God had given human beings freedom. All other living beings, they do not have that much independence and freedom. Human beings have complete freedom, and if this freedom is put to proper use, it can lead to salvation. Therefore this birth is called "karma yoni." The main difference is that in human birth, one is responsible to do one's work (karma). It is not "bhog yoni" i.e. It is not a birth that is only for bearing the fruits of past actions. In human birth, one has rights to do new actions. And through doing actions (one's duty), one can either become independent or bound.
What is the reason that his birth-death cycle started in the first place? Why did sorrow come about? The reason this sorrow came about is from improper utilization of our freedom. But the minute we stop misutilizing our freedom, then we can attain salvation. We have the opportunity to stop this cycle. Opportunities like this, may not arise again for a long time. We are fortunate, as this opportunity is here right now.
The greatness of this human birth is not the body. This body is only a factory for manufacturing urine and feces. Human birth is the highest of all births (in Manasa, Uttarkand). It is the rarest form of birth, as only in this birth one is eligible and has rights to realize God (Self). We are at a big junction (just like a major train junction, where you can pick any direction to travel). You have the opportunity to go many places from this birth. Given this opportunity, one has to become extremely alert. This birth is " durlabh" rare, because of its eligibility and rights. We can be rid of all sorrows once and for all in this birth. Now, pay attention to it's greatness -
The greatness of this birth is in the vivek (discrimination) between, real-unreal, perishable-imperish able, temporary and permanent etc. However, this "vivek" must be properly utilized. No thing is good or bad, it is the utilization that makes it good or bad. Whatever situation comes our way, that situation is not good or bad, it is how it is put to use. If properly put to use, (i.e. knowing what is to be done and not to be done), one can become joyful forever. In this human birth, one has the freedom and independence to attain salvation.
Favorable and unfavorable situations are not in our hands. Often in unfavorable situations, there is greater progress. One becomes more alert, more cautious. But these unfavorable situations are good when they are put to proper use. Proper use is when one can remain happy at all times from within, and under any circumstance. Finally and most importantly, when we turn towards God, it is proper use of our discrimination and when we move towards sense enjoyments and pleasures, it is mis-utilization of our discrimination.
