The Buddhist Sangha of Vietnam on May 8 asked pagodas and Buddhist monasteries to closely follow precautionary measures in the face of the fresh coronavirus outbreak.

Woshipping at a pagoda in Vietnam. Photo: Cao An Bien

Pagodas need to stop crowded prayers and rituals until the next notice of the local governments.

Monks and nuns across the country need to obey the safety guidance released by the prime minister, the Ministry of Health, and the municipal and provincial peoples' committees.

In places deemed safe, the hosting of some services if allowed by local authorities must ensure the 5K-measure protocol including masking – disinfection – distance – medical declaration.

The safety guidance must be obeyed on the preparations for the Vesak 2021 [the Day of the Full Moon in the month of May - the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists around the world as it was the day the Buddha was born two and a half millennia ago] or the 2556 year in the Buddhist calendar.

Notably, abbots of Buddhist monasteries need to cooperate with local authorities to disseminate preventive measures among followers and residents. Administrators must be responsible before the Buddhist Sangha for any violation of safety protocols.

According to Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Buddhism in Vietnam has more than 11 million followers, over 17,000 worshiping facilities, nearly 47,000 dignitaries, four Buddhist Institutes, nine Buddhist colleges, and 31 Intermediate schools.

Due to the pandemic, the year 2565 (Buddhist Era), Buddhists throughout the world normally celebrate online the birth, the enlightenment, and the passing away to parinibanna of Gautama Buddha on Vesak Day. They send a Buddhist webcard to their friends.