Using Social Innovation to Implement Weixin Shengjiao Doctrine in Lifelong Education

(Weixin Shengjiao College, Taiwan)

Abstract: In the past decade, the concept of social innovation has been constantly looked at and examined by scholars, for-profit organizations, non-profit organizations as well as the government, and has been widely explored and applied. Taiwan is facing the problem of an aging population and low birth rate. It is therefore of the essence to be able to maintain harmony and stability in society. This study conducts individual case studies to explore how the new religious group, Weixin Shengjiao applies the concept of social innovation to implement its doctrine through lifelong education, and to help the government create a harmonious society.

The research found that the central tenet of the Weixin Shengjiao is the fusion of I Ching and Feng Shui, with the thoughts of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism in Chinese culture, to pass on and further promote Chinese culture in modern society. In 1994, the founder of Weixin Shengjiao, Grand Master Hun Yuan, created a lifelong education platform known as I Ching University. The university has three major foci, which implements the core essences of the Weixin Shengjiao of moral, life, environmental, filial piety and cultural education. Based on the local humanistic, social and economic features, I Ching University uses practical, current, realistic innovations for widespread distribution, in order to nurture talents and create a harmonious society.

Key words: social innovation, I Ching University, I Ching, Feng shui, lifelong education