James Low - Dzogchen and Buddhist Teachings

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.

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

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.

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

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

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/

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/

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/

James Low dives into the emotional challenges of today's political climate, urging mindfulness amidst turmoil. He explores the nature of meditation, contrasting structured practices with the simplicity of open sitting. Dislike is examined through a Buddhist lens, offering strategies for skillful engagement with difficult emotions. The discussion shifts to the fluid nature of thoughts and identity, highlighting the interplay between consciousness and perception. Ultimately, it celebrates communal learning and the journey of self-discovery.

July 2nd 2025. James Low had invited questions from people watching his Zooms, which he began to answer.1) I am a US citizen seriously dismayed by the current state of politics particularly in the US. I am so upset by the prospects that I completely exclude all news and refrain from discussions on the topic. Withdrawing in this way is good for my blood pressure but is it wise to withdraw to this degree?2) James says the guru yoga of the White A is enough yet he also describes the bo??. So do I need to do more to prepare myself for that?3) If I do the guru yoga of the White A, the energy of the practice tends to linger with me. I prefer to just sit without this structure. What is the difference between elaborated and unelaborated forms of open sitting?4) When recognizing a strong dislike for something or someone, what would be a skillful way on the relative level to manage this to continue to engage with the person or situation or to simply move away?5) We can discover the nature of the mind in the gap between the object which is perceived as external and the consciousness which perceives that object. However, when a thought arises, we perceive it immediately without a gap. Thought is consciousness. The object and the subject are inseparable. Could you please explain how to free thoughts?English: youtu.be/090SUATHtAoEnglish (without silence cuts): youtu.be/lVuU-5T6NmYGerman: youtu.be/Vc6xmCDJIRQRussian: youtu.be/PSL516QWrGw (you are here)Polish: youtu.be/iU7FkxSM47cSpanish: youtu.be/U1FF_2nFhv4Portuguese: youtu.be/pT-NQkZhtbIRomanian: youtu.be/HdJIpaIuq1MTurkish: [soon]Russian translation: Marina SamarinaPlaylist “Вопросы и Ответы. [RU] Zoom 04.2023 –”: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv-KZQo9b6hR-O5pCcz4jrfHv5eRKsMqU📱 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=PSL516QWrGw