A Precious Human Rebirth
Bhikkhu Pesala
Human rebirth is difficult to obtain, and easy to lose. Though life is extremely precious and fragile, most people indulge in pleasures, completely heedless of their impending death, and pay little attention to the Dhamma. Many know nothing about Buddhism. Even among Buddhists, ignorance of the true Dhamma is widespread, and most just follow traditional customs.
In Burma, the majority of Buddhists will ordain temporarily at least once during their youth, and many will spend the Burmese New Year as temporary monks or nuns to practise meditation. Temporary monks are called “dullabha,” which means “difficult to get,” because they have obtained the rare
opportunity of ordination as a bhikkhu. Though they usually disrobe after a brief spell in the robes, some of them may remain, or return later in life. During their period as bhikkhus, most practise meditation seriously.
A Precious Human Rebirth
