In early January 2020, Covid-19, a new highly contagious coronavirus, began to spread and has since affected millions of lives around the world, causing hundreds of thousands of deaths across all continents. While this book is being prepared, the number is still growing. Ajahn Brahm, a monk for over 45 years, reminds us that "this too shall pass away", because nothing lasts forever. He encourages us to view this global pandemic not as a crisis, but as an opportunity to care for and serve one another, especially those in need.

Inspired by Ajahn Brahm's timeless teachings, the purpose of this book is twofold: first, to use 19 previously unpublished stories from Ajahn Brahm's life to bring joy and give hope to anyone whose life has been affected by Covid-19; and secondly, to present it as a gift to Ajahn Brahm on his 69th birthday, on 7 August 2020.

The title of the book, Virus Karuna, resonates with the pronunciation of "coronavirus". In Pāli, an ancient Indian language probably spoken by the Buddha himself, the word “karuņā” means “mercy”. It is hoped that mercy, along with benevolence and wisdom, can replace greed, anger, and error far and wide, as the world continues to grapple with this global pandemic.

Ajahn Brahm, born in London and taught as a theoretical physicist at Cambridge, is the Head of the Bodhinyana Hermitage in Serpentine, Western Australia. He was a disciple of the late Ajahn Chah, a prominent Thai jungle monk who is recognized by many as a great meditation teacher.