(Minghui.org) I began practicing Falun Dafa when I was 20 years old, and I’m now in my 40s. I’ve been a public servant for more than 20 years; I struggled to get promoted at work and felt I never got what I wanted. When I saw others being promoted or benefiting from their personal connections, I was jealous. I’d study the Fa trying to find the parts that would help me eliminate the jealousy that made me miserable.
I believed that I was treated unfairly at work and couldn’t stop thinking about it, even when I read the Fa and did the exercises. One night, while I was studying the Fa, I thought, “How could my supervisor do this? I’m the next person in line, and I should be promoted!”
As I was getting upset about this, I remembered Master’s words,
“Being a practitioner is supernormal, so as a supernormal person, you must conduct yourself with supernormal principles instead of measuring yourself with those of everyday people.” (Lecture Nine, Zhuan Falun)
The thought, “My supervisor should prioritize me over others for this promotion,” is an everyday person’s notion. I’m a practitioner and shouldn’t be attached to this.
One time I avoided doing some work I didn’t like and let others take the assignment. Although I had a good reason and my supervisor agreed to assign the work to my coworkers, this action exposed my cunning attitude and attachment to comfort. If I always avoided trouble and hard work and never allowed anyone to take advantage of me, how could I eliminate my karma and attachments? When I went to my supervisor, it was to protect my attachment to comfort, so I missed the opportunity to cultivate myself and walk the path Master arranged for me.
Because I wanted a promotion so badly, and was so unwilling to do difficult jobs, for years I often felt upset and bitter when I wasn’t promoted. I felt I had to work hard. These sentiments came from my attachment to mental and physical comfort.
From now on I will measure my thoughts and conduct with the principles of Falun Dafa and not put so much emphasis on personal gain, reputation, and avoiding suffering. If I can do this, I know I will stop feeling jealousy, resentment, and anger toward my coworkers and supervisor.
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Category: Cultivation Insights
