Dave Smith Dharma
Dharma Teacher | Mindfulness & Emotional Intelligence Trainer
Dave Smith is a Dharma teacher and founder of the Secular Dharma Foundation who integrates three decades of Insight Meditation with contemporary psychology to help individuals navigate the modern world.
Drawing on the early Buddhist teachings of the Pali Canon, he provides a pragmatic, secular framework for mindfulness through mentoring and retreats designed to cultivate a meaningful life rooted in ethics and self-awareness.
Dharma retreats offer a rigorous "retreat into" rather than a retreat from reality, providing a structured environment to recalibrate the nervous system and reclaim ownership of your attention.
By integrating the systematic investigation of Vipassana with the heart-centered strength of Metta, these intensive programs transform the natural world into a contemplative container for skill-building, empowering you to meet the complexities of modern life with a sharp and steady mind and heart.
Dharma mentoring provides a structured, 1:1 opportunity to build a sustainable mindfulness practice and integrate the Dharma into every aspect of life.
By combining the ethical framework of the eightfold path with a secular, multi-modal approach, ongoing guidance helps you overcome personal challenges and cultivate a life tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Take the next step in your practice.
My primary podcast is entitled, Dave Smith Dharma. Here you will find talks and guided meditations from public events, various Dharma Centers, and Buddhist meditation retreats. This podcast is monitored and updated regularly with new content. This is freely offered and is available on multiple platforms.
Dharma Consultation
If you would like to discuss your practice or anything related to the work presented on this site or elsewhere, you can schedule a one-time consultation. We will meet on zoom and discuss anything of interest.
Kind Words
Hear from those who have worked with us.
“Shannon has been a mentor to me for over six years, providing support across many areas of my life. I came to the Secular Dharma Foundation seeking community in early recovery, and through her wealth of knowledge in the Dhamma and mental wellbeing, she offered practical exercises that helped transform my life. She is a skillful listener with real-life experience, delivering deeply personal guidance with compassion, kindness, and integrity.” — Jackie D. | Nashville, TN
“I’ve attended retreats with Dave multiple times and can’t recommend the experience enough. He has a down-to-earth, approachable, and authentic style that supports an atmosphere of depth and ease. His pragmatic teaching is infused with humor, which helps in staying engaged and understanding the Dharma perspectives that support meditation. My experiences with Dave leave me with a sense of belonging I carry beyond the cushion.” — Julio I. | Montclair, NJ
“Working with Shannon has been a deeply grounding and transformative experience. As a busy working mom, her guidance helped me bring the dharma into everyday life. She offered practical support for building a practice even when my schedule felt unpredictable. Her teachings always met me where I was, and I’ve become a more present, attentive mother because of the inner steadiness she helped me cultivate.” — Jamie G. | Albuquerque, NM
“Dave brings such a rich sense of humanity to his teaching. Firmly rooted in experience, his examples and stories draw his listeners deeper into the Dharma, allowing the principles and lessons to find their place within. I have attended several events with Dave and always find myself cared for and the time spent valuable. His approach is well-informed, refreshingly modern, and deeply accessible.” — Chris C. | Birmingham, AL
Contact
If you have further questions about anything offered on this site or would just like to drop me a note, feel free to contact me directly. I do my best to respond to everyone.
satisila74@gmail.com
