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Only while stocks last, so go to www.combecktator.com.combe, forward slash PIMS to claim this offer now. Hello and welcome to Chinese Whispers with me, Cindy Yu.

Every episode, I'll be talking to journalists, experts and longtime China watchers about the latest in Chinese politics, society and more.

There'll be a smattering of history to catch you up on the background knowledge and some context especially. about the latest in Chinese politics, society and more.

There'll be a smattering of history to catch you up on the background knowledge and some context as well. How do the Chinese see these issues?

Are the Chinese religious? The government's treatment of Christians and particularly Muslims

have been under scrutiny in recent years, to say the least. But these religious groups only

form around 4% of the Chinese population, according to national surveys. So what do the other 96%

believe in? The CCP itself is famously atheist, but that doesn't mean the society is faithless.

In particular, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism have grown together over the centuries

to provide what the Chinese call San Jia Hei, three teachings harmonious as one, and these

continue to influence Chinese life as one. Growing up, I never knew which part of my temple

visit belonged to which faith. One social scientist has described the Chinese faith as an empty

bowl, which can be variously filled. So on this episode of Chinese Whispers, we'll be taking

a look at what the three teachings teach and how they've become perhaps more cultural practices

than religious in modern China. Now, there's a lot to talk about, so first up, I have to admit,

defeat. This episode will be more on the beliefs and practices themselves and less on the communist government's treatment of them, which is plenty to talk about for a whole other episode at least. So watch a space for episode two on this topic, where we'll be discussing the persecution of the Falun Gong, the 90s Buddhist sect, the growing control under Xi Jinping, and moments

where the central government actually find it convenient to encourage indigenous religion.

So for now, what the teachings teach, joining me on this podcast to discuss that is Mark Mullenbeld,

associate professor at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, who's an expert on Chinese folk religion.

So Mark, I wonder if we can start by first talking about that mix of the three teachings. What does it mean for

...