COVID-19, lockdown and middle path

The expression ‘middle way’ refers to the Buddhist understanding of practical life, avoiding the extremes of self-denial and self-indulgence – Pic by Shehan Gunasekara 

Sri Lanka is experiencing the second wave of COVID-19. The total number of coronavirus positive cases reported from the Minuwangoda cluster is 2,222 (by 20 October). People start to talk about ‘lockdown’ and many interpretations are emerging with different arguments. Interestingly Dr. David Nabarro, a WHO COVID-19 envoy, proposed a ‘middle path’ to combat the epidemic.

“There are new COVID challenges everywhere. Tricky times for all leaders. The virus has not changed and still has the potential to do lots of damage. There is plenty of advice available, much of it is conflicting. Some commentators say ‘more restrictions needed now’. Others say ‘let the virus run wild and build up herd immunity’. A middle path is needed….  Too many restrictions damage people’s livelihoods and provoke resentment. ‘Virus run wild’ will lead to lots of deaths as well as debilitating long-COVID among younger people,” David Nabarro, a Special Envoy of the World Health Organization Director-General on COVID-19. (Source: https://www.4sd.info/covid-19-narratives/reflections-about-the-middle-path/)

It is important to observe Dr. David Nabarro (former Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Climate Change) is suggesting a solution which can be considered as universal in this critical scenario. 

In the same discussion, he is stressing the importance of helping each other with humanity: “The reality is that the virus is a common foe: it is here to stay, and we all have roles to play in keeping it at bay.  People are the solution to stopping spikes and surges from welling up and overwhelming us all.  Integrated local action that involves local and national authorities, businesses, professional bodies, community organisations, schools, academe, the media, international organisations, is essential, with all making themselves available to support people as they act for the common good. Recognition of those who do this, and coordination among actors, are both essential. Looking ahead. Humanity will eventually work out how to live with this virus. I say: the sooner the better.” (https://www.4sd.info/covid-19-narratives/reflections-about-the-middle-path/)

It is worthwhile to observe this middle path with the eightfold path of Buddhism which is regarded as a golden mean between self-indulgence and self-mortification, called also a middle way. The basic understanding of the ‘middle way’ is the path between two extremes. According to Ana (2017), the expression ‘middle way’ refers to the Buddhist understanding of practical life, avoiding the extremes of self-denial and self-indulgence. 

The observation of Dr. David Nabarro on ‘middle path’ to combat COVID-19 should be a thought-provoking research area for scholars. It is also important to note that Buddhism is a philosophy and it holistically discusses the ultimate truth or the truth about reality.

Nevertheless, COVID-19 has made many changes to the earth and it continues to send messages to the universe. Unfortunately, there is a million-dollar question on the ‘interpretation’ of these messages by us as humans. Because all interpretations are subject to certain political and social ideologies of selected people in the world greedy for power!

(The writer is attached to the Open University of Sri Lanka.)