Buddhist Ledership in Solving Social Crises: A Case Studies of Epidemics

Abstract

This article aims to present the principles of conduct according to the Buddhist monk's practices in medical and public health in Buddhism. To present the Buddha's leadership in solving epidemics in the Buddha's time and past. and to compare the roles and leadership of monks in solving current epidemic problems. The study found that Lord Buddha was the leader of 500 monks to dispel plague in Paisali with Phraparit and spoke the Rattansuttra for 7 days.

On public health, he established 14 practices. There are 3 methods for treating diseases which are 1) medical care relying on monks to take care of themselves sometimes the Lord Buddha came down to take care of himself. and sometimes relying on a doctor's villagers 2) Dharma care and 3) Prevention of disease with 14 sanitation practices. The permitted pharmacist consists of 1) the type of the root plant, 2) the astringent, 3) the leaf type drug, 4) the fruit type drug and 5) the type of wood sap.

In the current situation, The Thai clergy should consider and review the practices as to whether or not the 13 practices of the thudongkawattra. Is there slack in the discipline or not.and should have guidelines how to improve or solve the problem.