James Low - Dzogchen and Buddhist Teachings

James Low, a Dzogchen teacher in the Byangter and Khordong Tibetan lineages, offers concise reflections on mindfulness theory and practice. He contrasts Buddhist methods with technical approaches. He explores how Dharma intersects with psychotherapy, the nature of self-deception and impermanence, co-emergent ignorance, karma as practical consequence, and the therapist's need for wakeful responsiveness.

A fascinating discussion unfolds about Dzogchen and its application in everyday life. James Low explores the nature of mind and how it relates to modern anxieties and personal identity. He emphasizes recognizing mental processes to ease decision-making. The conversation highlights the importance of staying present, using relatable examples like dancing and encountering a baby. Listeners are encouraged to let go of preconceived narratives, embracing experience as it unfolds. Dzogchen practices are presented as simple ways to enhance awareness and cultivate ease.

January 10th, 2026. A conversation with James Low and Viorica Constantinescu about Dzogchen as a living experience, embodied in the simplicity of everyday life. Starting from the Romanian release of the text “Love Your Mother”, we explore openness, possibility, and how we can relate to our own experience in a more direct, gentle, and authentic way.Video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIOcV9CrTGs

James Low is interviewed by Guido Ferrari during a retreat in Todtmoos, Germany, in June 2006. James was asked what dzogchen is, what it means and how we should live with this awareness.Transcript of this video: https://bit.ly/49pGlChAudio recording of this video: https://bit.ly/3NbnKT7📱 Instagram of excerpts: https://instagram.com/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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jY_TK5PchC8

30 July - 9 August 2025. Seeing and imagining. Dzogchen retreat with James Low at Casa de Exercícios de Santo Inácio, Colares, in Sintra, Portugal.Imagining is the play of the ground source. If the source is seen then all that is imagined is non-dual illusion, like a mirage or a dream. If the ground source is not seen and opened to then all that is imagined is reified and then we experience ourselves as existents in a world of existents.~ James LowTexts translated from the Tibetan into various languages:• The Record of the Heart-felt Advice of the Dakini, Indestructible Glorious Lamp: https://simplybeing.co.uk/texts-and-transcripts/translations/heartfelt-advice-ayu-khandro/• Uncovering the Presence of the Mother of all the Buddhas: a treasure text of Gonpo Wangyal: https://simplybeing.co.uk/texts-and-transcripts/estonian/gonpo-wangyal-text-mother-buddhas/Audio recording of this video: https://bit.ly/4iUQ8ovPortuguese translators: Madalena Pedroza & Milton PetruczokSpanish translator: Juan García Lázaro (@juanb.garcialazaro) & Mariana Orozco"(0:00) Mariana Orozco (ES)""(1:17:09) Madalena Pedroza (PT)""(2:08:51) Mariana Orozco (ES)""(3:21:39) Milton Petruczok (PT)""(4:21:08) Mariana Orozco (ES)""(5:40:39) Madalena Pedroza (PT)""(6:35:19) Juan García Lázaro (ES)""(8:12:57) Milton Petruczok (PT)"Cover video art: ed1toR, via Pexels.com📱 Instagram of excerpts: https://instagram.com/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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFrnBs_Zn2k

Explore the art of self-liberation in meditation as the discussion dives into the transformative power of awareness and emptiness. Discover how to navigate daily life challenges while integrating practice and view. Learn about the roles of belief, judgments, and habitual patterns that shape our experiences. Get insights on psychological wounds, the nature of thoughts as waves, and the importance of being present. Unravel the connection between mundane activities and spiritual practice, emphasizing clarity and freedom in relationships.

30 July - 9 August 2025. Seeing and imagining. Dzogchen retreat with James Low at Casa de Exercícios de Santo Inácio, Colares, in Sintra, Portugal.Imagining is the play of the ground source. If the source is seen then all that is imagined is non-dual illusion, like a mirage or a dream. If the ground source is not seen and opened to then all that is imagined is reified and then we experience ourselves as existents in a world of existents.~ James LowTexts translated from the Tibetan into various languages:• The Record of the Heart-felt Advice of the Dakini, Indestructible Glorious Lamp: https://simplybeing.co.uk/texts-and-transcripts/translations/heartfelt-advice-ayu-khandro/• Uncovering the Presence of the Mother of all the Buddhas: a treasure text of Gonpo Wangyal: https://simplybeing.co.uk/texts-and-transcripts/estonian/gonpo-wangyal-text-mother-buddhas/Audio recording of this video: https://bit.ly/4iUQ8ovPortuguese translators: Madalena Pedroza & Milton PetruczokSpanish translator: Juan García Lázaro (@juanb.garcialazaro) & Mariana Orozco"(0:00) Juan García Lázaro (ES)""(1:00:39) Milton Petruczok (PT)""(2:26:47) Juan García Lázaro (ES)""(3:51:59) Madalena Pedroza (PT)""(4:27:44) Juan García Lázaro (ES)""(5:22:53) Milton Petruczok (PT)""(6:41:48) Juan García Lázaro (ES)""(7:55:54) Madalena Pedroza (PT)""(8:41:07) Mariana Orozco (ES)""(9:46:43) Milton Petruczok (PT)"Cover video art: ed1toR, via Pexels.com📱 Instagram of excerpts: https://instagram.com/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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fzz_UqGGOSA

Explore the art of shamatha and vipassana meditation as they calm the mind and reduce ego's grip. Dive into karma’s role in shaping our choices and habitual patterns. Discover how naming influences experience and learn to let thoughts flow naturally. Uncover the inseparability of emptiness and appearance, while examining self-liberation through awareness. Insight into integrating these principles into everyday life — even in simple tasks. Ultimately, find trust in the interplay of awareness and action in a complex world.

30 July - 9 August 2025. Seeing and imagining. Dzogchen retreat with James Low at Casa de Exercícios de Santo Inácio, Colares, in Sintra, Portugal.Imagining is the play of the ground source. If the source is seen then all that is imagined is non-dual illusion, like a mirage or a dream. If the ground source is not seen and opened to then all that is imagined is reified and then we experience ourselves as existents in a world of existents.~ James LowTexts translated from the Tibetan into various languages:• The Record of the Heart-felt Advice of the Dakini, Indestructible Glorious Lamp: https://simplybeing.co.uk/texts-and-transcripts/translations/heartfelt-advice-ayu-khandro/• Uncovering the Presence of the Mother of all the Buddhas: a treasure text of Gonpo Wangyal: https://simplybeing.co.uk/texts-and-transcripts/estonian/gonpo-wangyal-text-mother-buddhas/Audio recording of this video: https://bit.ly/43JSqAuPortuguese translators: Madalena Pedroza & Milton PetruczokSpanish translator: Juan García Lázaro (@juanb.garcialazaro)Playlist "Seeing and imagining. [EN-PT-ES] Sintra 07-08.2025": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv-KZQo9b6hTYeZBBx5-lQ8lhg0JLM_at• 1/4 Seeing and imagining. [EN-PT-ES] Sintra 07-08.2025: youtu.be/T2BwDfKYmRE• 2/4 Seeing and imagining. [EN-PT-ES] Sintra 07-08.2025: youtu.be/EX_DQ7hFtfY (you are here)• 3/4 Seeing and imagining. [EN-PT-ES] Sintra 07-08.2025: [soon]• 4/4 Seeing and imagining. [EN-PT-ES] Sintra 07-08.2025: [soon]0:00 Milton Petruczok (PT)1:33:41 Juan García Lázaro (ES)2:57:20 Madalena Pedroza (PT)4:23:50 Juan García Lázaro (ES)5:15:08 Madalena Pedroza (PT)6:34:34 Juan García Lázaro (ES)8:05:45 Milton Petruczok (PT)9:19:54 Juan García Lázaro (ES)10:45:41 Madalena Pedroza (PT)Cover video art: ed1toR, via Pexels.com📱 Instagram of excerpts: https://instagram.com/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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EX_DQ7hFtfY

Discover how traditional Tibetan mindfulness can enhance therapy practices. James Low delves into the intersection of karma and personal responsibility, linking attachment and meditation's grounding effects. He highlights the disconnect in mental health due to habitual distractions and emphasizes the role of impermanence in our identities. Low teaches that self and objects are mere constructs while exploring concepts like non-duality and the importance of flexible engagement with change. His insights into therapist presence and open awareness redefine therapeutic approaches.