In a recent visit to the Phitsanulok Province we visit the temple and realize that monks as well need to think of their health and safety in this time.
If you don’t know, Thai Temples are always clean and the Coronavirus brings a new sense of making sure all areas are clean. We know that the virus can live on some surfaces up to 36 hours. If you have been to a Thai Temple before, you know that they are always cleaning and at times like this, it becomes very important.
We usually bring an offering to the monks which may include food and water. This time we bring the gift of health by making masks for them. If you think of the amount of times they are together in prayer and chanting that it is important for them to have a mask as well.
With the same care and a group of willing volunteers, we set for a trip to the temple with our supplies and made several masks for all the monks.
We leave the monk with something we hope can be helpful for them and the people that visit the temple. I would encourage other volunteers near other Thai Temples to consider the same. We all know that it is not easy to get masks and our beloved monks are no different. Think of the number of times they speak or chant to groups or individuals. Think of the times they go to home for a blessing or other. The monks are very big of the Thai Community. They offer comfort and strength at these times when people are looking for answers.
We thank you for reading and thinking of our spiritual leaders. I would imagine that other religious leaders are in the same situation. Whatever you faith is, let us work together to help each other.