In this lifetime, it is extraordinarily rare to be born human. Rarer still to encounter the teachings of meditation. A great master once said: imagine throwing a handful of rice against the wall. The chance that you were born human and found this path is like the chance of a single grain bouncing off the floor and sticking. That is how precious this is. So when you sit down to practice, to investigate the nature of your own mind, bring a little gratitude with you. This opportunity is not ordinary. Thank you for being here.