Sparks is the 8th book by this popular author. It is an accessible collection of short writings and poems arising from his experience of practising and teaching Buddhism for many years. In simple and beautiful language it is an expression of the profound non-dual view of Dzogchen, which illuminates the enlivening Buddha potential present in all of us.

This pithy collection of prose and poems can be entered at any point, enjoyed and reflected upon since each spark or snippet is complete in itself. The topic is profound, yet it is condensed and expressed in simple language using examples and metaphors from everyday life and the living world around us.

James Low's books have been and are being translated into Estonian, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese and Spanish.

James Low has now retired from his post as a Consultant Psychotherapist in the National Health Service. He maintains a small private psychotherapy practice in London and has taught in many psychotherapy institutes, mostly in the UK.

Sparks, James Low, Simply Being, 2017, Hardcover, 175 Pages, $29.00

James Low began studying and practicing Tibetan Buddhism in India in the 1960's. He received teachings from Kalu Rinpoche, Chatral Rinpoche, Kanjur Rinpoche and Dudjom Rinpoche. Having met his root teacher, Chhimed Rigdzin Lama (also known as C R Lama), he lived in his home in Bengal for many years, serving him as required and being taught many aspects of the tradition. During this period in India James did several retreats and pilgrimages in the Himalayas. In the 1970's and 1980's, on his return to Europe, he also had teachings and guidance from Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche.

James translated many tantric texts and sadhanas with C R Lama, who wanted texts from the lineages of Byangter and Khordong to be available in English. These were used as practice texts by C R Lama's disciples. Many have since been translated by others into various European languages.

C. R. Lama asked James to teach in 1976 and later gave him the transmissions necessary to do this, together with full lineage authority.

James is regularly teaching the principles of dzogchen in various places in Europe. He continues to publish translations and commentaries from time to time.

James currently works as a Consultant Psychotherapist in a National Health Service teaching hospital in London and has a private psychotherapy practice. He has taught on many psychotherapy trainings in Britain.

His recent publications are:

Being Right Here: The Mirror of Clear Meaning (Snow Lion Publications, 2004) Also available in German and Polish.

Simply Being: Texts in the Dzogchen Tradition (Wisdom Books, 1998). Also available in German and French.

The Yogins of Ladakh: A Pilgrimage Among the Hermits of the Buddhist Himalayas With John Crook. (Motilal Banarsidass, 1997) Reprinting 2006.

	Sparks
	Preface	xi
	Introduction	xv
	Ripples in the flow	1
	The How and now	2
	How to be Naked	3
	Wind Blows	4
	Mind find itself	5
	Advice on refuge	6
	All that arises was no essence	7
	Here in this moment	8
	Playful display	9
	I'm a stranger here myself	10
	Restless	11
	Spume	12
	Refuge	12
	True peace	13
	Life is already here	13
	Trust	14
	It's a long road to here	15
	Calming meditation	16
	Just passing through	19
	The Teacher	23
	Anxiety	54
	Control	55
	Devotion	57
	Emptiness	59
	Special	62
	Cut the crap	65
	Hospitality	78
	Happy Birthday	80
	Impermanence	81
	Mirror	85
	Nature	92
	Nourishment	99
	Samsara	144
	Therapy and Buddhism	106
	Wisdom and compassion	109
	Diverse	115
	Postscript	173
	Dedication	174