<P> An ancient representation of the "no see, no hear, no say, no do" can be found in four golden figurines in the Zelnik Istvan Southeast Asian Gold Museum . These golden statues date from the 6th to 8th century . The figures look like tribal human people with not very precise body carvings and strong phallic symbols . This set indicates that the philosophy comes from very ancient roots . </P> <P> It is not clear how or when the saying travelled; in Ethiopia the Ge'ez language has the saying "Let the eye fast, let the mouth fast, let the ears fast ." </P> <P> Just as there is disagreement about the origin of the phrase, there are differing explanations of the meaning of "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil". </P> <Ul> <Li> In Buddhist tradition, the tenets of the proverb are about not dwelling on evil thoughts . </Li> <Li> In the Western world both the proverb and the image are often used to refer to a lack of moral responsibility on the part of people who refuse to acknowledge impropriety, looking the other way or feigning ignorance . </Li> <Li> It may also signify a code of silence in gangs, or organized crime . </Li> </Ul>

Where did the phrase hear no evil see no evil speak no evil come from