Despite concerns about dust and small particles threatening people's health, Lumpini Park remains a popular place for people to exercise and enjoy their free time.
The Rommanee Tee Rao (Pleasant By Ourselves) group chose the park for their chairman, Phra Paisal Visalo, to demonstrate the connection between Buddhism and nature.
In addition to other unique ways of making merit, such as overnight prayer activities for the New Year celebrations, Rommanee Tee Rao aims to promote tree planting for this purpose too.
The British-born renowned monk Jayasaro Bhikkhu gave the keynote speech at an event which was held in the park last Saturday.
He began by explaining the meaning of boon (merit). Boon promotes positive natural and moral environments. It is what raises human spirits. On the contrary, sins are when people suffer from anger, greed or delusion.
Trees can help promote decency and beauty in people's hearts, he said.
GROWING HAPPINESS: Tree seeds are given away for the people to take and grow the trees on their land.
Citing the problem of air pollution, the British-born monk referred to a saying he learned when he was young: "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem."
"Bangkok is full of skyscrapers. I have a theory to distinguish big cities and great cities. I think London, New York and Paris are great cities. Why? Not because of skyscrapers. The distinction between great cities and big cities are trees and parks. When we feel hot we go to Regent's Park, Hyde Park. That's because of the natural elements," he said, adding that people in London can walk over 20 kilometres along the roads and they are under trees the whole way.
"How can Bangkok have more trees, so that it can be a great city?" He asked.
He went on to say that Buddhists realise the importance of trees, under which Buddha was born, enlightened and passed away, while monks also meditate under trees.
"Thailand is a Buddhist nation and should feel gratitude to trees. Why have we ignored building Rommaneeya Sathan (pleasant places)? Although we may not be able to clear our mind, just coming here, we feel calm and comfortable," he said.
"We want to give trees to the people, and give what supports spiritual prosperity. Giving trees to the people, to society, to the world, gives comfort, gives an environment that supports spiritual prosperity no matter who the person is," he said.
FREE FOR ALL: The Royal Forest Department gives away tree saplings and encourages people to take them.
"When you grow trees, you feel happy, pure happiness. When you feel hot, you sit under the trees and get the shade. If you want to meditate, you can sit under the trees. When we grow trees, we are supporting better mindfulness among the people. This is the Buddhist way," he went on.
The monk also emphasised that growing trees is just the beginning. People must take care of them throughout the year.
"It's like raising a child and seeing the child grow," he said.
After the keynote speech, hundreds of participants joined the monks on a walk under the trees in the park.
"Just be mindful," Phra Paisal said as he reminded the participants to realise how they feel.
The group planted nine trees at Lumpini Park that day. However, participants were encouraged to plant seeds or saplings on their own land.
The Royal Forest Department has offered free saplings of trees of different kinds and sizes. Interested people can contact the agency via phone on 01 561 4292 ext 5551.
