Saiyuki: Saiyubito: Dictionary (3/4)
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First half of the last section: Basic Knowledge. My favorite part of the Dictionary, because it has info on all the miscellaneous stuff like the Maten Sutra, Goku's diadem, and beer. X3
Basic Knowledge
Incident【異変 Ihen】(Sai.1- )
☆ The effect of the “Minus Wave” encroaching on Shangri-la’s east from the west; that which causes the youkai to lose their sense of self and go crazy. In the West it isn’t only youkai, but nature (plants and animals) too that are adversely affected.
Combination of Science and Youkai Magic【科学と妖術の合成 Kagaku to Youjyutsu no Gousei】(Sai.1- )
☆ An action called the “forbidden violation” in Shangri-la. Just as the interbreeding of humans and youkai is considered “taboo”, there are misgivings that the mixing of unlike things will disrupt the balance, and so it was made taboo. At this point in time there is already a large gap between the human race and the youkai race.
Minus Wave【負の波動 Mainasu no Hadou】(Sai.1- )
☆ It broke out due to the fusion of science and youkai magic, in other words the Gyuumaoh resurrection experiment; the cause of the incident. Most of the youkai feel its effects, but young children, youkai with a strong sense of self, and those who are neither human nor youkai like Goku, Gojyo and Hakkai, still retain their sense of self. There’s a large margin for individual differences.
Gyuumaoh Resurrection Experiment 【牛魔王蘇生実験 Gyuumaou Sosei Jikken】(Sai.1- )
☆ The origin of the Minus Wave spreading across all of Shangri-la. The Sanzo Ikkou set out on their journey west on the Three Aspects’ orders to stop the experiment. The experiment is seen to be Gyokumen Koushu’s personal decision, but behind it is Nii Jienyi. Reviving Gyuumaoh is obviously Gyokumen Koushu’s main goal, but Professor Nii’s aim is less clear.
I’m hungry【腹減った Hara Hetta】(Sai.1)
☆ The first thing Goku says. His favorite phrase.
Nyoibo【如意棒】(Sai.1- )
☆ Goku’s weapon. On top of becoming a three-sectioned staff, it’s a useful item that pops out of nowhere when needed. I haven’t yet drawn how he came to use this weapon. Like its name [the compliant staff] implies, it easily grows and shrinks according to Goku’s will. It’s unknown how long it can stretch, and we have yet to see it shrink.
[*Saiyubito was published in 2005, before the story came out in Reload 8]
Shakujo【錫杖】(Sai.1- )
☆ Gojyo’s weapon. He freely controls an endlessly extending chain and uses it like a chain-and-sickle. Similar to the Nyoibo, it can be pulled out at any time. It’s strange how, no matter how many times it’s supposedly been broken or the chain’s been cut, before you know it, it’s fixed.
Cuffs【カフス】(Sai.1- )
☆ The three silver fasteners around Hakkai’s left ear. They’re youkai power limiters, and if they’re removed Hakkai changes to his essential youkai form and his youkai power is unleashed. Unlike Goku, even if he takes off his limiters Hakkai retains reason (well, Goku is different). Hakkai still hasn’t been affected by the Minus Wave; he wears the limiters simply to repress his huge youkai powers. Hakkai has strong enough youkai powers that it finally took three power limiters to suppress it.
Golden Crown【金冠 Kinkan】（Sai.1- ）
☆ The crown Sanzo Priests wear when in full costume. Truthfully, the crowns differ slightly depending on the Sanzo Priest, and are passed down to the next generation along with the Founding Scripture of Heaven and Earth according to tradition. However, because the Maten Sutra’s golden crown was destroyed during the time of the holder before Koumyou, the golden crown the current Sanzo wears is that of the Seiten Sutra’s holder.
☆ Genjo Sanzo’s golden crown is, of course, something passed down to him by Koumyou Sanzo, but it’s sweaty and gets in the way, so usually he doesn’t wear it. Does he keep it with the paper fan in his “fourth dimensional sleeve”?
Youkai Power Limiter【妖力制御装置 Youryoku Seigyo Souchi】(Sai.1- )
☆ Within Shangri-la, it’s possible for anyone to obtain a simple one over-the-counter. They suppress youkai powers and can change youkai into forms and power levels no different from that of humans. Essentially they were created to match youkai powers to humans’ and make it easy to coexist, but now they don’t serve much purpose. Just the fact that these things exist is discrimination, Banri said.
Yocchan Squid【よっちゃんイカ Yocchan Ika】(Sai.1)
☆ It’s a super famous cheap candy, but the taste is similar to the snacks served with beer. Comes with a prize. Product of Yocchan Foods. Company president is Yoshio.
Paper Fan【ハリセン Harisen】(Sai.1- )
☆ The attack tool used only by comedy entertainers (the straight man). Made of thick white paper folded like a bellows, makes a nice, deep sound.
☆ Genjo Sanzo’s second most used weapon, after his gun, its attacks are mostly turned upon those in his group. Where he usually keeps it is the biggest mystery in Saiyuki.
Stinking Monk【生臭坊主 Namagusa Bouzu】(Sai.1- )
☆ Words that describe Genjo Sanzo himself. Generally, it usually refers to “a monk who eats meat, a monk who doesn’t observe the eight precepts, a monk who misbehaves.”
☆ However, to the extent of my knowledge, this applies to most current Sanzo Priests.
Idiot Monkey【バカ猿 Bakazaru】
Mini Monkey【チビ猿 Chibizaru】(Sai.1- )
☆ The names Goku is usually called by his comrades. As much as Goku yells “Don’t call me Monkey!!”, he still reflexively answers when someone calls out “Hey Monkey!”; habits are fearsome things. Incidentally, Goku isn’t really a monkey youkai, it’s just a name that fit with his image.
Pervy Kappa【エロ河童 Erogappa】(Sai.1- )
☆ Words that succinctly describe Sha Gojyo. However, Gojyo is not a kappa youkai.
☆ A long time ago, the term came up in one of the daytime variety TV shows (in a sketch). There was even a song. But I’m sure today’s young kids don’t know it.
Oichokabu【おいちょかぶ】(Sai.1)
☆ One of the standard games the Sanzo Ikkou play to kill time. Normally it’s a game that uses hanafuda cards, but regular playing cards may also be used. The Sanzo Ikkou doesn’t carry hanafuda cards around with them, so they always play with regular cards. The winner is decided by the last digit in the sum of one’s cards; “kabu”, the strongest, is 9, “oicho” is 8, and last place is 0, called “buta.” It goes without saying that this is a game usually bet upon with money.
Founding Scriptures of Heaven and Earth【天地開元経文 Tenchi Kaigen Kyoumon】(Sai.1- )
☆ The set of five scriptures, the “Seiten”[聖天], the “Maten”[魔天], the “Yuuten”[有天], the “Muten”[無天], and the “Kouten”[恒天], said to have been involved with the creation of the world. Each scripture holds a different power, and bringing them together increases those powers. The ones chosen as the highest-ranking monks who protect these scriptures are known as “Sanzo Priests”; they inherit the Scriptures and ensure that the sutras are not used for evil, and at the same time they scatter across the land so that the five scriptures aren’t assembled. All that is said about the assembly of the five is that it is unknown what kind of effect the power emitted by the gathered sutras will have.
Maten Sutra【魔天経文 Maten Kyoumon】（Sai.1- ）
☆ One of the Founding Scriptures of Heaven and Earth. It manages “evil” or “yin”, and falls under attacks. Its unique spell the “Makai Tenjo” has the power to break through the evil and purify unto heaven. It is said that, until the holder before Koumyou’s time, this sutra could only be held by a youkai Sanzo Priest.
☆ The current holder is Genjo Sanzo, and this is the scripture draped over his shoulders. He inherited it from the previous holder, Koumyou Sanzo.
Seiten Sutra【聖天経文 Seiten Kyoumon】(Sai.1- )
☆ One of the Founding Scriptures of Heaven and Earth. It manages “holy” or “yang”, and falls under restoration. Unique to the Seiten Sutra, it has healing and restorative powers.
☆ One of the two scriptures Genjo Sanzo inherited from Koumyou Sanzo. It’s true owner is Genjo Sanzo, but at Koumyou Sanzo’s death it was forcefully taken by youkai, and for many years Genjo Sanzo has searched for its whereabouts. After being shuffled around, it is currently at Houtou Castle, where they are attempting to use it for evil in the Gyuumaoh resurrection experiment.
Educational Guidance【教育的指導 Kyouikuteki Shidou】(Sai.1)
☆ The warning Hakkai gives when mainly Gojyo makes a lewd remark.
Trash【下衆 Gesu】
Trash Bastard【下衆野郎Gesu Yarou】(Sai.1- )
☆ Vulgar actions, or one who exhibits such actions. If one lives normally and wholesomely, there is no cause to say it or be called it.
☆ Genjo Sanzo’s phrase when he gets in a mood.
Feeding【餌付け Edzuke】(Sai.1- )
☆ The best method when taming an animal (-like creature).
Meat of a Virtuous Monk【徳の高い坊主の肉 Toku no Takai Bouzu no Niku】(Sai.1- )
☆ A rumor plausibly spread among the youkai that if one devours the flesh of a monk steeped in virtue (especially one of the highest-ranking monks, the Sanzo Priests), one’s life will be extended, or one may gain and undying, un-aging body. Accordingly, Sanzo Priests are not only hunted by youkai for their scriptures, but for their bodies as well.
Pest Extermination【害虫駆除 Gaichu Kujo】(Sai.1- )
☆ The name Hakkai quickly applied to his unnamed Qigong attack. Intentionally mean.
Animal Instinct【動物的本能 Doubutsuteki Honnou】(Sai.1)
☆ Special power gifted to Goku (laughs). Just as it enabled him straight off to say of Chin Yisou, “That guy’s weird, he doesn’t smell alive”, it’s sensitive to more than just the danger of strange things and people. It was linked to strength of spiritual perception in the novels. Sanzo and the others too, often use this instinct of Goku’s as a decision standard. Incidentally, it’s also sensitive to tracing the whereabouts of food.
Makai Tenjo【魔戒天浄】(Sai.1- )
☆ The big attack Genjo Sanzo unleashes with the Maten Sutra. As the name implies, it has the power to “warn [戒 kai] against evil [魔 ma] and purify [浄 jyo] unto heaven [天 ten]”. It’s a skill that instantaneously sends to heaven anything in its surroundings that falls under “evil”, but is ineffective against normal humans. The Heart Sutra intoned before unleashing the attack (the “on mani hatsu mei un” spell that commands activation) is to unify the user’s spirit; it is possible to unleash the attack without the intonation (Sanzo even used it underwater), but the power may markedly decrease according to the difference in concentration.
S&W-M10【Smith & Wesson M-10】(Sai.1- )
☆ Its official name is the “Smith & Wesson Model 10”. Genjo Sanzo’s beloved silver hand gun, a relatively standard double action revolver. 2 inch barrel, 5 shots. Wooden grip. Previously it had a grip adapter attached, but perhaps because it got in the way, at some point within the manga it was removed.
☆ By the way, the model gun I used as reference while drawing the manga was the “International/S&W M10 Military & Police 2inch standard HW model”.
Heart Sutra【般若心経 Hannya Shingyou】(Sai.1- )
☆ Within Saiyuki it’s mostly intoned when activating the Founding Scriptures of Heaven and Earth.
☆ Said to be the world’s shortest scripture with less than 300 characters. It continues to be read throughout the world, regardless of religion. It is said to be both an excerpt from the huge “Prajna Paramita Sutras” and a compilation of the “Prajna Sutras” 600 scrolls, the idea being the formation of the “void” (*See the “Void【空 Kuu】” section). The one who established the widely read Romanized translation of the original Sanskrit book in the middle of the 7th century was the Genjo Sanzo [Hsuan Tsang] who actually existed.
Chakra 【印 Chakura】(Sai.1- )
☆ The red mark that appears on the foreheads of those chosen as Sanzo Priests, to show that they are “ones close to the seat of the gods”. In the history of Sanzo Priests, the only one upon whom this mark did not appear upon succession was the Priest Ukoku Sanzo.
Servant【下僕 Geboku】(Sai.1- )
☆ Term used in the past too, when Sanzo introduced the other three members of his party to someone else. As can be expected, the ones called servants have recently stopped pointing it out.
Mahjong【麻雀】(Sai.1- )
☆ The old table top game originating in China, well-played in Japan as well. The typical time-killing game of the Sanzo Ikkou, it seems they carry only the pieces with them as they travel. It would take a long time so I won’t explain the rules, but it’s one of the unavoidable items in the Saiyuki world - a match developed in the Kami-sama arc wherein the Ikkou ignored the readers; and in the Chin Yisou arc the pieces were used as mediums to control the shikigami.
Cigarettes【煙草 Tabako】(Sai.1- )
☆ Half the characters appearing in the Saiyuki series depend on these “worse than useless” luxury items. An item representative of Minekura manga.
☆ Representative of Sanzo are Marlboro reds (he recognizes only the soft case), while Gojyo favors Hi-Lites. The story behind why Sanzo decided on Marlboros is introduced in “Burial Arc, Sanzo’s Chapter”, in the episode with the high priest Jikaku. Similarly in “Burial Arc, Gojyo and Hakkai’s Chapter”, there’s a scene where Banri casually snatches and smokes one of Gojyo’s Hi-Lites. The reason Gojyo decided on Hi-Lites is that in the past he went with the same brand as Banri.
Beer【ビール】(Sai.1- )
☆ Whether it comes in a can or in a mug, it’s the alcohol the Sanzo Ikkou stock up on wherever they go. When they drink it they are, for a while, in a good mood. Goku doesn’t drink it not because he’s a minor, but because it’s bitter and he doesn’t like it.
☆ Generally, when they order at a bar, they stick a “for now” on the front of the order.
Marukome-kun【マルコメ君】(Sai.1)
☆ The name Gojyo stuck on the temple’s young monk Yoh. The generic name for the buzz-cut children chosen to be the familiar Marukome Miso commercial character.
Worldly Desires【煩悩 Bonnou】(Sai.1- )
☆ All the illusions that trouble the human soul, according to one of the Buddhist teachings. Things like desires of the flesh or soul, anger towards others, and obsession. They originate from gluttony, wrath, greed, sloth, envy, and vice, and depending on the religion there are commonly 108-64,000 worldly desires. Unlike other religions that say good and evil hold the world back, the “worldly desires” within Buddhism are that which question the soul.
☆ That which commands all members of the Sanzo Ikkou; that which they normally possess.
Qigong【気功 Kikou】(Sai.1- )
☆ “Qi” [気 Chi, Ki] is something that cannot be seen by the physical eyes; it refers to power (energy). Freely controlling this energy is called “Qigong”. Gathering qi from the surrounding world and using it for healing or self-defense, the qigong Hakkai uses is mainly called “external qigong”. It’s a mystery where Hakkai learned it, but currently he can utilize many applications of qigong and even put up a barrier.
Lecturing (on the Way)【説法 Seppou】(Sai.1- )
☆ In this case, preaching the teachings of Buddhism. Koumyou has said, “I’m not good at it,” and folded paper airplanes on the side of the porch.
Taboo Child【禁忌の子供 Kinki no Kodomo】(Sai.1- )
☆ A child born from the mating of unlike species (human and youkai), considered taboo in Shangri-la. Generally born with red hair and eyes, as applies to Gojyo. Taboo Children are sterile due to the corruption of their genetic sequences, as proven by Jienyi’s research. The Gojyo in question is unaware of this truth.
Homo【ホモ】(Sai.2)
☆ A word the Sanzo Ikkou hears whispered about them, since they’re always traveling together all guys. This is not a story limited to Shangri-la.
Homo Sausage【ホモソーセージ】(Sai.2)
☆ The round fish meat sausage loved for many years. By the way, the “homo” in this case means that all of the ground fish has been “homogenized” (made even).
Credit Card【クレジットカード】(Sai.2- )
☆ Card in the Three Aspects’ name, used to pay for the Sanzo Ikkou’s travel expenses. Thanks to this, their standard of living is high and they don’t have to worry about their huge meal and inn expenses, but their spending money like water gives the Three Aspects a headache. As a rule Sanzo holds on to it, but since he fights and rampages every day, dropping it every now and then is a minus point.
Super Rare【超レア Chou Rea】(Sai.2)
☆ The words Kouryuu tossed at Shuuei when he gave the prayer beads; asserting without pretension “There’s a lot of value in something I’ve given” is very Sanzo-like. He might still say it’s “super rare”.
Religious Name【法名 Houmyou】(Sai.2- )
☆ In this case, the name one receives from one’s religious sect when one embraces the Buddhist way. Thus, since Kouryuu was an infant name and not a monk’s name, and since he was nothing more than hired help at the temple that raised him, criticism about his becoming Koumyou’s successor from the other monks was harsh.
Baby【稚児 Chigo】(Sai.2)
☆ The other monks at Kinzan Temple called Kouryuu this as a slur. Make no mistake, this term does actually apply to all the young boys used at temples and the like for chores, but in this case it implies the boys who were used in homosexual relations with the older monks. It wasn’t an unusual thing in the old Buddhist ways.
Shura【修羅】(Sai.2)
☆ Asura. A Buddhist guardian deity that falls under the Eight Guardian Deities. Represents war and carnage.
Rasetsu【羅刹】(Sai.2)
☆ Raksasa. One of the Twelve Devas in Buddhism. Guardian deity of the south west, administers ruin and destruction.
Araya Spell【阿頼耶の呪 Araya no Jyu】(Sai.2- )
☆ The forbidden spell Shuuei used in order to protect Kinzan Temple from robbers when they attacked again after Genjo Sanzo left. It spread roots into Shuuei’s body, and he was swallowed alive by the power of the spell. He continued to destroy youkai, even as his soul died.
☆ The name is taken from the Buddhist term “Arayashiki” [阿頼耶識 Araya Knowledge], one of the Consciousness Only theories (theorizes that all existence is created from one’s own consciousness). It was named after the saying “things continue to live and die in an instant), but it doesn’t have much to do with this spell.
☆ Incidentally, the name “Rikudo” that Shuuei went by after being taken over by this Araya Spell was taken from “the six paths of transmigration” [六道輪廻 Rikudo Rinne] (which says that those who hesitate go not to the Pure Land, but are reincarnated on the hell path, the hungry ghost path, the beast path, the shura path, the human path, or the heaven path, and continue to live and die on these six paths). The name “Rikudo” does not have anything to do with escaping this painful world of transmigration.
Orange Paper Airplane【橙色の紙飛行機 Daidai Iro no Kami Hikouki】(Sai.2)
☆ The orange paper airplanes Koumyou Sanzo folded on the edge of the porch while skipping lecture, the ones he flew for the young Kouryuu. It also becomes a keyword describing the Sanzo Ikkou later.
Camping Out
☆ It’s avoidable, so they’ll pay any amount to stay at an inn if there is one, the Sanzo Ikkou think everyday.
Symbol of Compassion and Mercy【慈愛と慈悲の象徴 Jiai to Jihi no Shouchou】(Sai.3)
☆ A description of Kanzeon Bosatsu across the world, generally.
Symbol of Self-love and Obscenity【自愛と淫猥の象徴 Jiai to Inwai no Shouchou】(Sai.3)
☆ A description of Kanzeon Bosatsu from the Sanzo Ikkou’s perspective.
Golden Diadem【金鈷 Kinko】(Sai.3- )
☆ The gold ring around Goku’s head, his youkai power limiter. It differs in material from those sold over-the-counter, and can apparently be made only by a god’s hand. When Goku’s mental state reaches the maximum level of confusion or anger, the limiter can’t keep up with his amplified youkai power, and shatters. Unrelated to the youkais’ rampaging, Goku loses his sense of self and all reason when he returns to his essential form of Seiten Taisei and he is unable to suppress his released power. In the Desert arc, Goku removes the diadem with his own hands.
Rock Prison【岩牢 Iwarou】(Sai.3- )
☆ The cell at the to of the Mountain of Five Elements that Goku was shut in for 500 years. *See the “Mountain of Five Elements 【五行山 Gogyouzan】” section.
Chant【真言 Shingon】(Sai.3)
☆ A mantra in the Sanskrit language, or a tantra. It’s the true language, meaning the “spell” that points to the Buddha’s words. In Saiyuki’s case, it’s mostly intoned before using an attack, and has to do with the focus of the spirit.
Mother Complex【マザコン Mazakon】(Sai.3)
☆ Term mainly used for Kougaiji, but Kougaiji also has a sister complex.
Flying Dragon【飛竜 Hiryuu】(Sai.3)
☆ Creature made by the combination of science and youkai magic, and with them Kougaiji and the others can use the sky paths, and quickly show up before the Sanzo Ikkou. However, it seems that Jienyi travels between the East and West using a different method.
Droopy Eyes【タレ目 Tareme】(Sai.3- )
☆ When the corners of the eyes droop down, or a term referencing such eyes.
☆ A moderate bad name used on a blond, high-ranking monk who carries a gun around.
Bald(y)【ハゲ Hage】(Sai.3- )
☆ When hair has fallen out, or a term pointing to such a spot.
☆ A bad name that requires guts to use on a blond, high-ranking monk who carries a gun around. According to Gojyo, the spot a certain high-ranking monk has recently begun to shave is this.
Meat Bun【肉マン Nikuman】(Sai.3)
☆ A food that often appears in Saiyuki. For Goku, it’s like cheap candy.
Sanskrit Characters【梵字 Bonji】(Sai.3)
☆ The characters used to write Sanskrit. There are various character shapes.
Shikigami【式神】(Sai.3)
☆ The familiars used in Yin-Yang. The caster places a medium infused with his or her will as the nucleus and commands a soulless thing as he or she wills. They appear from time to time in Saiyuki. They have many forms, from Chin Yisou’s familiar to the Fake Sanzo Ikkou.
Crab Alien【カニ星人 Kani Seijin】(Sai.3)
☆ The name Goku gave to the shikigami Chin Yisou sent out. It’s far too large, and unfit for the pot.
Summoning Magic【召喚魔 Shoukanma】(Sai.3- )
☆ In Saiyuki, it’s the art of opening a gate to another dimension, and summoning a creature from there to a living body. It’s mainly Kougaiji who uses it, and because it takes time and spiritual concentration to use, it isn’t often abused.
Engokuki【炎獄鬼】(Sai.3- )
☆ One of the summoned beasts Kougaiji uses. However, we still haven’t seen him summon other things.
Life Line【生命線 Seimeisen】(Sai.4)
☆ In palm reading, the line on the palm that is said to be related to life expectancy.
Seed【種 Tane】(Sai.4)
☆ The seed Chin Yisou’s familiar buried in Gojyo’s body. It’s something like a plant-tumor, and within a short period of time it spreads roots throughout the body and eats it. It was removed by Sanzo, but poor Gojyo, who had to go through all that as a simple trick.
Hold Nothing【無一物 Muichi Motsu】(Sai.4)
☆ Words referring to the state of being freed of all worldly desires. The “Essentially holding nothing” of Buddhism means that because by nature we are all “empty” there is nothing we should be fixated on, and all people are free of everything.
☆ The one Zen teaching Kouryuu, who hadn’t embraced the Buddhist way until succeeding to Sanzo Priest, heard from Koumyou Sanzo.
Excessively【激 Geki】(Sai.4)
☆ The prefix Sanzo used, saying that “super” was already old, but they’re both old.
Centipede【ムカデ Mukade】(Sai.4)
☆ A predatory arthropod, the adult centipedes carry poison in their pincers. Chin Yisou controls them, but I got many frowns from readers and my assistants saying, “It’s too disgusting, I can’t open this page.” In the anime fighting game too, the image of a mass of centipedes attacking was realistically CG reproduced as Chin Yisou’s super final attack, but I guess for merchandise it had a bit too much of an effect and was difficult to look at, after all.
Perverts and Bugs【変態と虫ケラ Hentai to Mushikera】(Sai.4)
☆ Two of the three things Genjo Sanzo said he hates most in the world. I’ve received quite a few questions from readers asking what the third is, but most likely it changes depending on time and place, knowing Sanzo.
Blood of a Thousand Youkai【千の妖怪の血 Sen no Youkai no Chi】(Sai.4)
☆ A popular belief in Shangri-la that says “if one bathes in the blood of a thousand youkai, one will become a youkai,” but like the belief that “devouring the flesh of a virtuous monk will make one undying and un-aging,” it’s just a rumor. It is speculated that the reason Hakkai actually changed into a youkai might have been because he had accumulated so much negative pathos within his body. It’s not that Chin Yisou was the thousandth youkai, nor is there any need to worry that Sanzo might later turn into a youkai (laughs).
People
First half of the last section: Basic Knowledge. My favorite part of the Dictionary, because it has info on all the miscellaneous stuff like the Maten Sutra, Goku's diadem, and beer. X3
Basic Knowledge
Incident【異変 Ihen】(Sai.1- )
☆ The effect of the “Minus Wave” encroaching on Shangri-la’s east from the west; that which causes the youkai to lose their sense of self and go crazy. In the West it isn’t only youkai, but nature (plants and animals) too that are adversely affected.
Combination of Science and Youkai Magic【科学と妖術の合成 Kagaku to Youjyutsu no Gousei】(Sai.1- )
☆ An action called the “forbidden violation” in Shangri-la. Just as the interbreeding of humans and youkai is considered “taboo”, there are misgivings that the mixing of unlike things will disrupt the balance, and so it was made taboo. At this point in time there is already a large gap between the human race and the youkai race.
Minus Wave【負の波動 Mainasu no Hadou】(Sai.1- )
☆ It broke out due to the fusion of science and youkai magic, in other words the Gyuumaoh resurrection experiment; the cause of the incident. Most of the youkai feel its effects, but young children, youkai with a strong sense of self, and those who are neither human nor youkai like Goku, Gojyo and Hakkai, still retain their sense of self. There’s a large margin for individual differences.
Gyuumaoh Resurrection Experiment 【牛魔王蘇生実験 Gyuumaou Sosei Jikken】(Sai.1- )
☆ The origin of the Minus Wave spreading across all of Shangri-la. The Sanzo Ikkou set out on their journey west on the Three Aspects’ orders to stop the experiment. The experiment is seen to be Gyokumen Koushu’s personal decision, but behind it is Nii Jienyi. Reviving Gyuumaoh is obviously Gyokumen Koushu’s main goal, but Professor Nii’s aim is less clear.
I’m hungry【腹減った Hara Hetta】(Sai.1)
☆ The first thing Goku says. His favorite phrase.
Nyoibo【如意棒】(Sai.1- )
☆ Goku’s weapon. On top of becoming a three-sectioned staff, it’s a useful item that pops out of nowhere when needed. I haven’t yet drawn how he came to use this weapon. Like its name [the compliant staff] implies, it easily grows and shrinks according to Goku’s will. It’s unknown how long it can stretch, and we have yet to see it shrink.
[*Saiyubito was published in 2005, before the story came out in Reload 8]
Shakujo【錫杖】(Sai.1- )
☆ Gojyo’s weapon. He freely controls an endlessly extending chain and uses it like a chain-and-sickle. Similar to the Nyoibo, it can be pulled out at any time. It’s strange how, no matter how many times it’s supposedly been broken or the chain’s been cut, before you know it, it’s fixed.
Cuffs【カフス】(Sai.1- )
☆ The three silver fasteners around Hakkai’s left ear. They’re youkai power limiters, and if they’re removed Hakkai changes to his essential youkai form and his youkai power is unleashed. Unlike Goku, even if he takes off his limiters Hakkai retains reason (well, Goku is different). Hakkai still hasn’t been affected by the Minus Wave; he wears the limiters simply to repress his huge youkai powers. Hakkai has strong enough youkai powers that it finally took three power limiters to suppress it.
Golden Crown【金冠 Kinkan】（Sai.1- ）
☆ The crown Sanzo Priests wear when in full costume. Truthfully, the crowns differ slightly depending on the Sanzo Priest, and are passed down to the next generation along with the Founding Scripture of Heaven and Earth according to tradition. However, because the Maten Sutra’s golden crown was destroyed during the time of the holder before Koumyou, the golden crown the current Sanzo wears is that of the Seiten Sutra’s holder.
☆ Genjo Sanzo’s golden crown is, of course, something passed down to him by Koumyou Sanzo, but it’s sweaty and gets in the way, so usually he doesn’t wear it. Does he keep it with the paper fan in his “fourth dimensional sleeve”?
Youkai Power Limiter【妖力制御装置 Youryoku Seigyo Souchi】(Sai.1- )
☆ Within Shangri-la, it’s possible for anyone to obtain a simple one over-the-counter. They suppress youkai powers and can change youkai into forms and power levels no different from that of humans. Essentially they were created to match youkai powers to humans’ and make it easy to coexist, but now they don’t serve much purpose. Just the fact that these things exist is discrimination, Banri said.
Yocchan Squid【よっちゃんイカ Yocchan Ika】(Sai.1)
☆ It’s a super famous cheap candy, but the taste is similar to the snacks served with beer. Comes with a prize. Product of Yocchan Foods. Company president is Yoshio.
Paper Fan【ハリセン Harisen】(Sai.1- )
☆ The attack tool used only by comedy entertainers (the straight man). Made of thick white paper folded like a bellows, makes a nice, deep sound.
☆ Genjo Sanzo’s second most used weapon, after his gun, its attacks are mostly turned upon those in his group. Where he usually keeps it is the biggest mystery in Saiyuki.
Stinking Monk【生臭坊主 Namagusa Bouzu】(Sai.1- )
☆ Words that describe Genjo Sanzo himself. Generally, it usually refers to “a monk who eats meat, a monk who doesn’t observe the eight precepts, a monk who misbehaves.”
☆ However, to the extent of my knowledge, this applies to most current Sanzo Priests.
Idiot Monkey【バカ猿 Bakazaru】
Mini Monkey【チビ猿 Chibizaru】(Sai.1- )
☆ The names Goku is usually called by his comrades. As much as Goku yells “Don’t call me Monkey!!”, he still reflexively answers when someone calls out “Hey Monkey!”; habits are fearsome things. Incidentally, Goku isn’t really a monkey youkai, it’s just a name that fit with his image.
Pervy Kappa【エロ河童 Erogappa】(Sai.1- )
☆ Words that succinctly describe Sha Gojyo. However, Gojyo is not a kappa youkai.
☆ A long time ago, the term came up in one of the daytime variety TV shows (in a sketch). There was even a song. But I’m sure today’s young kids don’t know it.
Oichokabu【おいちょかぶ】(Sai.1)
☆ One of the standard games the Sanzo Ikkou play to kill time. Normally it’s a game that uses hanafuda cards, but regular playing cards may also be used. The Sanzo Ikkou doesn’t carry hanafuda cards around with them, so they always play with regular cards. The winner is decided by the last digit in the sum of one’s cards; “kabu”, the strongest, is 9, “oicho” is 8, and last place is 0, called “buta.” It goes without saying that this is a game usually bet upon with money.
Founding Scriptures of Heaven and Earth【天地開元経文 Tenchi Kaigen Kyoumon】(Sai.1- )
☆ The set of five scriptures, the “Seiten”[聖天], the “Maten”[魔天], the “Yuuten”[有天], the “Muten”[無天], and the “Kouten”[恒天], said to have been involved with the creation of the world. Each scripture holds a different power, and bringing them together increases those powers. The ones chosen as the highest-ranking monks who protect these scriptures are known as “Sanzo Priests”; they inherit the Scriptures and ensure that the sutras are not used for evil, and at the same time they scatter across the land so that the five scriptures aren’t assembled. All that is said about the assembly of the five is that it is unknown what kind of effect the power emitted by the gathered sutras will have.
Maten Sutra【魔天経文 Maten Kyoumon】（Sai.1- ）
☆ One of the Founding Scriptures of Heaven and Earth. It manages “evil” or “yin”, and falls under attacks. Its unique spell the “Makai Tenjo” has the power to break through the evil and purify unto heaven. It is said that, until the holder before Koumyou’s time, this sutra could only be held by a youkai Sanzo Priest.
☆ The current holder is Genjo Sanzo, and this is the scripture draped over his shoulders. He inherited it from the previous holder, Koumyou Sanzo.
Seiten Sutra【聖天経文 Seiten Kyoumon】(Sai.1- )
☆ One of the Founding Scriptures of Heaven and Earth. It manages “holy” or “yang”, and falls under restoration. Unique to the Seiten Sutra, it has healing and restorative powers.
☆ One of the two scriptures Genjo Sanzo inherited from Koumyou Sanzo. It’s true owner is Genjo Sanzo, but at Koumyou Sanzo’s death it was forcefully taken by youkai, and for many years Genjo Sanzo has searched for its whereabouts. After being shuffled around, it is currently at Houtou Castle, where they are attempting to use it for evil in the Gyuumaoh resurrection experiment.
Educational Guidance【教育的指導 Kyouikuteki Shidou】(Sai.1)
☆ The warning Hakkai gives when mainly Gojyo makes a lewd remark.
Trash【下衆 Gesu】
Trash Bastard【下衆野郎Gesu Yarou】(Sai.1- )
☆ Vulgar actions, or one who exhibits such actions. If one lives normally and wholesomely, there is no cause to say it or be called it.
☆ Genjo Sanzo’s phrase when he gets in a mood.
Feeding【餌付け Edzuke】(Sai.1- )
☆ The best method when taming an animal (-like creature).
Meat of a Virtuous Monk【徳の高い坊主の肉 Toku no Takai Bouzu no Niku】(Sai.1- )
☆ A rumor plausibly spread among the youkai that if one devours the flesh of a monk steeped in virtue (especially one of the highest-ranking monks, the Sanzo Priests), one’s life will be extended, or one may gain and undying, un-aging body. Accordingly, Sanzo Priests are not only hunted by youkai for their scriptures, but for their bodies as well.
Pest Extermination【害虫駆除 Gaichu Kujo】(Sai.1- )
☆ The name Hakkai quickly applied to his unnamed Qigong attack. Intentionally mean.
Animal Instinct【動物的本能 Doubutsuteki Honnou】(Sai.1)
☆ Special power gifted to Goku (laughs). Just as it enabled him straight off to say of Chin Yisou, “That guy’s weird, he doesn’t smell alive”, it’s sensitive to more than just the danger of strange things and people. It was linked to strength of spiritual perception in the novels. Sanzo and the others too, often use this instinct of Goku’s as a decision standard. Incidentally, it’s also sensitive to tracing the whereabouts of food.
Makai Tenjo【魔戒天浄】(Sai.1- )
☆ The big attack Genjo Sanzo unleashes with the Maten Sutra. As the name implies, it has the power to “warn [戒 kai] against evil [魔 ma] and purify [浄 jyo] unto heaven [天 ten]”. It’s a skill that instantaneously sends to heaven anything in its surroundings that falls under “evil”, but is ineffective against normal humans. The Heart Sutra intoned before unleashing the attack (the “on mani hatsu mei un” spell that commands activation) is to unify the user’s spirit; it is possible to unleash the attack without the intonation (Sanzo even used it underwater), but the power may markedly decrease according to the difference in concentration.
S&W-M10【Smith & Wesson M-10】(Sai.1- )
☆ Its official name is the “Smith & Wesson Model 10”. Genjo Sanzo’s beloved silver hand gun, a relatively standard double action revolver. 2 inch barrel, 5 shots. Wooden grip. Previously it had a grip adapter attached, but perhaps because it got in the way, at some point within the manga it was removed.
☆ By the way, the model gun I used as reference while drawing the manga was the “International/S&W M10 Military & Police 2inch standard HW model”.
Heart Sutra【般若心経 Hannya Shingyou】(Sai.1- )
☆ Within Saiyuki it’s mostly intoned when activating the Founding Scriptures of Heaven and Earth.
☆ Said to be the world’s shortest scripture with less than 300 characters. It continues to be read throughout the world, regardless of religion. It is said to be both an excerpt from the huge “Prajna Paramita Sutras” and a compilation of the “Prajna Sutras” 600 scrolls, the idea being the formation of the “void” (*See the “Void【空 Kuu】” section). The one who established the widely read Romanized translation of the original Sanskrit book in the middle of the 7th century was the Genjo Sanzo [Hsuan Tsang] who actually existed.
Chakra 【印 Chakura】(Sai.1- )
☆ The red mark that appears on the foreheads of those chosen as Sanzo Priests, to show that they are “ones close to the seat of the gods”. In the history of Sanzo Priests, the only one upon whom this mark did not appear upon succession was the Priest Ukoku Sanzo.
Servant【下僕 Geboku】(Sai.1- )
☆ Term used in the past too, when Sanzo introduced the other three members of his party to someone else. As can be expected, the ones called servants have recently stopped pointing it out.
Mahjong【麻雀】(Sai.1- )
☆ The old table top game originating in China, well-played in Japan as well. The typical time-killing game of the Sanzo Ikkou, it seems they carry only the pieces with them as they travel. It would take a long time so I won’t explain the rules, but it’s one of the unavoidable items in the Saiyuki world - a match developed in the Kami-sama arc wherein the Ikkou ignored the readers; and in the Chin Yisou arc the pieces were used as mediums to control the shikigami.
Cigarettes【煙草 Tabako】(Sai.1- )
☆ Half the characters appearing in the Saiyuki series depend on these “worse than useless” luxury items. An item representative of Minekura manga.
☆ Representative of Sanzo are Marlboro reds (he recognizes only the soft case), while Gojyo favors Hi-Lites. The story behind why Sanzo decided on Marlboros is introduced in “Burial Arc, Sanzo’s Chapter”, in the episode with the high priest Jikaku. Similarly in “Burial Arc, Gojyo and Hakkai’s Chapter”, there’s a scene where Banri casually snatches and smokes one of Gojyo’s Hi-Lites. The reason Gojyo decided on Hi-Lites is that in the past he went with the same brand as Banri.
Beer【ビール】(Sai.1- )
☆ Whether it comes in a can or in a mug, it’s the alcohol the Sanzo Ikkou stock up on wherever they go. When they drink it they are, for a while, in a good mood. Goku doesn’t drink it not because he’s a minor, but because it’s bitter and he doesn’t like it.
☆ Generally, when they order at a bar, they stick a “for now” on the front of the order.
Marukome-kun【マルコメ君】(Sai.1)
☆ The name Gojyo stuck on the temple’s young monk Yoh. The generic name for the buzz-cut children chosen to be the familiar Marukome Miso commercial character.
Worldly Desires【煩悩 Bonnou】(Sai.1- )
☆ All the illusions that trouble the human soul, according to one of the Buddhist teachings. Things like desires of the flesh or soul, anger towards others, and obsession. They originate from gluttony, wrath, greed, sloth, envy, and vice, and depending on the religion there are commonly 108-64,000 worldly desires. Unlike other religions that say good and evil hold the world back, the “worldly desires” within Buddhism are that which question the soul.
☆ That which commands all members of the Sanzo Ikkou; that which they normally possess.
Qigong【気功 Kikou】(Sai.1- )
☆ “Qi” [気 Chi, Ki] is something that cannot be seen by the physical eyes; it refers to power (energy). Freely controlling this energy is called “Qigong”. Gathering qi from the surrounding world and using it for healing or self-defense, the qigong Hakkai uses is mainly called “external qigong”. It’s a mystery where Hakkai learned it, but currently he can utilize many applications of qigong and even put up a barrier.
Lecturing (on the Way)【説法 Seppou】(Sai.1- )
☆ In this case, preaching the teachings of Buddhism. Koumyou has said, “I’m not good at it,” and folded paper airplanes on the side of the porch.
Taboo Child【禁忌の子供 Kinki no Kodomo】(Sai.1- )
☆ A child born from the mating of unlike species (human and youkai), considered taboo in Shangri-la. Generally born with red hair and eyes, as applies to Gojyo. Taboo Children are sterile due to the corruption of their genetic sequences, as proven by Jienyi’s research. The Gojyo in question is unaware of this truth.
Homo【ホモ】(Sai.2)
☆ A word the Sanzo Ikkou hears whispered about them, since they’re always traveling together all guys. This is not a story limited to Shangri-la.
Homo Sausage【ホモソーセージ】(Sai.2)
☆ The round fish meat sausage loved for many years. By the way, the “homo” in this case means that all of the ground fish has been “homogenized” (made even).
Credit Card【クレジットカード】(Sai.2- )
☆ Card in the Three Aspects’ name, used to pay for the Sanzo Ikkou’s travel expenses. Thanks to this, their standard of living is high and they don’t have to worry about their huge meal and inn expenses, but their spending money like water gives the Three Aspects a headache. As a rule Sanzo holds on to it, but since he fights and rampages every day, dropping it every now and then is a minus point.
Super Rare【超レア Chou Rea】(Sai.2)
☆ The words Kouryuu tossed at Shuuei when he gave the prayer beads; asserting without pretension “There’s a lot of value in something I’ve given” is very Sanzo-like. He might still say it’s “super rare”.
Religious Name【法名 Houmyou】(Sai.2- )
☆ In this case, the name one receives from one’s religious sect when one embraces the Buddhist way. Thus, since Kouryuu was an infant name and not a monk’s name, and since he was nothing more than hired help at the temple that raised him, criticism about his becoming Koumyou’s successor from the other monks was harsh.
Baby【稚児 Chigo】(Sai.2)
☆ The other monks at Kinzan Temple called Kouryuu this as a slur. Make no mistake, this term does actually apply to all the young boys used at temples and the like for chores, but in this case it implies the boys who were used in homosexual relations with the older monks. It wasn’t an unusual thing in the old Buddhist ways.
Shura【修羅】(Sai.2)
☆ Asura. A Buddhist guardian deity that falls under the Eight Guardian Deities. Represents war and carnage.
Rasetsu【羅刹】(Sai.2)
☆ Raksasa. One of the Twelve Devas in Buddhism. Guardian deity of the south west, administers ruin and destruction.
Araya Spell【阿頼耶の呪 Araya no Jyu】(Sai.2- )
☆ The forbidden spell Shuuei used in order to protect Kinzan Temple from robbers when they attacked again after Genjo Sanzo left. It spread roots into Shuuei’s body, and he was swallowed alive by the power of the spell. He continued to destroy youkai, even as his soul died.
☆ The name is taken from the Buddhist term “Arayashiki” [阿頼耶識 Araya Knowledge], one of the Consciousness Only theories (theorizes that all existence is created from one’s own consciousness). It was named after the saying “things continue to live and die in an instant), but it doesn’t have much to do with this spell.
☆ Incidentally, the name “Rikudo” that Shuuei went by after being taken over by this Araya Spell was taken from “the six paths of transmigration” [六道輪廻 Rikudo Rinne] (which says that those who hesitate go not to the Pure Land, but are reincarnated on the hell path, the hungry ghost path, the beast path, the shura path, the human path, or the heaven path, and continue to live and die on these six paths). The name “Rikudo” does not have anything to do with escaping this painful world of transmigration.
Orange Paper Airplane【橙色の紙飛行機 Daidai Iro no Kami Hikouki】(Sai.2)
☆ The orange paper airplanes Koumyou Sanzo folded on the edge of the porch while skipping lecture, the ones he flew for the young Kouryuu. It also becomes a keyword describing the Sanzo Ikkou later.
Camping Out
☆ It’s avoidable, so they’ll pay any amount to stay at an inn if there is one, the Sanzo Ikkou think everyday.
Symbol of Compassion and Mercy【慈愛と慈悲の象徴 Jiai to Jihi no Shouchou】(Sai.3)
☆ A description of Kanzeon Bosatsu across the world, generally.
Symbol of Self-love and Obscenity【自愛と淫猥の象徴 Jiai to Inwai no Shouchou】(Sai.3)
☆ A description of Kanzeon Bosatsu from the Sanzo Ikkou’s perspective.
Golden Diadem【金鈷 Kinko】(Sai.3- )
☆ The gold ring around Goku’s head, his youkai power limiter. It differs in material from those sold over-the-counter, and can apparently be made only by a god’s hand. When Goku’s mental state reaches the maximum level of confusion or anger, the limiter can’t keep up with his amplified youkai power, and shatters. Unrelated to the youkais’ rampaging, Goku loses his sense of self and all reason when he returns to his essential form of Seiten Taisei and he is unable to suppress his released power. In the Desert arc, Goku removes the diadem with his own hands.
Rock Prison【岩牢 Iwarou】(Sai.3- )
☆ The cell at the to of the Mountain of Five Elements that Goku was shut in for 500 years. *See the “Mountain of Five Elements 【五行山 Gogyouzan】” section.
Chant【真言 Shingon】(Sai.3)
☆ A mantra in the Sanskrit language, or a tantra. It’s the true language, meaning the “spell” that points to the Buddha’s words. In Saiyuki’s case, it’s mostly intoned before using an attack, and has to do with the focus of the spirit.
Mother Complex【マザコン Mazakon】(Sai.3)
☆ Term mainly used for Kougaiji, but Kougaiji also has a sister complex.
Flying Dragon【飛竜 Hiryuu】(Sai.3)
☆ Creature made by the combination of science and youkai magic, and with them Kougaiji and the others can use the sky paths, and quickly show up before the Sanzo Ikkou. However, it seems that Jienyi travels between the East and West using a different method.
Droopy Eyes【タレ目 Tareme】(Sai.3- )
☆ When the corners of the eyes droop down, or a term referencing such eyes.
☆ A moderate bad name used on a blond, high-ranking monk who carries a gun around.
Bald(y)【ハゲ Hage】(Sai.3- )
☆ When hair has fallen out, or a term pointing to such a spot.
☆ A bad name that requires guts to use on a blond, high-ranking monk who carries a gun around. According to Gojyo, the spot a certain high-ranking monk has recently begun to shave is this.
Meat Bun【肉マン Nikuman】(Sai.3)
☆ A food that often appears in Saiyuki. For Goku, it’s like cheap candy.
Sanskrit Characters【梵字 Bonji】(Sai.3)
☆ The characters used to write Sanskrit. There are various character shapes.
Shikigami【式神】(Sai.3)
☆ The familiars used in Yin-Yang. The caster places a medium infused with his or her will as the nucleus and commands a soulless thing as he or she wills. They appear from time to time in Saiyuki. They have many forms, from Chin Yisou’s familiar to the Fake Sanzo Ikkou.
Crab Alien【カニ星人 Kani Seijin】(Sai.3)
☆ The name Goku gave to the shikigami Chin Yisou sent out. It’s far too large, and unfit for the pot.
Summoning Magic【召喚魔 Shoukanma】(Sai.3- )
☆ In Saiyuki, it’s the art of opening a gate to another dimension, and summoning a creature from there to a living body. It’s mainly Kougaiji who uses it, and because it takes time and spiritual concentration to use, it isn’t often abused.
Engokuki【炎獄鬼】(Sai.3- )
☆ One of the summoned beasts Kougaiji uses. However, we still haven’t seen him summon other things.
Life Line【生命線 Seimeisen】(Sai.4)
☆ In palm reading, the line on the palm that is said to be related to life expectancy.
Seed【種 Tane】(Sai.4)
☆ The seed Chin Yisou’s familiar buried in Gojyo’s body. It’s something like a plant-tumor, and within a short period of time it spreads roots throughout the body and eats it. It was removed by Sanzo, but poor Gojyo, who had to go through all that as a simple trick.
Hold Nothing【無一物 Muichi Motsu】(Sai.4)
☆ Words referring to the state of being freed of all worldly desires. The “Essentially holding nothing” of Buddhism means that because by nature we are all “empty” there is nothing we should be fixated on, and all people are free of everything.
☆ The one Zen teaching Kouryuu, who hadn’t embraced the Buddhist way until succeeding to Sanzo Priest, heard from Koumyou Sanzo.
Excessively【激 Geki】(Sai.4)
☆ The prefix Sanzo used, saying that “super” was already old, but they’re both old.
Centipede【ムカデ Mukade】(Sai.4)
☆ A predatory arthropod, the adult centipedes carry poison in their pincers. Chin Yisou controls them, but I got many frowns from readers and my assistants saying, “It’s too disgusting, I can’t open this page.” In the anime fighting game too, the image of a mass of centipedes attacking was realistically CG reproduced as Chin Yisou’s super final attack, but I guess for merchandise it had a bit too much of an effect and was difficult to look at, after all.
Perverts and Bugs【変態と虫ケラ Hentai to Mushikera】(Sai.4)
☆ Two of the three things Genjo Sanzo said he hates most in the world. I’ve received quite a few questions from readers asking what the third is, but most likely it changes depending on time and place, knowing Sanzo.
Blood of a Thousand Youkai【千の妖怪の血 Sen no Youkai no Chi】(Sai.4)
☆ A popular belief in Shangri-la that says “if one bathes in the blood of a thousand youkai, one will become a youkai,” but like the belief that “devouring the flesh of a virtuous monk will make one undying and un-aging,” it’s just a rumor. It is speculated that the reason Hakkai actually changed into a youkai might have been because he had accumulated so much negative pathos within his body. It’s not that Chin Yisou was the thousandth youkai, nor is there any need to worry that Sanzo might later turn into a youkai (laughs).