Once long ago Duke Mu of Quin [659–620 B.C.] was in his ancestral temple during the day, when a sprit entered the gate and turned to the left. It had the face of a man and the body of a bird, wore a white robe with black borders, and was very dignified and grave in appearance. When Duke Ma saw it, he was frightened and started to run away, but the spirit said, “Do not be afraid. God recognizes your enlightened virtue and has sent me to bestow upon you nineteen more years of life. He will make your state prosperous and your descendants numerous, and they shall not lose possession of Qin!” Duke Mu bowed twice, lowered his head, and said, “May I ask the name of this spirit?” and the spirit replied, “I am Gou Mang.” If we are to accept as reliable what Duke Mu saw in person, then how can we doubt that ghosts and spirits exist?

From pg. 100, Mozi Basic Writings, translated by Burton Watson.