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

[louiselux.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! This is very useful.

Oh, yes, given names would be useful too.

Can I ask, what does 'satori' mean?

[mistressrenet.livejournal.com]

Of course you can, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satori) but I will link you to wiki as my buddhism is fuzzy and paraphrase-heavy. It is important to note that enlightenment, in Japanese Buddhism, is a transitory state. XD

I'm so glad you asked this, because I've been mulling Hakkai's name over for my essay.

[louiselux.livejournal.com]

Ah - excellent link, thanks!

I'd never known before that enlightenment was transitory. The comparison with the word epiphany is quite... enlightening! So Gojyo actually means something along the lines of, 'enlightented purity'. Interesting.

In one of the manga translations, Goku's name is said to mean something like 'knowledge of things unseen'.

Looking forward to seeing your essay, btw.

[mistressrenet.livejournal.com]

It's not transitory in all traditions. But I do think it's one of the things that throws readers from the Christian tradition the most-- the fleeting nature of Enlightenment, the way the people of Heaven behave....

I'm looking forward to finishing it. XD

[louiselux.livejournal.com]

Yes - it's as though you've got to go through a process of forgetting and then learning all over again, in continual steps, and with no end. Which makes sense because life isn't static.

[nightfallrising.livejournal.com]

The Go (which is the same for Gonou as well, btw) is also often translated as 'realize' or 'percieve.'

Here's (http://www.site-bg.com/nightfall/saiyuki/names.jpg) a breakdown.

[louiselux.livejournal.com]

Ah - perfect, thank you so much!

The word 'Cho' - does it just mean boar, or can it also mean butterfly? I know that Kanan has a background of butterflies at some stage in the manga, and, er, JK Rowling said that she picked the name Cho Chang for one of her characters because of 'cho' meant butterfly.

[lebateleur.livejournal.com]

Sorry about the late reply! Anyway, 'satori' is basically equivalent to the word 'nirvana,' only with a Japanese slant to it.

I'm at work at the moment, but I'll fix you up w/ the given names once I'm at home. HIH.