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Confusianism, Taoism, and Buddhism collectively, considered as a harmonious aggregate

In Chinese philosophy, the three teachings (; , Chữ Hán: 三教) are Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. All of these three teachings are considered a harmonious aggregate. Literary references to the "three teachings" by prominent Chinese scholars date back to the 6th century. It can also be used in reference to the "Sanyi teaching", a syncretic sect which was founded during the Ming dynasty by Lin Zhao'en, wherein Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist beliefs are combined according to their usefulness in self cultivation. However, the phrase is not necessarily a reference to this sect. While Confucianism was the ideology of the law, the institutions and the ruling class, Taoism was the worldview of the radical intellectuals and it was also compatible with the spiritual beliefs of the peasants and the artisans. The two, although opposite ends of the philosophical spectrum, jointly created the Chinese "image of the world". The joint worship of the three teachings can be found in some Chinese temples, such as in Hanging Temple. Sanjiao believers think that "[t]hree teachings are safer than one" and that using elements from all three brings good fortune.

Confucianism is a complex school of thought, sometimes also referred to as a religion, revolving around the principles of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. It was developed in the Spring and Autumn period during the Zhou dynasty. The main concepts of this philosophy include ren (humaneness), yi (righteousness), li (propriety/etiquette), zhong (loyalty), and xiao (filial piety), along with strict adherence to social roles. This is illustrated through the five main relationships Confucius interpreted to be the core of society: ruler subject, father son, husband wife, elder brother younger brother, and friend friend. In these bonds, the latter must pay respect to and serve the former, while the former is bound to care for the latter. The following quotation is from the Analects, a compilation of Confucius' sayings and teachings, written after his death by his disciples. This quotation exemplifies Confucius' idea of the junzi or gentleman. Originally this expression referred to "the son of a ruler", but Confucius redefined this concept to mean behaviour (in terms of ethics and values such as loyalty and righteousness) instead of mere social status.

Daoism (or Taoism) is a philosophy centered on living in harmony with the Dao (Tao) , which is believed to be the source, pattern and substance of all matter. Its origin can be traced back to the late 4th century B. C. E. and the main thinkers representative of this teaching are Laozi and Zhuang Zhou.

Buddhism is a religion that is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. The main principles of this belief system are karma, rebirth, and impermanence. Buddhists believe that life is full of suffering, but that suffering can be overcome by attaining enlightenment. Nirvana (a state of perfect happiness) can be obtained by breaking away from (material) attachments and purifying the mind. However, different doctrines vary on the practices and paths followed in order to do so. Another concept prominent in the Buddhist belief system is the Eight Fold Path. The Noble Eightfold Path is the fourth of the Four Noble Truths, which is said to be the first of all Buddha's teachings. It stresses areas in life that can be explored and practice, such as right speech and right intention. The main principles of this belief system are karma, rebirth, and impermanence.

Though the term "three teachings" is often focused on how well Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism have been able to coexist in harmony throughout Chinese history, evidence has shown that each practice has dominated, or risen to favour, during certain periods of time. Emperors would choose to follow one specific system and the others were discriminated against, or tolerated at most. An example of this would be the Song dynasty, in which both Buddhism and Taoism became less popular. Neo Confucianism (which had re emerged during the previous Tang dynasty) was followed as the dominant philosophy. A minority also claims that the phrase "three teachings" proposes that these mutually exclusive and fundamentally incomparable teachings are equal. This is a contested point of view as others stress that it is not so. Confucianism focuses on societal rules and moral values, whereas Taoism advocates simplicity and living happily while in tune with nature. On the other hand, Buddhism reiterates the ideas of suffering, impermanence of material items, and reincarnation while stressing the idea of reaching salvation beyond.