Now Normal to Next Normal of Monks and Buddhists

Abstract

This academic article aimed to study the Now Normal to Next Normal of monks in religious practices. It was found that COVID-19 epidemic situation made an impact on people's lives in society leading to a new way of living (New Normal), which was a change in behavior and a new lifestyle. Nowadays, people in society had adapted and were used to living with COVID-19. Meanwhile government had relaxed preventive measures. In addition, measures to prevent and control COVID-19 had been canceled Since October 1, 2022. The situation is now called Now Normal, people in society have adapted to live with COVID-19 without any problems. Life in the future is a new way of living for people of all ages called Next Normal or the next way of life. People in society adapt to survive until they become familiar with ways of thinking, learning methods, communication methods, and practical methods. Monks too are inevitable encounter with Buddhists. Monks must adjust their religious practices according to the situation. They must focus on living more in the online world, have digital service platforms as monks who preach Dharma to Buddhists must also change to live in the online world, such as teaching Dharma via Youtube, Live Stream via Facebook, Zoom program etc.. The Dhamma principles that can be used as tools to improve the lives of Buddhists in the new way of life and the next way of life that can still be used at all times, are the five precepts and the two very supportive Dhamma, namely Sati and Sampajanya. In performing religious activities online, monks must take into account the limitations of their status and the image of the monks. Because the use of these tools has both constructive and destructive parts. If a monk doesn't take into account the Dhamma and Vinaya, it may be noticed by Buddhists as inappropriate causing distrust.