James Low - Dzogchen and Buddhist Teachings

Delve into the fascinating concepts of dual consciousness and non-dual awareness. The discussion emphasizes how technical Buddhist terms should serve as insightful tools rather than rigid definitions. Learn about the metaphor of self-massage, which encourages personal engagement with dharma teachings. Experience the beauty of being responsive and open, like an empty hand ready to form various functions. This journey into understanding invites listeners to embrace the immediacy of life without overthinking.

Discover the transformative power of self-acceptance as the discussion highlights its role in authentic relationships. Embrace vulnerability and learn how it paves the way for true intimacy. The insights encourage greater self-awareness and emotional peace, guiding listeners toward a clearer understanding of their experiences. By relaxing habitual patterns, the path to self-liberation becomes evident, inviting everyone to take it easy and appreciate their journey.

6th to 9th June 2024. Always already present! Dzogchen summer retreat at Emerson College, in East Sussex, United Kindgdom. https://simplybeing.co.uk/events/always-already-present-dzogchen-camping-retreat-emerson-college-2024/ “The focus of this short retreat is on directly opening to our mind as it is. Our intrinsic presence is not created by others, by our own effort, or by circumstances. It is not a construct and it is not like anything we know. By dis-identifying with our constructive habits we will set them free to vanish where they are. This reveals our own source of which we are the non-dual display.” James Low Organised by Huw Wyn and recorded by Gareth Williams. Audio recordings (dowload also available): https://simplybeing.co.uk/audio-records/year/emerson-college-6-9-june-2024/ Instagram of excerpts from James Low's teachings: instagram.com/simplybeingsangha Learn more about future events: simplybeing.co.uk/events/ Video at https://youtu.be/0Skwpcknuag?si=grPFA3fqbicGuo6v

Dive into the Tibetan Buddhist exploration of mind and self-identity, where the focus is on impermanence and meditation. Discover how ego-driven narratives distort our perception and contribute to dissatisfaction. The discussion draws connections between colonial injustices and the complexities of labeling, urging a reflection on interconnectedness. Emphasizing self-awareness as a path to liberation, it highlights the fluid nature of identity and encourages living in the present to foster deeper connections.

Explore the transformative power of flexibility in identity, likened to building with Lego bricks. Delve into the struggles with illness and how identity impacts health outcomes. Discover the beauty of embracing vulnerability and change, drawing on ancient wisdom. Gain insights on overcoming fixation and anxiety by letting go and accepting life's flow for a more liberated existence. It's a journey towards relaxation and finding peace amidst life’s complexities.

Dive into the intriguing exploration of how societal constructs shape our identities, as vibrant metaphors reveal the imposed nature of self. Discover the balance between personal truth and cultural expectations, and how the journey to self-liberation encourages us to release limiting attachments. Reflect on the fluidity of identity and the beauty of presence that enhances our connections with others. Engaging discussions highlight the challenges of fragmentation while advocating for gentleness in the reintegration of our true selves.

Dive into the complexities of self-identity as meditation unveils the authentic self. Discover how the Buddha's path highlights the illusion of identity and the importance of mindfulness. Relaxation takes center stage in Dzogchen practice, allowing thoughts to emerge and dissolve freely. Explore the concept of naked awareness and its connection to conflict narratives, particularly in the Middle East. Finally, Buddhist philosophy encourages a neutral view on societal issues, promoting understanding and reducing biases.

Discover the Buddhist perspective on self and consciousness, challenging the notion of a fixed identity. Dive into the fluidity of personal experiences and cultural narratives that shape who we are. Reflect on the complex relationship between memory and reality, exploring how nostalgia can distort presence. Engage with the transformative power of narrative in shaping worldviews, while enjoying a meditation session that encourages deeper reflection. This enlightening discussion invites listeners to relax into the ever-changing flow of life.

Excerpt form the lecture "2/4 Take it easy. [EN-ES] Veciana 11.2024": • 2/4 Take it easy. [EN-ES] Veciana 11.... t=12523 Take it easy. James Low's Dzogchen retreat at Casa la Salle, Veciana (Barcelona), Spain, November 18-24, 2024. https://simplybeing.co.uk/events/take... This retreat focused on relaxing our reliance on habitual patterns of dualistic involvement so that the self-liberation of all experience becomes clear. We went through Patrul Rinpoche’s short text Self-Liberating Understanding, which is Chapter 10 in the book "Simply Being" "Simply Being" book: English: www.amazon.com/Simply-Being-Texts-Dzogchen-Tradition/dp/1907571019 Spanish: www.amazon.com/Simplemente-ser-James-Low/dp/8496478440

11th December 2024. James Low had invited questions from people watching his Zooms, which he began to answer. Note: the constant cuts in this video result from the removal of James Low's periods of silence, while waiting for the consecutive translation from the German translator. Index "(00:00) What is the relation of wisdom and compassion?" "(09:21) How to work with obsessive thoughts, fantasies, and memories that arise during the day?" "(016:24) How to let go of a strong attachment to a person that causes pain?" "(22:58) I can't let go of my feelings. I just stay with them until they vanish. How to live through this pain?" "(26:55) Can one gain a fortunate rebirth in a Buddha pure land, like Sukavati, if one has not attained stable trekchö in this lifetime as a human being?" "(28:21) If you can gain rebirth in a pure land, how could this happen in the bardo?" "(30:49) How does tummo support trekchö?" "(32:04) In sickness, is there a balance between seeking remedies — orthodox or holistic medicine — and just being with what is and allowing whatever condition is present to find its own healing movement?" "(41:06) Somebody has sent a quotation from Padmasambhava. When he was born, he made this statement: "My father is Samantabhadra and my mother is Samantabhadri." These are the two forms we see in sexual union — the united form of the primordial Buddha. "I belong to the family of nonduality, of the sphere of awareness. My name is the Glorious Lotus-Born. I consume concepts of duality as my diet. I am the unborn sphere of all phenomena." What does it mean?" Video at https://youtu.be/Lh_sFJI2GZ4?si=Q56Q7C8jOEiJytmJ