Precious Human Life: An Opportunity for Study and Practice

In Tibetan Buddhist teaching, reflecting on a precious human life brings attention to the conditions that support learning and practising Dharma.

A working basis for practice

In a teaching transcribed from a May 1980 seminar in Huizen, Tsenshap Serkong Rinpoche describes a precious human rebirth as a working basis endowed with eighteen qualities, described as respites and enrichments. He encourages joy in having this opportunity. [1]

He illustrates its rarity with a sea turtle surfacing through a floating golden yoke. His explanation connects the image with meeting the Buddha's teachings, having confidence in them and entering study and practice. The image is part of a Buddhist teaching about rebirth and its causes. [1]

For a first discussion with a teacher, ask what the freedoms and advantages mean in the text your community uses. Ask how that explanation should inform your own conduct. Keep a note of the teacher's answer rather than assuming that a translation's unfamiliar term has only its everyday meaning.

The purposes extend beyond one good afternoon

Serkong Rinpoche identifies three purposes possible on this basis: avoiding lower rebirths, liberation from recurring existence, and Buddhahood for the benefit of beings. He urges using the present opportunity rather than placing all hope in another future chance. [1]

Alexander Berzin's The Place of Rebirth in Buddhism likewise locates appreciation of a precious human life within the graded path and the four thoughts that turn the mind toward Dharma. He treats rebirth as central to the traditional teaching. [2]

If this context is unfamiliar, write down the term you need explained. “What does liberation mean here?” is a different question from “How can I make time to read?” Both can belong in a study conversation, and each deserves an answer suited to it.

You can bring an unresolved question

Berzin says that expecting newcomers to understand and accept rebirth before beginning study would be unreasonable. He recommends acknowledging its central place in Buddhism while developing an interest in understanding the Buddhist explanation. He also cautions that it does not describe a permanent soul moving from body to body. [2]

State your uncertainty precisely when asking a teacher. For example: “I understand the practical value of having access to teachings, but I do not yet understand the account of rebirth. What should I study first?” You need not borrow someone else's expression of certainty to ask that question.

What the opening practice asks of the reader

The first verse of Gyalse Tokme Zangpo's Thirty-Seven Practices of All the Bodhisattvas links a rare, fortunate human life with study, reflection and meditation for the freedom of oneself and others from samsara. In Adam Pearcey's translation, its central activities are “study, reflect and meditate.” [3]

Read the whole verse in the linked translation. Ask how those activities relate to one another in your community's instruction. Our guide to hearing, reflection and meditation introduces that separate threefold framework.

For related introductions, see faith and doubt and the Three Jewels of refuge.

Sources and further reading

1. Making Best Use of a Precious Human Rebirth. Tsenshap Serkong Rinpoche; edited transcription, Huizen, May 1980, translated by Alexander Berzin.
2. The Place of Rebirth in Buddhism. Alexander Berzin, Study Buddhism; rebirth context and beginning study with questions.
3. 37 Practices of Bodhisattvas. Gyalse Tokme Zangpo; Adam Pearcey translation, 2006, version March 3, 2025; verse 1.

Sources checked October 29, 2026. Written with AI assistance and checked against the linked texts. The examples and brief review are supplied by this site; they do not replace instruction from a qualified teacher.