid the influence of offensive images; in workplace ethics, "Do not speak what is inappropriate" is used to prevent gossip or slander.

- **Crisis or Moments of Reflection**: This idiom is used to reflect after a personal mistake, or to call for moral self-discipline in social events. For example, when a public figure is involved in a scandal, this idiom can be used to criticize or reflect, emphasizing that prevention is better than cure.

- **Religious or Philosophical Discussion**: In Buddhism, Confucianism, or other ethical philosophy, the principle of "refraining from evil and practicing good" is strengthened by the belief in "guarding with one's heart," creating a stronger constraint. It is applicable to any situation that requires strengthening a sense of justice and responsibility, but should not be overly harsh, lest it neglect human nature.

In short, it is often used in positive guidance rather than negative criticism, with the goal of promoting harmony and self-improvement.

Usage

This idiom can be used flexibly, often in the form of an aphorism, and can be quoted alone or in combination. The following are common ways to use it:

- **Direct Quotation**: Quoting it in whole or in part in an article, speech, or conversation. For example, "As Confucius said, 'Look not at what is not proper, listen not to what is not proper, and speak not what is not proper. We should exercise self-discipline in this way.'" This method emphasizes authority and is often used in formal settings.

- **Metaphor or Extended Application**: Translated into a modern context, for example, in the internet age, it can be used to advise people to avoid clicking on inappropriate links, such as "Do not look at what is not proper" or to avoid spreading fake news on social media, such as "Do not speak what is not proper." It can also be combined with parallelism to enhance its impact, such as repeated use in educational texts to enhance memorability.

- **Symbolism or Visual Expression**: Commonly used in artifacts, decorative objects (such as the Three No Monkeys statue), or cartoons, it conveys a moral. In videos or media, it can be explained through storytelling, such as the dialogue between Yan Yuan and Confucius.

- **Combined Use**: Paired with other Confucian maxims, such as "Restrict yourself and return to propriety," to form a complete argument. In writing, it can be used as an opening or closing to highlight the main theme. In everyday language, it can be simplified into a catchphrase, such as "Remember, do not listen to what is not proper," to provide a quick message.

Overall, usage should be contextual, avoiding rigid idioms and integrating them into natural expressions to achieve an educational or cautionary effect. This saying is not only an ancient saying, but also a piece of timeless wisdom.