Encounters with Celestials: Xiang Lin Temple
“A life of high strangeness pt.5”
An experience from my life.
Since I was a child, I’ve had an unusual ability to perceive realms beyond our everyday world. When I received an invitation to the Xiang Lin Temple—where I would undergo the Tao Transmission alongside my husband and son—I felt an immediate pull.
Even though I was unfamiliar with most Tao teachings, I prayed that morning to catch a glimpse of any Celestials who might appear at the ceremony.
A Towering Celestial in Gold
As the ceremony drew near, I sensed a strong spiritual presence in the room. My heart raced as I silently asked permission to see whoever was there. Suddenly, the energy intensified, and I felt faint. Then, in a breathtaking moment, a colossal Celestial Being materialized in front of the altar. He stood well over 20 feet tall, and it was as though the temple’s ceiling vanished to accommodate his height.
He wore a magnificent robe of brilliant gold and a tall, conical hat extending into the heavens. Although he spoke no words, his gaze conveyed a serene yet powerful authority. Overcome with awe, I exclaimed, “Oh! Now I see you!” In response, he shifted behind me, as if to demonstrate he could appear anywhere at will. I fought the urge to drop to my knees in reverence, mindful not to disrupt the ongoing ceremony. Then, incredibly, he reappeared in miniature form upon my hand—suggesting he could manifest in any size—before dissolving from view.
Searching for Answers
After the ritual ended, I approached the temple Masters to inquire about this golden-robed entity. They wondered if it might have been Ji Gong Teacher, known for wearing brown and a small hat, but I was adamant: this being was entirely clad in gold, radiating its own light.
I later stumbled upon a similar account from a Muslim Elder Seer in Indonesia who, in 2005, described witnessing a giant, golden-armored celestial entering a Tao Temple during a ceremony. His testimony offered me a sense of validation, confirming that such appearances were not isolated events.
A Second Visit, A Second Revelation
In 2024, I returned to Xiang Lin Temple, again praying for the privilege of seeing any Celestial Beings who might attend. Unlike the previous visit, the space felt calm and unoccupied at first. But as the ceremony progressed, I sensed a sudden rush of energetic force. Bowing my head, I once more asked for permission to witness their arrival.
Almost at once, a vision of a majestic woman materialized, seated before the altar. She exuded an overwhelming yet tender presence, and her gentle smile compelled me to offer respect. “Who are you?” I asked. “I am Goddess of Compassion,” she replied with a serene wave of her hand over those gathered. In a hushed voice, I questioned whether her presence signaled a heightened need for compassion. She simply nodded in response, her silence revealing an unspoken urgency.
Thousands in Attendance
Peering beyond her, I noticed a radiant figure who seemed to be Ji Gong Teacher. He emanated a joyful energy that reminded me of Master Wang’s beaming smile. Then, the temple’s roof appeared to vanish, revealing row upon row of ethereal beings stretching into the heavens, each surrounded by a soft, bluish light. It felt as though we were encircled by an ancient, loving audience. Turning back to the Goddess, I asked if she wanted me to deliver any message to the group, but she only said, “Not yet.”
Later, the Masters clarified that these countless beings were the ancestors and predecessors of everyone present, standing as silent witnesses and guardians of that sacred event.
In the Wake of Wonder
Reflecting on these encounters, I’m struck by how they challenge our notions of reality. Whether it’s a towering golden deity or the gentle, encompassing presence of a compassionate goddess, these experiences remind us that the spiritual realm is vast and often closer than we think.
By approaching our practice with openness and humility, we allow room for the divine to reveal itself in its own profound—and sometimes astonishing—ways. Above all, these visions serve as a testament that we never stand alone; our ancestors, teachers, and guides are woven into every moment, offering guidance and support across time and space.
“A Life of High Strangeness Pt.5”
~Written By Elizabeth S
Each “Echo” is prepared in the following format:
Experiential
The first section will always call from experience and introduce a topic
Scientific/Research
The second section will detail any research and findings relating to the topic
Opinion/Conclusion
The final section will be the writer’s own conclusion about the topic based on their experience and the scientific components combined
Sources:
You may have noticed there was no Blue section this time. This time we decided to focus solely on our Yellow and Purple sections for a more personal, reflective piece.
