Five circumstantial advantages

The Five Circumstantial Advantages (Tib. gzhan 'byor lnga), half of the ten advantages of a precious human rebirth, are:

• 1. a buddha has come
• 2. he has taught the Dharma
• 3. the teachings have survived
• 4. there are followers of the teachings
• 5. there are favourable conditions for Dharma practice

Commentary

Chökyi Drakpa says:

"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'."