The revered monk, who arrived in Bangkok on Saturday, made his much-awaited first public appearance in front of 100 monks and 1,000 curious people.

Besides interested Thais and foreigners, monks and nuns from various Buddhist sects and even Catholic sisters and Protestant social workers were among the audience.

Up to 600 of them followed the mindful steps of Thich Nhat Hanh during a peace walk in Lumpini Park. For 45 minutes, the walk went on with majestic quiet.

About 90 monks joined the activities from Plum Villages in France and Vietnam. Thich Nhat Hanh established Plum Village in France in 1982 to allow anyone to come and learn mindfulness to practise in their daily life while living peacefully together as a community.

The internationally renowned Vietnamese Zen master introduced the audience to mindfulness by being aware of the body as they are breathing, because it makes body and minds relax while generating energy to deal with strong emotions.

He advised that people should practice mindfulness before correcting other people's wrong perceptions in conflicts that could lead to violence. In this way, the person can have loving speech and deeply listen to others.

"Deep listening opens a chance for the suffering people to talk. Compassionate listening relieves suffering, anger and pain," Thich Nhat Hanh said.

"We have no intention to suppress anger or fear but to be aware and take care of it with tenderness. You can look into the nature of suffering and transform the suffering later," he added.

This is the first time in three decades that the Vietnamese Zen master has visited Thailand. Last time Thich Nhat Hanh, now 81, came to Thailand was in 1975, when there was a similarity with today's political and social tension. Some religious and social advocates agreed his trip has come at an appropriate time.

The monk, whose fame is generally considered to be second only to the Dalai Lama, will deliver a speech on "Buddhist Contributions to Good Governance and Development" at the United Nations Vesak Celebration 2007 at the UN Conference Centre, Bangkok, on May 28.

He will also have Dharmma Talks at various places in Thailand including Buddha Monthon. He will leave Thailand on May 31.

Yesterday's activities were just part of an alternative path Thich Nhat Hanh has used to guide people in their efforts to improve society in a peaceful way.

Kornchanok Raksaseri

The Nation