COVID-2019: PATHWAY, DHAMMA PATH, A NEW NORMAL OF THE BUDDHISTS IN THAI SOCIETY.

Abstract

The crisis of Covid-2019 outbreak has had a huge impact, whether it is the condition of severe economic contraction, unemployment, decreased income and others. In social aspect, people in society are unable to normally interact or gather that causes humans in a stressful condition. In environmental aspect, there have been huge piles of garbage that cannot be reused. In cultural aspect, conservation and inheritance activities cannot be participated. As a result, the world population have to adapt themselves towards a safer living based on new ways through online social interactions.  The Buddhists in Thailand also have to adapt themselves towards new Dhamma path according the cultural framework following their own belief including:  1) charity through online; 2) the precepts observation, concentration and mind development through electronic conference systems of various Dhamma retreats; 3) Dhamma learning and Dhamma exams through online system; 4) more regulations practice at temples such as taking a fever measurement, wearing masks, cleaning hands with alcohol or soap, etc.; 5) more communication technology development of the temple. Under these conditions and activities, the Buddhists of both monks and lay people need to adapt themselves more to a “new normal”.