Five circumstantial advantages
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The five circumstantial advantages (Wyl. gzhan 'byor lnga), half of the ten advantages of a precious human birth, are:
- a buddha has come
- he has taught the Dharma
- the teachings have survived
- there are followers of the teachings
- there are favourable conditions for Dharma practice
Commentary
Chökyi Drakpa writes:
- For the five advantages due to circumstances to be present, a buddha must have come into the world, an event as rare as the appearance of an Udumbara flower; he must have taught the three wheels of Dharma; and the teachings must have survived without fading. There must be extraordinary friends who have embraced the teachings; and a master or a spiritual friend must have accepted you. These five are known as 'the five advantages due to circumstances'.
See Also
- Eight unfree states due to an unfortunate frame of mind
- Eight unfree states due to temporary conditions
- Eight freedoms
- Five personal advantages