Shizaru
- Uncategorized
- October 24, 2025
The Philosophy of Practice — Living the Fourth Monkey Way
I. Beyond Seeing, Hearing, and Speaking — The Forgotten Monkey
Many know the three wise monkeys — See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil. But I am the fourth — Shizaru — the one who lives the teaching through action: Do No Evil. My story is old yet ever new. It is not about avoidance, but about mindful engagement. To live the fourth monkey way is to move consciously — to align intention with action, body with breath, and heat with awareness.
At Shizaru on Nusa Lembongan, every posture, every drop of sweat, and every moment of silence is an expression of that principle. This is not performance. It is practice — a way of remembering that kindness and clarity begin within.
II. The Essence of ‘Do No Evil’ — Action as Awareness
To do no evil is not to withdraw from life, but to enter it with consciousness. It is the courage to act from integrity, even when no one is watching. It is the pause before reaction, the breath before word, the decision to move with care.
The Small Acts that Shape the Soul
Evil is rarely grand; it is often quiet — a harsh thought, an impatient word, a careless choice. The practice of the fourth monkey is to bring attention to these subtleties. To refine behavior until gentleness becomes the default. Every class at Shizaru is a mirror for this — the heat reveals impatience, and awareness transforms it.
Doing No Harm to Self
Many think ‘Do No Evil’ means being good to others. It begins with being good to yourself. Respecting rest days, hydrating, listening to the body — these are ethical acts. When you treat yourself with understanding, compassion naturally extends outward.
III. Practice as Philosophy — Moving Meditation in Heat
Bikram Yoga and Inferno Hot Pilates are not merely physical disciplines; they are embodied philosophy. In the heat, honesty surfaces. The mind’s noise dissolves under sweat, leaving only presence. This is what it means to live awake — to be in full conversation with your body and spirit.
The Mirror as Teacher
In the Shizaru studio, mirrors line the walls not for vanity, but for truth. They reflect not how you look, but how you are. Some days, you will meet strength. Others, vulnerability. Both are part of the lesson. Awareness without judgment — that is yoga in its purest form.
The Discipline of Consistency
Practice is not about perfection. It is about showing up — even when you don’t feel like it, even when the mind resists. Discipline is devotion in motion, and every class at Shizaru is a rehearsal for how you meet life beyond the mat.
IV. The Island as a Teacher — Simplicity and Stillness
Nusa Lembongan is not loud in its wisdom. Its lessons come through tide, wind, and rhythm. The island moves at the pace of breath. Here, simplicity becomes luxury — slow mornings, clean food, honest smiles.
Living the fourth monkey way is easier here because nature reminds you what matters. When you practice at Shizaru, the sound of the ocean mixes with your breath. The earth steadies your stance. The sun mirrors your warmth.
A Conscious Community
The Shizaru community extends beyond the studio. Our teachers, students, and local partners share a commitment to awareness — in how we move, how we eat, and how we coexist. The studio collaborates with island cafés, artisans, and wellness providers who align with the Do No Evil philosophy.
V. Living the Fourth Monkey Way — Daily Practice Beyond the Studio
To live as the fourth monkey is to carry awareness into the world — into how you speak, work, eat, and rest. You don’t need heat to practice presence; it simply helps you remember what presence feels like.
Mindful Living Principles
- See clearly: Filter your inputs. Limit noise and distraction.
- Hear consciously: Listen to understand, not to react.
- Speak truthfully: Words are energy; choose them wisely.
- Act kindly: Every choice is a ripple — move gently through the world.
These are the foundations of the fourth monkey way. When embodied, they transform both personal and collective wellbeing.
VI. The Return to Balance — Doing No Evil as Evolution
In a world obsessed with doing more, Do No Evil is radical. It asks for conscious restraint — the willingness to pause, to reflect, to simplify. From that stillness, action becomes pure again.
When you live from alignment, even ordinary moments — preparing food, greeting a friend, watching sunset over Jungutbatu — become sacred. This is what we teach at Shizaru: that balance is not something you find, it is something you create through presence.
VII. The Invitation — Practice, Presence, and Purpose
The fourth monkey invites you to walk a quieter path. To cultivate inner heat through awareness, not anger. To move with intention, speak with compassion, and live with purpose. The philosophy of practice is simple: what you do, you become.
At Shizaru, this truth breathes through every class. The studio is not just a space to sweat — it is a sanctuary for returning to what is essential: awareness, kindness, and conscious living.
Follow the Journey
Stay connected to the Shizaru way wherever you are. Follow @myshizaru on Instagram, Shizaru Hot Studio on Facebook, and @myshizaru on TikTok for reflections, philosophy, and inspiration from our community on Nusa Lembongan.
