New Job

Suppose to blog about my Vipa retreat at St. John Island. But am exhausted after commenting in STOMP. Just a couple of updates on me...

I went for an interview last Saturday as a tax assistant in a CPA firm. It's the most stringent firm I've ever met.
'First half year, no annual leave(AL) to be taken. 5.5-day work week.'
Busy period for CPA firm as companies' accounts need to be audited for reporting. So does tax reporting.

'Second half year, 5-day work week. AL can be applied.'
What if I needed to go overseas for hols for countries which are advisable to visit only in the first half year? This is then pointless.

'ACCA exam's leave is granted instantaneously. Australian degree exam's leave has to be discussed before permitting.'
Bias, prejudice, belittling overseas degree holder. Practical world.

'Discourage workers to leave on the dot even you have completed your day's work. Hope to stay another fifteen minutes more.'
I don't see any point in staying couple of minutes more when you've done your job for the day. It's self-assurance, self-deceiving.

I feel that they are prepared to confirm my application. Although I disagree with some points above, I can accept it, for the sake of learning. They provide a excellent working ground for new tax personnel. They want people who have sincere interest with tax. I regretted stating the lowest salary I'll accept - $1,700 (Expect $1,900). Arrgghhh!

Hopefully everything will turn out well. Sent metta to them this morning.

Blessings

Just completed another Om retreat at KMS. It's a short one, 3-days. Regardless of this short period, I've gain more knowledge on practicing the mantra. I also met a couple of my Vipa-retreat friends there. This makes me feel so much cosier n warmer, like a gathering. We also did a dedication prayer for the victims at Yokyagarta earthquake where more than 6000 people perished.

This recitation was led by His Holiness Kyabje Trulshik Rinpoche, from the Nyingma tradition. Though is taught by a different sect of tibetan buddhism, they all impart the same qualities of teachings. Should anyone be confused that he will be under Nyingma sect once he received their teachings, I believe it doesn't really matter. They are all words from the Buddha. But I prefer to practice a mantra or two. Not too many. It'll confusing then.. hahaa.. Bcos the meaning and teachings of a mantra is vast. It covers most aspects of the virtues and qualities that the Buddha wanna impart.

Since young, Dad has taught many different mantras to chant for each has its individual meaning. It was till 2004 when I decided to practice faithfully on Avalokiteshvara's mantra. Why? When I was in primary school, I've watched a movie on Chenrezig. He was a female in this movie, called Miao Shan. I've always remembered how she sacrificed herself to save her cruel n womanising father, emperor as well . Not grudging on her father's bad character, she was so willing to dig her eyes n chop off her arms to save her father from a strange illness. In the end, she became a thousand eyes and arms Avalokiteshvara. I am touched by her filial piety. And since she could do that for such a wicked man, the more she would do for other beings. And ya, this is what motivated me to know more about Chenrezig and his practice. I've learnt that no matter how bad the other person is, he should have a chance to turn over a new leaf. If only we are able to offer him chances n assist him to climb over the wall. All will ends well.

The next piece of news is I've cleared my papers which I've been worrying! The weirdest thing is I've scored the same marks for all the 3 papers - 62. I was thinking this morning if Buddha actually helped me to adjust the marks. I couldn't believe e paper-Ethics, which I should flop would derive such high grade. Now analysing, Buddha wouldn't do such a thing. That'll be cheating. No no... Buddha would not do that. So, was I blessed or do I really did it with my ability? Anyway, my 3 of my friends failed Ethics. 1 of them was even a repeater, ie. his 2nd attempt. I actually did pray for them as well but... no idea leh.