In commemoration of the 30th Anniversary in Year 2012, the Buddhist Library launched a M.A.D (Make A Difference) Book Competition. The competition was to allow members to share with the rest of the world a Buddhist book that made a huge difference to their lives.
Participants had to provide a 300 words write-up on what the book was about and how it has impacted the person and made a difference in his/her life. Winners were selected based on originality and ability to inspire others. Over a period of 10 months (Mar – Dec 2012) winners of the competition stand to win $300 worth of book voucher each from opentrolley.com.sg.
Book Title: The Precious Present
Author: Spencer Johnson
Favourite Quote from the book
THE PRESENT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WISHING… WHEN
YOU HAVE THE PRESENT YOU WILL BE PERFECTLY CONTENT TO
BE WHERE YOU ARE…
THE RICHNESS OF THE PRESENT COMES FROM ITS OWN
SOURCE… THE PRESENT IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SOMEONE
GIVES YOU…
IT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU GIVE TO YOURSELF…
Brief Summary of the book
Just two main characters are involved – an old man and a boy. The old man tells the boy the existence of the precious present. The boy takes it to mean a gift that he hopes to receive for Christmas or birthday. While growing up, the boy keeps pondering over what that precious present is since he still has not received it. Whenever he asks the old man about it, the latter simply answers in riddles.
Only when the old man is gone and the young man is left to solve the riddle himself does he realise what the precious present is.
How the book Made A Difference to me
I have had moments of negative emotions. When they arise, I am definitely an unhappy person, filled with anger, hatred, sadness, depression or/and fear.
Since reading this book, I have tried practicing to be in the precious present and yes, the peace for that instant can be noticed and felt. I can experience this precious present only when I make a conscious effort to be mindful of it. The precious present makes a difference to me only when I am AWARE of its existence. Those moments of awareness have given me peace, contentment and joy.
While waiting for the bus, especially when I am running late, and I feel agitated as there is no sign of the bus, I chant the “mantra” – the precious present. It does wonders to my agitated mind. I feel calmer and I look at the surroundings and I see the beauty around me. Each time I remind myself of the precious present, I become more appreciative of who I am and what I have. I no longer compare myself with others and feel inadequate. The awareness of this precious present helps me to accept what I am facing instead of sometimes in my unmindful state of mind, I get upset.
One day, I listened to a friend’s problems and quietly, I guided her to be in the precious present. She was receptive to this and claimed that she was happier for that moment. This made a difference to her and it also made a difference to me because I know that I can use this precious present “mantra” to help not only myself but others, too. With this knowledge, I feel a sense of confidence and worth.
Try being in the precious present and see for yourself what I mean.