LESSONS LEARNED: THE NEW NORMAL OF BUDDHIST PRACTICE AMONG MONKS DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS IN NORTHEAST THAILAND: A CASE STUDY OF UBON RATCHATHANI

Abstract

The objectives of this qualitative research were 1) to draw lessons from the new way of religious practice of monks during the coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) crisis in the Northeastern region.  The research instruments include (1) a guide for initial questions for interviewing monks, (2) a guide for initial questions for group discussions with monks, and (3) a guide for observation. The data were analyzed using content analysis. The research findings were as follows: 1. The management of the affairs of the Sangha includes: 1) The management of the Sangha has good discipline: strengthening the organization of care for monks in groups at risk of infection with COVID-19 2) Religious aspect: the monks continue to support the teaching of the Dhamma and take measures to prevent the spread of infection 3) Religious outreach: the monks have endeavored to reduce the steps of Dhamma principles, such as giving talks at various occasions and places. 4) Educational assistance: they donate personal items to students as scholarships and set up relief funds. 5) Public Welfare: Develop the temple shelters into isolation areas for the infected and ask Buddhists to donate for the care of the infected. 6) Public facilities: Have the damaged crematorium restored and keep the temple premises clean and airy. And 2. The policy proposals for the new way of religious practice of monks during the COVID-19 crisis include 1) Reducing the steps to perform various religious activities. 2) Organizing a system for conducting the ceremonial activities to be protected from infection. 3) Preparing the religious ceremonies for both the place and the people involved. 4) Applying Dhamma principles in the performance of religious duties. 5) Regular meetings for consultation with the relevant authorities. 6) Organizing the welfare system for the monks and related persons. 7) Creating morale and encouragement for monks and related persons, and 8) Training in using equipment to prevent infection. In this regard, the best practices are in the same direction as the policy recommendations, which can be applied both in general situations and in crises where an epidemic occurs.