Job Discussion Forums

Noor · Joined: 06 May 2009 Posts: 152

I don't wish to rock the boat, to upset expectations, to announce myself or my personal beliefs. On the other hand, I wish as much as possible to live openly and truthfully.

I do not consider myself a Christian but come from what is considered a mostly Christian nation (though recent statements by the current president have sought to clarify the secular character of the government). Would I be causing problems for myself by claiming the religion of the Sakyas? Would I make my life easier by hiding under cover of my birth culture? Or is this a non-issue in the UAE?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

Correct me if I'm wrong but is Sakyas a sect or area of Buddism? If so, not a problem, just put Buddist on any of the forms enquiring about religion. They don't ask you to be specific (i.e. Baptist, or Lutheran in the Christian faith).

Noor · Joined: 06 May 2009 Posts: 152

There is apparently a school of Tibetan Buddhism that goes by this name but I was referring to Buddhism in general. The man who became the Buddha was a member of the Sakya clan, most of whom adopted his practices and philosophy.

MrScaramanga · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 221

Indicating a religion on various HR forms is definitely preferrable to having none, except perhaps for Judaism. You should have no problems whatsoever with being Buddhist.
MrS

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 1:27 pm Post subject:

I never get these queries about what to write down about religion. Write down whatever shuts them up the quickest! They don't care if you worship brown-coloured rocks or Harley-Davidsons!

IMHO, it's no one's business what or who I believe in. Give 'em the ol' "it'll be five more minutes" that the TCN's use to shut up us Westerners and just write "Christian"!

NCTBA (Non-sectarian, Christian, Taoist, Buddhist, Agnostic...take yer pick!)

littleoldlady · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 286 Location: knitting heaven

What if you're an Intelligent Designer?

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 1:50 pm Post subject:

I prefer Creative Christian. You'd be a Knittist, no?

NCTBA

littleoldlady · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 286 Location: knitting heaven

Of the Garter sect. Laughing

jdl · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 632 Location: cyberspace

As Never suggests....don't create problems where none exist....unless intent on making a 'statement' which is a whole other proposition.

KISS - 'keep it short and sweet, keep it short and simple, keep it simple, silly, keep it simple, sista'.....simple simple simple.

"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler" - Einstein.

'D'oh' - Homer

jdl · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 632 Location: cyberspace

Didn't all the intelligent designers go over to Fiat in the Chrysler deal?.......or is that another conversation?

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

If there were any "intelligent designers," they wouldn't have had to sell out to Fiat... Wink

Noor... just do what most of us did... put Christian (even though I am not)... and honestly, that is the last time the topic will come up unless your students want to try to get you into a religious discussion - and one shuts that down as quickly as possible. It just fills a space on the form and doesn't attract any unwanted attention by being unusual.

VS

kiefer · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 268

Noor · Joined: 06 May 2009 Posts: 152

As I have no exotic affiliations, nor any horns to blow, it appears I will pass without notice. Thank you for your consideration.

Green Acres · Joined: 06 May 2009 Posts: 260

Yes, just write buddhist. Not Sakya, or any other sect.

seven seas · Joined: 09 Jan 2008 Posts: 65

At the very least you will get the negative responses that you would get anywhere else in the world.

If you want to live in the UAE, you have to learn not to rock the boat.

AND if you name really is Noor, then not being a muslim is going to be noticed.