Report by Chan Jia Xin.

President of Theravada Council of Malaysia Bro. Tan Leng Huat (second from right) launching Dr. Phang’s latest book, with Nalanda founder Bro. Tan looking on.

On Sunday 16 October, Dr. Phang Cheng Kar launched his latest book titled ‘NOW: Who wants to learn MINDFULGym? 12 Mindful Tools for Stress Reduction & Wellness’ at Nalanda Centre.  Representatives from various Buddhist organisations such as the Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia, Seck Kia Eenh Melaka, Subang Jaya Buddhist Association, Bandar Utama Buddhist Society, Buddhist Gem Fellowship, Kinrara Metta Buddhist Society, Sungai Long Buddhist Society and Nalanda Buddhist Society were present to receive complimentary copies of the book.

Dr. Phang sharing about the contents of his book and his research on mindfulness.

Dr. Phang shared about his latest book, which consists of 12 chapters filled with stories and summaries of research papers.  The book is based on “MINDFULGym”, a 5-week programme developed by the author himself.  It teaches participants how to practise mindfulness more effectively in their daily lives.

The interesting ‘3-Gratitude Cards’ were introduced at the book-launch.

Dr. Phang also introduced the ‘3-Gratitude Cards’ which he devised.  Devotees formed small groups to play the ‘3-Gratitude Card Game for Happiness’. Each participant took turns to draw a card and shared their reflections with group members on the question asked.  The questions prompted devotees to reflect on three main aspects of gratitude: i.e. for something that has gone right; gratitude for something usually taken for granted; and gratitude for lessons learned from something that went wrong.

Devotees playing the ‘3-Gratitude Card’ game with gusto.

Devotees later got to purchase copies of the book and have them autographed by Dr. Phang.  We would like to congratulate Dr. Phang on publishing his new book which will certainly benefit many people.  Sadhu anumodana.

A long line of appreciative devotees queuing for autographs.