Life New Normal Based on Buddhism Approach

Abstract

Thailand has faced the breakout of coronavirus (COVID-19). On January 12, 2020, it was the first time in Thailand to find out the first case of COVID-19 infection. When the first case of the breakout happened, the government had provided the preventive measure to decrease the numbers of COVID-19 infection. Until December, 2020, the new wave of the breakout had happened. Especially on December 20, 2020, the new wave had tremendously changed the conduct of human life called “New Normal”. People in Thailand are used to this word from the government report about COVID-19.

          The word “New Normal” has changed many ways of human life. It seems that many people are familiar with the New Normal including to wear a medical mask when going out from home or greeting other persons, to wash hands with sanitizing gel, to work from home using internet, to reduce the association or outdoor living, and to live more with family members. In term of society, the interaction between people has reduced. In term of economy, the limitation of entrepreneurship has increased; it reduces people’s earnings. Some careers limit the number of customers for service; this also reduces people’s earnings. Some businesses are closed by the government during the coronavirus pandemic. However, the technology skills have played the important roles in entrepreneurship. Regarding education, online teaching and learning is employed during the coronavirus pandemic. Moreover, in term of health, people has increasingly paid attention to care for their health. In term of family relationship, family members have more time to spend with each other. Everybody needs to adjust themselves to live in the New Normal physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally in order to correlative with the teachings in Buddhism that most Thai people follow.

Living based on the Buddha’s teaching, the threefold training or Tisikkhà can be applied in the situation of coronavirus pandemic. Sila-sikkhà is the training in morality. In applying the conduct of life, we can follow what doctors suggest or what the government declares during the coronavirus pandemic. Samàdhi-sikkhà is the training in concentration. We should not be anxious or nervous during the coronavirus pandemic. Finally, Pannà-sikkhà is the training in wisdom; we have to search and understand more information for self-protection whether through documents, books, online information or what the government has declared with action. Another teaching we can apply is called Punnakiriyà-vatthu or the bases of meritorious action. There are three bases; the first is Dànamaya punnakiriyà-vatthu or the meritorious action consisting in giving or generosity. For example, we can give alms online. The second is Sãlamaya or the meritorious action consisting in observing the precepts or moral behaviour. For example, we can follow the doctors’ suggestion in order to prevent ourselves from the coronavirus pandemic. The last is Bhàvanàmaya or the meritorious action consisting in mental development. Everybody can practice Buddhist meditation in order to increase their own meritorious action with various kinds of acknowledgement such as Buddho, rising and falling, Aammā Araham, or Anapanasati practice. It depends on each one’s aptitude.