Valentine's Day is usually marked with love songs, but while the music may sound sweet, the dharma melodies that will fill the air at Sathira Dhammasathan centre on Saturday evening will be something out of the ordinary. Still guaranteed, though, to lift the spirits and cocoon listeners in a blanket of love.

Imagine yourself and the love of your life sitting on the grass surrounded by large, leafy Bodhi trees looking out over a calm lotus pond.

This idyllic garden is tucked away in Soi Watcharapol, just a few metres from a busy road. Yet, with the centre and its grounds surrounded by a high wall, it feels like the city and its noise are far away. And, instead of ordinary love songs with saccharine lyrics, you'll be hearing a series of numbers written for the benefit of children. The tracks to be performed are taken off three albums released under the title "Chom Suan", or "Appreciate the Garden".

They were created by producer Thanes Sukawat under the concept of spiritual entertainment developed by Buddhist nun mae chee Sansanee Sathirasut, the founder and director of Sathira Dhammasathan.

The songs - meant to help and encourage youngsters to meditate - will be sung by children and professional artists.

"People who have visited Sathira Dhammasathan will know 'Dung Dok Mai Ban' ['Like Blossom Flower']. The song is on the first album and has become the best known," says Sansanee. "It brings awareness to every breath."

The concert, also called "Dok Mai Ban", or "Blossom Flower", was first held last year. The idea to organise such a gathering came from Thanes and the other artists who frequent Sathira Dhammasathan and have often observed the nun singing lullabies and giving advice to children on meditation.

"We thought it would be really good to have a musical day for children, with the best time to hold it on or around National Children's Day. That's how the first Dok Mai Ban concert came into being," says Thanes.

Under the same "spiritual entertainment" banner as last year, the concert will mix meditation, music and art, all inspired by the garden.

Last year's participants included Lanna Cummins, Pod Modern Dog and florist Sakchai Guy. This year, more celebrities are taking part to celebrate the much-loved centre's 20th anniversary. Among the famous faces will be Charas Fuengarom, Pussacha Tonavanik, Nantida Kaewbuasai, the stars from "Academy Fantasia" and "First Stage", Koh Mr Saxman, and several actors and actresses.

The highlight will be a live show at sunset improvised by National Artist Pratuang Emjaroen, which will mix jazz, flowers and dharma in one art piece.

Another attraction is the official launch of the dharma animation "Mae Chee Noi" created by D-Cross Agency. Based on the clay sculptures hidden in corners of the garden, the idea behind the animation is to bring dharma to children through something they want to see, rather than forcing them to concentrate on books.

"'Mae Chee Noi' represents the courteous, intelligent, modern woman who encourages children to do good deeds every day. You can call her by any name. What's most important is knowing that she is someone you can trust," explains Sansanee.

The animation will be launched along with other merchandise including Mae Chee Noi piggy banks, DVDs and T-shirts.

"You'll see how art combines perfectly with music to deliver dharma messages as you take in the scent of the flowers. Your body will be in touch with the earth and the trees, and your minds will awaken. Finally, your mind will be stimulated and entertained," Thanes concludes.

CM Organiser is providing the lighting, sound system and special effects for the concert.

Admission is free. Visit www.sdsweb.org or call (02) 510 6697 for tickets. The concert will run from 5 to 8pm on Saturday at Sathira Dhammasathan, 24/5 Ram-Indra Road, Soi Watcharaphol, Bangkok. The  centre also offers meditation sessions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Juthamas Cholthavornpong

The Nation