Online learning of Buddhism during/post-COVID in the Kathmandu Valley

Abstract

Outbreak of COVID-19 is an international human crisis. The damage to health, wealth and well-being has already been huge. The rapid spread of the coronavirus pandemic started from China and throughout Asia, Europe, and the United states. Nepal is not spared. This paper attempts to look at how Buddhist philosophy is helping the online participants to cope with stress due to coronavirus pandemic and their experiences in participating in online programs run by various Theravada Viharas (monasteries). The COVID-19 is a blessing in disguise for the Buddhist community in the Kathmandu valley followed by lockdowns --long, short and partial. Since last year these lockdowns have confined people to their houses but it provides a wonderful opportunity for learning the teachings of Buddhism through online lectures, discourses and webinars including the Vipassana meditation organized by learned Bhikkhus (monks) of Theravada Viharas (monasteries). This paper is entirely based on empirical studies. Therefore, a primary survey among the online participants have been conducted through a questionnaire. Mobile phones, landline and emails are employed to collect information. Theravada Viharas (monasteries) that are running the online programs are briefly described, and profiles of learned Bhikkhus (monks) are also given including their feedbacks. The study deals entirely with Theravada Buddhist tradition in Nepal and does not address other Buddhist traditions such as Vajrayana and Mahayana.