James Low is a disciple and teacher in the Byangter and Khordong lineages of the late C R Lama, Chimed Rigdzin Lama, the Khordong Terchen Tulku.He began studying and practising Tibetan Buddhism in India in the 1960's and received teachings from Kalu Rinpoche, Chatral Rinpoche, Kanjur Rinpoche and Dudjom Rinpoche. Having met his main teacher, Chimed Rigdzin Lama (also known as C R Lama), he lived in his home in West Bengal, India 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 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 CR Lama who wanted texts from his lineages, Byangter and Khordong, to be available in English. These are used as practice texts by CR Lama's disciples and have been translated into various European languages.CR Lama asked James to teach in 1976 and later gave him the transmissions necessary to do this, together with full lineage authority. In particular, James was encouraged to give the traditional instructions using methods that enable people in the west to get the point. James has been teaching in this way for over thirty years.James regularly teaches the principles of dzogchen in Europe and publishes translations and commentaries from time to time.Many of his seminars have been recorded, transcribed and made freely available on his website simplybeing.co.uk.James studied at Edinburgh University, at Visva Bharati University (West Bengal) and others. He has retired from his work in London as a Consultant Psychotherapist in the National Health Service. He maintains a small private psychotherapy and supervision practice. He has been a staff member for many psychotherapy trainings in Britain.

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 everydaylife 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.