

James Low - Dzogchen and Buddhist Teachings
James Low
James Low is a disciple and teacher in the Byangter and Khordong lineages of the late Chhimed Rigdzin Lama.
James regularly teaches the principles of dzogchen Buddhism in Europe and he publishes translations and commentaries from time to time.
Many of his seminars have been recorded and transcribed. They are now being put on his website to provide access for those seeking to deepen their dharma understanding and explore how to apply it in the complexities of everyday life.
Learn more about future events: simplybeing.co.uk/events/
James regularly teaches the principles of dzogchen Buddhism in Europe and he publishes translations and commentaries from time to time.
Many of his seminars have been recorded and transcribed. They are now being put on his website to provide access for those seeking to deepen their dharma understanding and explore how to apply it in the complexities of everyday life.
Learn more about future events: simplybeing.co.uk/events/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 5, 2025 • 9h 18min
1/2 Indestructible freedom. [EN-ES] Barcelona 11.2018
November 8th – 11th, 2018. Indestructible freedom. Dzogchen retreat with James Low in Barcelona, Spain.“The retreat will focus on settling into the clarity which is present in all experience. Through meditation, including some of the methods of the semdzin and using chapter 8 of "Simply Being" we will open the space within which all obscurations are self-liberating and go free like clouds dissolving in the sky.”~ James LowSpanish translation: Mariana Orozco and Maria LleóVideo recording and initial editing: Antonio Gomez. Full audio recordings of the retreat: [soon]📱 Instagram of excerpts: / sbsangha_jameslow 🎧 Poscasts of some teachings: https://simplybeing.co.uk/news/podcasts/📆 Learn more about future events: https://simplybeing.co.uk/events/Video at https://youtu.be/C5IrgcTEaRY?si=TwnoKEoqxNp5z-1T

Sep 27, 2025 • 6h 51min
4/4 Non-duality is simple. Wiesen 07.2025
July 5th – 13th 2025. Non-duality is simple. Dzogchen retreat with James Low at Retreathaus Berghof, Wiesen, Germany: https://simplybeing.co.uk/events/berghof-2025/James thought using Chapter 8 "The Direct Indication of Buddhahood beyond Classification, by Nuden Dorje" of his book "Simply Being" (available on Amazon): https://simplybeing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Simply-Being-Text-Chapter-8-Revised-31-05-2023.pdfThe aim of this dzogchen retreat is to let go of our habitual involvement in the myriad forms of duality. In order to let go we need to sever the links between our erroneous sense of being a separate subject, our erroneous sense of there being separate real objects, and our erroneous grasping at occurrences as if they were the occurrence of something.~ James LowFull transcript of these teachings: http://bit.ly/4ncixHrFull audio recordings of the retreat: https://simplybeing.co.uk/audio-records/retreats/germany/retreats-at-berghof/non-duality-is-simple-july-2025/📱 Instagram of excerpts: / sbsangha_jameslow 🎧 Poscasts of some teachings: https://simplybeing.co.uk/news/podcasts/📆 Learn more about future events: https://simplybeing.co.uk/events/Video at https://youtu.be/x6waQbrvlDM?si=OV82avLITXQy7IFi

Sep 21, 2025 • 8h 18min
3/4 Non-duality is simple. Wiesen 07.2025
July 5th – 13th 2025. Non-duality is simple. Dzogchen retreat with James Low at Retreathaus Berghof, Wiesen, Germany: https://simplybeing.co.uk/events/berghof-2025/James thought using Chapter 8 "The Direct Indication of Buddhahood beyond Classification, by Nuden Dorje" of his book "Simply Being" (available on Amazon): https://simplybeing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Simply-Being-Text-Chapter-8-Revised-31-05-2023.pdfThe aim of this dzogchen retreat is to let go of our habitual involvement in the myriad forms of duality. In order to let go we need to sever the links between our erroneous sense of being a separate subject, our erroneous sense of there being separate real objects, and our erroneous grasping at occurrences as if they were the occurrence of something.~ James LowFull transcript of these teachings: http://bit.ly/4ncixHrFull audio recordings of the retreat: https://simplybeing.co.uk/audio-records/retreats/germany/retreats-at-berghof/non-duality-is-simple-july-2025/📱 Instagram of excerpts: / sbsangha_jameslow 🎧 Poscasts of some teachings: https://simplybeing.co.uk/news/podcasts/📆 Learn more about future events: https://simplybeing.co.uk/events/Video at https://youtu.be/uHsHwe5aG1k?si=0kiRp9rhQQsdzlE2

9 snips
Sep 13, 2025 • 9h 5min
2/4 Non-duality is simple. Wiesen 07.2025
Dive into the simplicity of non-duality as the discussion delves into the illusion of separation from the true self through devotion. Explore the intricate connection between identity and societal expectations, and the role of language in shaping beliefs. The conversation also highlights the importance of compassion amid distractions and the transient nature of thoughts. Insightful reflections on the transformative power of community and the dynamics of familial connections add depth, encouraging an embrace of the present moment and the fluidity of perception.

7 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 9h 49min
1/4 Non-duality is simple. Wiesen 07.2025
July 5th – 13th 2025. Non-duality is simple. Dzogchen retreat with James Low at Retreathaus Berghof, Wiesen, Germany: https://simplybeing.co.uk/events/berghof-2025/James thought using Chapter 8 "The Direct Indication of Buddhahood beyond Classification, by Nuden Dorje" of his book "Simply Being" (available on Amazon): https://simplybeing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Simply-Being-Text-Chapter-8-Revised-31-05-2023.pdfThe aim of this dzogchen retreat is to let go of our habitual involvement in the myriad forms of duality. In order to let go we need to sever the links between our erroneous sense of being a separate subject, our erroneous sense of there being separate real objects, and our erroneous grasping at occurrences as if they were the occurrence of something.~ James LowFull transcript of these teachings: http://bit.ly/4ncixHrFull audio recordings of the retreat: https://simplybeing.co.uk/audio-records/retreats/germany/retreats-at-berghof/non-duality-is-simple-july-2025/📱 Instagram of excerpts: / sbsangha_jameslow 🎧 Poscasts of some teachings: https://simplybeing.co.uk/news/podcasts/📆 Learn more about future events: https://simplybeing.co.uk/events/Video at https://youtu.be/6maahI3Hz1Q?si=k1oE2MvOSkoA_uxk

Aug 30, 2025 • 5h 30min
The View of Dzogchen. Macclesfield 11.2003
Explore the intriguing principles of Dzogchen, emphasizing our connection to the world and various meditation practices. Delve into the fragility of identity and self-worth, reflecting on the role of karma in personal growth. Discover how mindfulness and awareness can be integrated into daily life, fostering genuine connections. Unravel the complexities of perception and societal constructs, embracing impermanence and the transformative power of compassion. Engage with themes of flexibility in relationships and the importance of self-trust on the journey to self-understanding.

Aug 23, 2025 • 4h 39min
2/2 Audiobook "Buddha Shows the Way" in Portuguese
Audiobook 'Buddha Shows the Way - A collection of public talks and teachings', by James Low and transtaled and spoken to Portuguese by Madalena PedrozaThis book contains a selection of edited public talks given by James Low. They cover a wide range of topics yet share a common theme: how to apply Buddhist teachings in our complex engagement with the modern world. We are all faced with ever increasing tasks of life maintenance as we struggle to cope with the profound impact of climate change, conflict, economic chaos, environmental and political instabilities. Moreover our own inner life is prey to habitual tendencies, impulses and blind spots so that our sense of the world is often more muddled than we imagine it to be.The Buddhist view encourages us to see the ungraspable illusory nature of every situation in order that we might avoid being buffeted by samsara's waves of hopes and fears. With this clarity our own potential can be turned towards the benefit of the many rather than towards individual selfish pursuits.The Buddha shows the way contains eighteen short chapters which can be read in any order so it is a book that can be dipped into according to your mood and time available.E-Book and paperback: https://www.amazon.com.br/Buddha-show...1/2 Audiobook "Buddha Shows the Way" in Portuguese: • 1/2 Audiobook "Buddha Shows the Way" in Po... 2/2 Audiobook "Buddha Shows the Way" in Portuguese: • 2/2 Audiobook "Buddha Shows the Way" in Po... (you are here)📱 Instagram of excerpts: / sbsangha_jameslow 🎧 Poscasts of some teachinhgs: https://simplybeing.co.uk/news/podcasts/📆 Learn more about future events: https://simplybeing.co.uk/eventsVideo at https://youtu.be/FGCe5sxX-j8?si=x0YB8XwhxiAt_D97

Aug 23, 2025 • 7h 40min
1/2 Audiobook "Buddha Shows the Way" in Portuguese
Audiobook 'Buddha Shows the Way - A collection of public talks and teachings', by James Low and transtaled and spoken to Portuguese by Madalena Pedroza.This book contains a selection of edited public talks given by James Low. They cover a wide range of topics yet share a common theme: how to apply Buddhist teachings in our complex engagement with the modern world. We are all faced with ever increasing tasks of life maintenance as we struggle to cope with the profound impact of climate change, conflict, economic chaos, environmental and political instabilities. Moreover our own inner life is prey to habitual tendencies, impulses and blind spots so that our sense of the world is often more muddled than we imagine it to be.The Buddhist view encourages us to see the ungraspable illusory nature of every situation in order that we might avoid being buffeted by samsara's waves of hopes and fears. With this clarity our own potential can be turned towards the benefit of the many rather than towards individual selfish pursuits.The Buddha shows the way contains eighteen short chapters which can be read in any order so it is a book that can be dipped into according to your mood and time available.E-Book and paperback: https://www.amazon.com.br/Buddha-show...1/2 Audiobook "Buddha Shows the Way" in Portuguese: • 1/2 Audiobook "Buddha Shows the Way" in Po... (you are here)2/2 Audiobook "Buddha Shows the Way" in Portuguese: • 2/2 Audiobook "Buddha Shows the Way" in Po... 📱 Instagram of excerpts: / sbsangha_jameslow 🎧 Poscasts of some teachinhgs: https://simplybeing.co.uk/news/podcasts/📆 Learn more about future events: https://simplybeing.co.uk/eventsVideo at https://youtu.be/bKHLIiVc7LY?si=pkWusB7QatHnnywN

Aug 18, 2025 • 49min
Open to Life: Emerson College, 16-21 June 2025, part 3
Life comes as it comes. We do not know what events will arise and impact us. Struggling to stay in charge of what is occurring is exhausting while letting events determine our situation is unwise. The Buddhist Middle Way indicates that we can rest in open awareness while avoiding the extremes of over-involvement and under-involvement. We will focus on the Dzogchen teachings of relaxing and releasing our habitual patterns of reactivity so that our participation is both spontaneous and precise – contactful, yet neither invading nor abandoning.Dates: 16-21 June 2025Location: Emerson College, Hartfield Road, Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5JXTalking: James LowOrganiser: Huw WynAudio Recording: Gareth WilliamsGareth initially prepared 3 taster sessions, 6/8/25Original teachings published at https://simplybeing.co.uk/audio-records/retreats/otherengland/emerson-college/open-to-life-emerson-college-16-21-june-2025/

Aug 17, 2025 • 1h 28min
Open to Life: Emerson College, 16-21 June 2025, part 2
Life comes as it comes. We do not know what events will arise and impact us. Struggling to stay in charge of what is occurring is exhausting while letting events determine our situation is unwise. The Buddhist Middle Way indicates that we can rest in open awareness while avoiding the extremes of over-involvement and under-involvement. We will focus on the Dzogchen teachings of relaxing and releasing our habitual patterns of reactivity so that our participation is both spontaneous and precise – contactful, yet neither invading nor abandoning.Dates: 16-21 June 2025Location: Emerson College, Hartfield Road, Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5JXTalking: James LowOrganiser: Huw WynAudio Recording: Gareth WilliamsGareth initially prepared 3 taster sessions, 6/8/25Original teachings published at https://simplybeing.co.uk/audio-records/retreats/otherengland/emerson-college/open-to-life-emerson-college-16-21-june-2025/