Five circumstantial advantages

The five circumstantial advantages (Wyl. gzhan 'byor lnga), half of the ten advantages of a precious human birth, 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 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'.

Internal Links

• Eight unfree states due to an unfortunate frame of mind
• Eight unfree states due to temporary conditions
• Eight freedoms
• Five circumstantial advantages
• Five personal advantages