The freedoms and fortunes of a precious human rebirth
Venerable Thubten Chodron 
Gomchen Lamrim 
Sep 24, 2015 The text turns to how to progressively train the mind beginning with the exhortation to take full advantage of a rebirth that makes practicing the Dharma possible. Part of a series of teachings on the Gomchen Lamrim by Gomchen Ngawang Drakpa. Visit Gomchen Lamrim Study Guide for a full list of contemplation points for the series.
- A human life is not a precious human life unless it has all 18 factors
- The eight freedoms from circumstances that would make practicing the Dharma impossible
- The four human states that prevent practicing the Dharma
- The four non-human states that make practicing the Dharma impossible
- The 10 fortunate circumstances needed to practice the Dharma
- The five personal fortunes
- The five fortunes from the side of society
- How to meditate on the freedoms and fortunes
- Meditating on the circumstances of a precious human rebirth makes you feel joyful and motivated to take advantage of this valuable opportunity
Gomchen Lamrim 08: The freedoms and fortunes of a precious human rebirth (download)
Contemplation points
- Look at each of the 8 Freedoms and 10 Fortunes. Consider: Do you have each of these? What might it be like to not have these freedoms and fortunes (consider them, one at a time)? What would your life be like if even ONE of these were missing? What would it mean for your spiritual practice?
- What can you do to create the causes for any of these you might be missing?
- How can you ensure that you create the causes to have these freedoms and fortunes in the future (this life and in the next)?
Venerable Thubten Chodron
Venerable Chodron emphasizes the practical application of Buddha’s teachings in our daily lives and is especially skilled at explaining them in ways easily understood and practiced by Westerners. She is well known for her warm, humorous, and lucid teachings. She was ordained as a Buddhist nun in 1977 by Kyabje Ling Rinpoche in Dharamsala, India, and in 1986 she received bhikshuni (full) ordination in Taiwan. Read her full bio.
