In ancient China, it was believed that all earthly phenomena were controlled by deities. Lightning, water, fire, wind — everything had a spiritual embodiment, hence the existence of gods of thunder, lightning, water, fire, and wind. The Thunder God, traditionally depicted with wings, three eyes, a face as red as a monkey, and eagle-like claws, was believed to be capable of distinguishing good from evil. He served as an executor of divine justice, punishing the wicked. Consequently, when humans or animals were struck by lightning, it was widely believed that it was the Thunder God punishing the evil.
Many cause-and-effect stories relating to thunder strikes have been recorded in historical texts.
The man named ‘Gold’ saved by lightning
During the Qing Dynasty, there was a ferry service in Zhenjiang. One day, as a fully-loaded ferry was preparing to depart, lightning suddenly struck, encircling the ship and revealing the character “金” (gold) in the flashes. The passengers speculated that the Thunder God was expressing discontent with someone named “Gold.” They cried out: “Who here bears the surname “Gold”? Please disembark swiftly, to avoid cursing us all.”
A man named “Gold” left the ferry, trembling with every step. Once he disembarked, the thunder and lightning seemed to lessen slightly. Thinking they were safe, the passengers instructed the ferryman to set sail. Unexpectedly, when they reached the middle of the river, a furious wind caused the ferry to capsize, drowning everyone on board. The only survivor was Mr. Gold, who had been warned off the ship by the “金” character in the lightning.
The strike that spared a single pig
In the Gui-Chou year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign during the Qing Dynasty (1673), a man in Shanghai County bought 36 pigs with counterfeit money. Someone else gave him 400 coins to buy an additional pig, making a total of 37. While the pigs were being transported by boat, a sudden thunderstorm lifted the boat’s canopy and killed the 36 pigs bought with counterfeit money, leaving the one paid for honestly unscathed. This was considered karma for the buyer who used counterfeit money.
The man who sold the pigs was later apprehended when he attempted to spend the counterfeit money he’d received. During the ensuing trial, the seller was able to identify the buyer. After investigating the buyer and learning of the incident with the pigs, the magistrate severely reprimanded him and ordered him to be shackled before being put on display as a form of public humiliation.
A thunderous warning for Commander Cao
Commander Cao, residing within Lou Gate in Suzhou, was visited by a strange phenomenon. One bright day, a thunderbolt struck his front gate. In the aftermath, a piece of valuable Nanmu wood appeared, inscribed with red cursive characters that no one could decipher.
Coincidentally, a Taoist known as Zhang Celestial Master was residing at Yuanmiao Temple. Commander Cao brought the wood to him for interpretation. Zhang read: “For past wrongs, sow virtue now. A gate struck by lightning requires vigilance.”
It turns out that Commander Cao had a tumultuous past and was once a criminal. He was caught and punished for dealing in contraband salt after injuring many people in his attempts to evade arrest. He had since reformed, choosing to serve in the military.
In a place called Gu Mountain, many locals were smuggling goods from overseas. When they were apprehended, the local governor wanted to sentence them all to death. However, Commander Cao convinced him to spare the lives of the common smugglers and only execute the leaders. This act of mercy was the “sowing virtue” referred to in the inscription. The message from the Thunder God was a reminder of karma — to continue sowing good deeds and make up for his past wrongdoings.
The echoes of thunder: A reminder of divine justice
These stories, sprinkled throughout ancient Chinese history, highlight the culturally ingrained belief in divine intervention and the consequences of one’s actions. The Thunder God was not merely a deity to be feared, but a symbol of cosmic justice, underscoring the timeless and universal values of integrity and ethical conduct.
In each narrative, we see individuals facing the consequences of their actions — good or bad — under the Thunder God’s discerning gaze. From the miraculous survival of Mr. Gold to the singular pig that escaped death and the profound warning received by Commander Cao, each instance serves as a stark reminder that karma, or divine justice, is always at play.
So the next time the sky rumbles and lightning strikes, remember these tales. They serve as reminders from the past that the echoes of our actions can resonate with the gods themselves, shaping our destiny and, ultimately, the world around us.
Translated by Eva
