Our human lives are incomparably precious. From a Buddhist perspective, our lives are invaluable because we are born in a human body. Being born human enables us to learn about the truth of suffering and the truth of the cessation of suffering. The human realm has a unique blend of suffering and free choice, which offers us the freedom and motivation to engage in spiritual practice.

We are able to hear the teachings and understand their meaning, freeing ourselves from suffering. From a Buddhist perspective, this represents the greatest use of our human lives. Practicing the dharma is seen as fully utilizing this precious human life. Living and dying without practice is regarded as wasting the opportunity afforded by being born human. Some traditions have enumerated sets of other favorable conditions we may enjoy. The most common additional conditions include being born during a time when a Buddha appeared and taught the dharma, and having access to those teachings.

The story of the blind turtle surfacing once every hundred years, and happening to come up with its head inside the hole of a yoke (or ring) floating on the surface of the vast ocean is meant to inspire our amazement. How unlikely is it for this blind turtle to surface inside the yoke like that? How rare! How incredibly fortunate it is that we have achieved a human birth. Certainly, we must not waste this opportunity; instead, we should use it to practice.

Our time in this body and these circumstances is limited—every moment is precious, offering us the chance to alleviate suffering for ourselves and others. Being born human is as lucky as a blind turtle surfacing through a cattle yoke floating on the ocean.

Reflect on what they cherish about their lives and relationships, as well as the feelings that arise when contemplating impermanence.

• What do you feel is most essential to do while you are still alive?
• If human life is precious, then how do you want to use yours?
• If you knew you had just a short time to live, what would you do?

Analyze the Buddhist teaching on the rarity and preciousness of human birth using the traditional analogy of the blind turtle; evaluate how understanding life’s rarity influences ethical decision-making and spiritual priorities; and implement daily practices that demonstrate appreciation for human existence while actively working to preserve and benefit the lives of others.