Chinese Cultural Sayings - Part 1

八仙过海－各显神通

ba xian guo hai - ge xian shentong

The Eight Immortals cross the sea - with unique methods

In Chinese Folklore their are eight immortals of Taoism which represent different the eight triagrams and various aspects of nature such as: sun, moon, thunder, wood, water etc. Each of the eight immortals could also transfer their powers to a common tool (法器) that can eitherbestow life or destroy evil. In Chinese classical mythology, once when the eight immortals were crossing the sea together, they each soared over it, using their own unique forms of magic.

The saying is used to describe individuals who compete with each other by using their special abilities or those who finish tasks using their own unique methods.

Wudang Mountain: China's cradle of Taoism and Wudang Martial Arts