Saiyuki names

[louiselux]

Can anyone point me to a good analysis of what Sanzo, Goku, Hakkai and Gojyo's names mean, or indeed can anyone tell me in some detail? I have very little knowledge of Japanese. I'm fairly clear on the number thing, but I know there are other meanings too. For Hakkai, meanings found so far on a cursory internet search are 'eight precepts' 'eight views' 'eight stormy seas'!

So, aaargh! confusing! I'd really appreciate some advice on this, if anyone can help.

The reason I'm asking and the reason this post is fairly closely locked to those likely to know is because it has to do with a remix story I'm writing, hence the desire to get things right.

Comments

[kinsugi.livejournal.com]

In the original tale, I've seen the Monkey King "Aware of Vacuity" or, I prefer, "aware of emptiness." Depending on your spin on Buddhism, it might refer to either an advanced stage of enlightenment (the original Monkey King, incredibly powerful, ate all sorts of fruits of enlightenment -- rather, I suppose, like trying to shortcut with psychedelics...) or perhaps his hunger to achieve enlightenment, or to fill the void. Pun upon pun, layers of wordplay, and now we have an always hungry Goku. No wonder Asian languages are so difficult!

I like to think of Goku as incredibly powerful (as Son Goku certainly is during battle!) and in such an advanced state of enlightenment that he has no memories and exists only in the Now... but since he's forgotten everything, he's forgotten that as well! Enlightenment seems to be very close to the innocent joy of a child... Goku at his brightest.

btw, this discussion was in 2005... have you any new resources or links on the subject? It's a never-ending source of interest!