Cities of Lightning: The Iconography of Thunder-Beings in the Oriental Traditions

by Samudranath

Cities of Lightning is the first full and accurate presentation on the mystical revelation and Tantra of the Thunder-beings in the Oriental traditions. The Thunder-Beings are the Lords and Mothers of Enlightenment. The essence of the Oriental traditions is the experience of enlightenment, of perfect tranquility and bliss. This experience is fully attained through the Thunder-Beings, through their clear-light blessings, and through their power and wisdom. The Thunder-Beings awaken the earth through sound and light (thunder and lightning). Likewise, through sound and light (name and image) they extend themselves to awaken the mind. Their names and images are used in visualization-based meditations and form the basis of the Oriental traditions of Tantra. Through the proper use of these images and sacred sound in meditation, we can fully liberate our minds from suffering and become a Thunder-Being ourselves, capable of flawlessly guiding all sentient beings to the enlightened state. Through the grace of the Enlightened Ones we can at present become a lamp of crystal clear wisdom-light to directly purify our mind, to alleviate the suffering of beings, to create a climate of health and harmony, to pacify harmful influences, to precipitate world peace, and to create a continuous rain of blessings to nourish the hearts of all sentient beings. Cities of Lightning is an exposition on the clear-light imagery and its use in the three Oriental traditions, Buddha Dharma, Sanatan Dharma, and Taoism, as well as an exposition on these three traditions and the Thunder-Beings who originated their Truth.

380 pages, Paperback

First published July 14, 2000