Abstract:
The study consisted of the following objectives: 1) to investigate the Sangha administration under Covid-19 epidemic in Mueang Nakhon Pathom District, Nakhon Pathom Province; 2) to explore the guidelines for Sangha administration in dealing with disasters from Covid-19 epidemic in Mueang Nakhon Pathom District, Nakhon Pathom Province; and 3) to present the guidelines for Sangha administration in dealing with disasters from Covid-19 epidemic in Mueang Nakhon Pathom District, Nakhon Pathom Province. The study used a qualitative research approach to collect data using interview forms, focus group discussion, and public participation behavior observation. The empirical content was used to examine the interview points.
From the study, the following results are found:
1) The Sangha administration under Covid-19 epidemic in Mueang Nakhon Pathom District, Nakhon Pathom Province includes: the Sangha should be aware of current activity, information, and news on epidemic prevention, as well as implementing prevention on hygiene in daily life for both monks and lay people. This will encourage more people to visit temples and continue to preserve Buddhism.
2) The guidelines for Sangha administration in dealing with disasters from Covid-19epidemic in Mueang Nakhon Pathom District, Nakhon Pathom Province include: the Sangha should not be careless in adjusting to using online media for lecturing and teaching, including continual cleaning within temples with regulation for screening monks, novices, and people. All of this can be used as guidelines to prepare for changing situations
3) The guidelines for Sangha administration in dealing with disasters from Covid-19 epidemic in Mueang Nakhon Pathom District, Nakhon Pathom Province include: the management of monks' roles in adjusting to the situation; the guideline for monks and Buddhists undertaking religious activities, whether Saṅghakamma (a formal act) or monastic activities based on the Vinaya and hygiene principles in a new normal; the practice of new normal religious activities in order to promote a new normal lifestyle and lessen the risks of the Covid-19 epidemic.
The guidelines for Sangha administration in Mueang Nakhon Pathom District provide a framework for operating in the three areas listed below: 1) public welfare; 2) public support; and 3) public development. This includes three conditions: 1) transparency and sincerity; 2) not violating the laws; and 3) the Dhamma Vinaya. All of these can help in making the work more sustainable, useful, and in line with the Dhamma Vinaya.