He was on such a pilgrimage when he died. His funerary excess set a high standard for subsequent dynastic death rites. Early on, the Chinese had a class of advisers who served somewhat like priests to the royal clans in their ritual duties. But there was never a well-articulated theology or theological establishment for the rest of society, said Jensen. Living and dying are sharing equal space.
People believe in the divinity of being a person.
Although they believed in Ti, the ancient Chinese didn't personify God. There was a sense of heaven being beyond human comprehension. In fact, deities like those in other organized religions didn't take the Chinese stage until the arrival about 150 A.D. of Buddhism, whose theology including a pantheon of gods and an elaborate vision of Hell. Yet superstition and a willingness to believe almost anything were strong forces, too. Confucianism's emphasis on morality, honor, ritual and society made it the official state philosophy for centuries.