Although their backgrounds were different, each Immortal attained the Tao by learning a particular lesson, and making a decision using the wisdom of the Tao. They each had mastered the teachings at early ages, and showed promise of having esteemed civic careers. But all of them shunned earthly success and material gain for the pursuit of the Tao.
The Magic Pillow of Lü Tung-pin
The leader of the Eight Immortals, Lü Tung-pin grew up the son of a secretary in the police force. He followed the typical path of a young man in Táng China and aspired for high-civic office. Then a sage approached him with an offer to learn the Tao. He gifted Lü Tung-pin with a magic pillow, suggesting he sleep it over to consider the offer.
That evening, sleeping on the magic pillow, Lü Tung-pin witnessed his future play out in a dream. He achieved high-ranking office, and was appointed chief minister in the imperial court. He married and enjoyed the love of many children and grandchildren. Then misfortune fell across his path. Those jealous of Lü Tung-pin’s favor with the emperor sought to discredit his name and framed him with treason. The Emperor arrested Lü Tung-pin’s entire family. All his children and grandchildren were executed, and the Lü family shrine destroyed.
The next day, shocked by the vision, Lü Tung-pin accepted the sage’s offer, and became his pupil in the Tao. After mastering all the lessons of the Tao, Lü Tung-pin refused to leave for the immortal realm; not before he helped all sentient beings return to the Tao.
The General Who Became an Immortal
Chungli Ch’uan was the son of a government official. In his youth he showed signs of genius, mastering many disciplines. He eventually entered the military and became a general. Sent to the western frontier town of Turfan, his garrison was overrun by tribal warriors of the Gobi. In the confusion of the retreat Chungli Ch’uan became separated and got lost within a labyrinth of canyons and dales. He came upon a majestic shaman adorned in eagle feathers and animals skins who offered shelter to the general, running from his pursuers.
The shaman led him to a mansion nestled in a remote valley oasis. Chungli Ch’uan was welcomed at the door by a man clad in white deerskin. He welcomed him, saying “you must be the Han General.” Instantly, Chungli Ch’uan recognized this resident was a not a mere mortal, and dropped to his knees begging to learn the ways of the Tao. After three days the teacher instructed him in enough to get the general started and sent him along on his journey, promising he’d come across new mentors who would further instruct him in the way of the Tao.
He left the mansion, turned around to wave goodbye, and was startled to see the home had disappeared. He shrugged, and moved on, never to return to the capital, or to his military career. Instead he roamed the country, from one Taoist master to the other, and eventually learned the art of longevity, becoming an Immortal.
Divine Births and Magic of the Eight Immortals
Miraculous births are a common aspect in the mythology of the Immortals. Lü Tung-pin and Chungli Ch’uan’s births were accompanied by supernatural events. The sound of flutes and pipes sounded, sweet fragrances filled the air, and brilliant rays of light were cast forth; signaling to all that a temporal birth of an Immortal had occurred.
The Immortals possess unique magical abilities. The Taoist patron of women, Ho Hsien-ku could cover hundreds of miles in a few strides and she could fly. Chang Kuo Lao could emulate death, and resurrect back to life. T’ieh-kua Li could leave his body, float in the spirit realm and return to his or another body. Han Hsiang could predict the future.
Taoist Rebels
Each of the Eight Immortals gave up their earthly lives, and material comforts that come with privilege. Many refused to serve the emperor or empress of China, protesting that their motivation to learn the Tao was selfish. Others went into hiding, assuming a hermetic life.
Their rebellion stems from some primary teachings in the Tao Te Ching. Chapter fifty seven states it eloquently:
Therefore the sage says: I take no action, and people transform themselves.
I love tranquility, and people naturally do what is right.
I don’t interfere, and people prosper on their own.
I have no desires, and people return to simplicity.
Chapter forty four of the Tao Te Ching says this:
Which is more precious, fame or health?
Which is more valuable, health or wealth?
Which is more harmful, winning or losing?
Source:
Evan Wong, Tales of the Taoist Immortals, Shambhala Publications, 2001
Brian Browne Walker, The Tao Te Ching of Lao Tzu, St. Martin’s Griffin, 1995
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