Forget the hate:Sulak

"I believe everyone has a Buddha nature. That makes us all commit?ted to non-violence. And both sides know that I'm concerned with [Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship leaders] Charan [Dittapichai], Doctor Waeng [Tojirakarn], and [People's Alliance for Democracy co-leader] Piphob Thongchai. Why don't we meditate for three minutes, five minutes? You shouldn't hate Thaksin [Shinawatra], you should hate what Thaksin did.

 "We should have more charity. And we claim to be Buddhists - no use," Sulak told The Nation yester?day.

 Sulak criticised PAD co-leader Chamlong Srimuang for allegedly wanting to see yet another coup d'e?tat and said the sense of moral supe?riority in Chamlong - who is an ascetic, eats one meal and only veg?etarian food and has no sex with his wife - "is dangerous."

 He urged followers and leaders of both sides to be mindful. "With mindfulness comes wisdom. With hatred, you cannot get wisdom and you see others as your enemies."

Sulak added that two other ways out of the conflict were either for Thaksin to stop meddling in politics for five years or for the palace to send a clear signal to both sides to stop.

 In a related development, Chamlong ridiculed Disathorn Vajarotai, chairman of the Rajprachanukroa Foundation under His Majesty's patronage, for urging the public to stay home and not join PAD rallies if they love the King.

 "The [monarchy] institution is being undermined. If Thais love the King and this country but stay home, how then can they protect the institution? It's impossible," said Chamlong, adding that the PAD would promptly vacate the occupied Government House if the military or the bureaucrats were "carrying out the tasks the PAD is shouldering".

 Chamlong also said that a recent idea - to have Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda mediate the crisis - might not work, as pro-government DAAD leaders criticised Prem in front of his residence last year.

 Meanwhile, former Thai Rak Thai deputy leader Chaturon Chaisang confirmed yesterday that he would be present and speak at the pro-government rally tomorrow, when Thaksin is expected to phone from London.

 Chaturon said the rally will send a clear message to the military that the people will not accept yet another coup. He urged people to criticise the PAD, which he claimed has been calling for a coup and has turned Government House into "a special administrative zone".