Disaster victims to get dharma counselling

The project will seek to ease the emotional burden of the disaster through the use of dharma teaching and advice.
“We have found that flood victims at evacuation centres are experiencing high levels of stress,” said Phra Panya Wachiraporn, assistant abbot of Wat Sa Ket, yesterday.
On behalf of the Supreme Sangha Council, the temple is co-operating with the National Office of Buddhism to implement the initiative.
Dubbed Dharma for the Mental Rehabilitation of Flood Victims, the project will dispatch 200 volunteer monks with training in Buddhist psychology and counselling to evacuation centres.
“If flood victims can embrace certain principles, they will find the strength to get through the ongoing crisis,” Phra Panya said.
National Office of Buddhism director Nopparat Benjawattananon said the project had received part of its funding, about Bt5 million, from the government.
PM’s Office Minister Surawit Khonsomboon said the project would run until November 24.