Podcast
Dave Smith Dharma
Hosted by dave smith
If you would like to support the work I do, Please consider making a donation, via paypal or venmo: https://www.davesmithdharma.com/contact/ To find out more, or to join one of my many programs check my site: https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ For nearly 30 years, Dave Smith has held a practice rooted in the Insight Meditation (Vipassana) tradition. He was empowered to teach through the Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society, is a certified teacher for Cultivating Emotional Balance (CEB) which is combines contemporary emotion based scientific research with contemplative practices and psychology drawn from Buddhism. Dave teaches residential meditation retreats, weekly live dharma classes, online courses, and workshops. He has developed educational tools and resources, including mindfulness and emotional skills trainings, in both secular and Buddhist contexts. Dave also works with students 1:1 through his dharma mentoring program. In 2016 he founded the Secular Dharma Foundation to foster the advancement of emotional and psychological well-being through the education and integration of mindfulness, psychology, and various therapeutic modalities. Dave has brought dharma and meditative interventions into a variety of settings including jails, prisons, youth detention centers and addiction treatment facilities. Dave lives in rural Colorado with his wife and two sons.
Listen on host site
Opens the podcast's host site in a new tab.
RSS100 episodes
Episodes
- five faculties: talkMay 5, 2026 · 44 minGiven for the essential dharma online course. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Place & Ground: talkApr 30, 2026 · 31 minFrom Monday night class at the Durango Dharma Center: https://www.durangodharmacenter.org/ https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Thinking: TalkApr 28, 2026 · 18 minFrom the Sunday Mentoring Group. To join the mentoring program you can find out more HERE https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Noble Quest(ion): talkApr 10, 2026 · 32 minA talk on the Noble Question (MN 26). Given at Insight Denver. https://www.insightdenver.org/ https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Authenticity (meaning crisis): talkApr 6, 2026 · 59 minFrom a live event in the fall of 2025. A youtube video, uploaded audio here due to high demands. You are welcome. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Searching for Nanavira: talkMar 16, 2026 · 19 minCome sit at Vallecitos! Ñāṇavīra Thera (born Harold Musson, 1920–1965), an English monk whose work is a cornerstone for those interested in the intersection of the Pali Suttas and phenomenological philosophy. He is best known for his radical, "vertical" approach to the Dhamma, which bypasses traditional commentaries to focus on the immediate structure of personal experience.The primary collection of his later work is titled "Clearing the Path" , which includes his seminal book and his extensive correspondence. Notes on Dhamma (1960–1965): This is his most influential work. It consists of highly technical entries intended to correct common misinterpretations of the Suttas. He famously discarded the "three-life" traditional model of paṭiccasamuppāda (dependent arising) in favor of a structural, timeless interpretation. vThe Phenomenological Approach: Ñāṇavīra used the tools of Western existentialists—like Sartre, Heidegger, and Kierkegaard —not as a substitute for the Dhamma, but as a way to clear away "objective" or scientific biases. He argued that the Dhamma must be understood from a "vertical" view—looking directly into the abyss of one’s own existence. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Creativity: talkMar 16, 2026 · 20 minThe overlooked power of the creative mind. Religion hates this kind of thing... https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Right Effort: talkMar 15, 2026 · 43 minUnpacking the teachings of right effort aka samma vayama. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Addiction Economy/Sangha Live: TalkMar 12, 2026 · 38 minAlways a big thanks to Sangha Live! https://sangha.live/ https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Random Dharma: talkMar 5, 2026 · 19 minFrom the Sunday mentoring group. Consider joining us: https://www.davesmithdharma.com/mentoring/ https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Talk: mindfulness/metta interwovenMar 2, 2026 · 9 minHow do the bramha viharas fit into the satipatthan? A person description. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Talk: The shame of small fearsFeb 26, 2026 · 19 minBuried in my zoom folder, sometime 2025. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Talk: The shame of small fearsFeb 25, 2026 · 19 minFound in a random zoom folder, sometime 2025. Check out my substack: HERE https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- View: talkFeb 24, 2026 · 19 minhttps://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Talk: TransformationFeb 1, 2026 · 20 minSunday morning reflections on this overused and under defined term. To join these live session, consider our mentoring program. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/mentoring/ https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Meaning crisis: TalkJan 1, 2026 · 59 minFrom the 2025 archives. More to come on this soon. Check out posted 2026 programs : https://linktr.ee/davesmithdharma https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Metta Vipassana: guidedJan 1, 2026 · 30 minFrom NYE retreat, Bay St. Louis. Flowering Lotus: https://www.floweringlotusmeditation.org/ https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Metta Vipassana: talk & overviewDec 31, 2025 · 21 minMetta-Vipassana is an integrated practice that unites the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Vipassana) with Metta practices (Brahmavihāras). Vipassana meditation (insight or mindfulness practice) connects the richness of our shared human experience with the immediacy of moment-to-moment awareness. As the body and mind learn to settle, intuitive wisdom emerges. This wisdom allows us to fully open to the entirety of each moment, both within and around us. By cultivating this openness, we increase our capacity and interest in meeting life’s joys and sorrows with ease and presence. Metta practice (kind-friendliness) calls forth and strengthens beautiful spiritual emotions within the heart: kindness, care, joy, and equanimity. Mindfulness of these qualities helps bring them to full fruition. This process directs our life's energy toward awakening our full potential, providing a stable foundation for contentment, purpose, and meaning...thus I have heard. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/schedule/ https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Citta, generative & resonant: overview of practiceDec 31, 2025 · 22 minThe mind, its structure and functionality aka citta. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Citta: guidedDec 31, 2025 · 21 minGet some. Collect and connect. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Trust, Faith, Confidence, Refuge: TalkDec 29, 2025 · 52 minNight one talk. NYE retreat in Bay St. Louis. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Sila: overview/talkDec 29, 2025 · 21 minMorning one, overview of sila bramha vihara. NYE retreat, Bay St Louis MS. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Sila: guided practiceDec 29, 2025 · 21 minGuided practice session from overview. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Meaning/wisdom: talkDec 28, 2025 · 22 minFinal reflection for 2025, attempt to wrap up some thoughts on the year. Join me for programs in 2026: https://linktr.ee/davesmithdharma https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- cognitive dissonance: talkDec 16, 2025 · 20 minFrom the weekly mentoring group, to join find out more HERE. Can can also sing up for my new Essential Dharma Course HERE https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Nostalgia vs. Sentimentality: TalkNov 23, 2025 · 19 minRandom talk from Sunday mentoring group. If you would like to be part of this group you can see more HERE. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Kindness Revolution: talk (Dave & Mikey Livid)Nov 22, 2025 · 47 minDave and Mikey Livid (Wild Heart Nashville). In collaboration with Flowering Lotus Meditation. You can sign up for the retreat at this link: https://register.etransfer.com/cgi-bin/acct/VDEYW88NN1/displayForm.pl?dir=KOT2WZYK_2025 https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Hx of Mindfulness: TalkNov 22, 2025 · 25 minOpening lecture from the Ghost Ranch, Authenticity in an Artificial World. Brief history of mindfulness address the two streams if vipassana and secular mindfulness. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Sagaing Hills: TalkNov 11, 2025 · 42 minReflections from Chiang Mai. In proper dedication to my teacher and mentor, Steven Smith. More to come.... The Roots in the Sagaing Hills: Metta Vipassana The Sagaing Hills of Myanmar are the spiritual epicenter where the two dominant forms of modern Burmese Buddhism originated. This region is revered for its "patipatti-minded" monks who prioritize meditative practice (paṭipatti) over mere scholarship. Mahasi Tradition: The foundation of the widespread Mahasi Sayadaw movement was laid at the Thameikdawdaya Nunnery in Sagaing. A pivotal encounter there in 1947 led to Sir U Thwin inviting Mahasi Sayadaw to lead a new center in Rangoon, launching a movement that would rapidly sweep across Southeast Asia. Ledi/Goenka Lineage: The area is also linked to the lineage popularized by U Goenka. The suggestion that Ledi Sayadaw learned Vipassana deep in the Hills underscores Sagaing's reputation. Furthermore, Sitagu Sayadaw, a contemporary friend of U Goenka and influential teacher, established his major academic and practice centers at the foot of the Hills, cementing the region's enduring legacy as a site for intense practice. Sayadaw U Pandita: The Synthesis of Pāli Text and Practice This practice-oriented tradition was synthesized, systematized, and exported by Sayadaw U Pandita (1921–2016), the scholarly successor to Mahasi Sayadaw. U Pandita's life embodied the necessary dual commitment to study and application. Scholarly Foundation U Pandita was first a distinguished scholar of the Pāli Canon, earning the prestigious title Abhivamsa and serving as a corrector in the Sixth Sangha Council (1956). His profound textual knowledge ensured the authenticity of the tradition he taught. Integration with Meditation At age 29, U Pandita began practice under Mahasi Sayadaw, gaining the crucial realization that textual study must be complemented by the practical application of meditation. This conviction led him to leave his teaching post to become a meditation master. He insisted that a teacher must have a careful study of the Pāli texts—which he championed as providing precise practical guidance for practice—completed by direct meditative realization. His teaching hierarchy placed the Pāli texts (such as the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta) as the highest authority, followed by commentaries and the lineage, with one’s personal views carrying the least weight. The Bridge to the West U Pandita became the critical bridge for transmitting the Mahasi lineage's rigorous methods to the West. The turning point was a historic 1984 retreat at the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Massachusetts, where he guided the generation that became the most senior Western teachers. His method, rooted in the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta and the analytical framework of the Abhidhamma, was characterized by: Rigorous Mindfulness: Training in satipaṭṭhāna practice with extreme precision and energy, primarily using the detai
- Metaphor of Entrapment: TalkOct 20, 2025 · 20 minThis talk was given for the Sunday mentoring group session. It discusses the role of metaphor, pointing to the fact the the primary metaphor is one of entrapment NOT pain and suffering. If you are interested in the mentoring program HERE https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Greed, hatred, confusion: talkOct 20, 2025 · 47 mintalk given for Insight Denver, via zoom: https://www.insightdenver.org/ https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Inner Conflict: talkOct 20, 2025 · 31 minGiven as part of the Monday night series at the Durango Dharma Center. https://www.durangodharmacenter.org/ https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Gratitude/awareness: overview and guidedOct 13, 2025 · 34 minMorning 3, guided gratitude as awareness practice. Montana retreat, Bozeman Dharma Center. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Handful of leaves: TalkOct 13, 2025 · 42 minFinal talk, Montana retreat, Bozeman Dharma Center. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Metta: overview and guidedOct 10, 2025 · 57 minEvening 2 bramha vihara session, metta. Montana retreat, Bozeman Dharma Center. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Bramha Viharas and the 4 noble truths (tasks): TalkOct 9, 2025 · 55 minTalk number 2 from the Montana retreat, Bozeman Dharma Center. The integration of the bramha viharas and the four noble truths. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Entering the Stream: talkOct 8, 2025 · 1 hrTalk 1 from Montana retreat, Bozeman Dharma Center. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Sila: overview and guidedOct 8, 2025 · 54 minEvening 1 heart practice session. Overview of sila-bramha-vihara with guided instructions. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Cultivating awareness: overview and guidedOct 8, 2025 · 51 minDay 2, morning session. Cultivating awareness. Montana retreat, Bozeman Dharma Center https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Intro to Awareness: overview & guidedOct 6, 2025 · 54 minMorning 1 overview and instructions. Bozeman Dharma Center Retreat. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- 3 trainings: talkOct 5, 2025 · 56 minFinal talk from Vallecitos. The three trainings of the 8 fold path are outlined and described. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Ilimitables: Overview and guidedOct 3, 2025 · 56 minEvening heart practice from Vallecitos. Compassion in appreciate as they are outlined in the abhidharma (manual on Buddhist psychology) https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Bramha-vihara: overview & guidedOct 2, 2025 · 53 minEvening Bramha vihara session with a focus on metta/kindness. Check out my program at the Ghost Ranch in November. HERE https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Mindfulness: talkOct 1, 2025 · 1 hr 3 minTalk 1 from Vallecitos "natural awareness" retreat. If you find these episodes useful, please consider dropping me some support. You can venmo or paypal at this page: https://www.davesmithdharma.com/contact/ https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Talk: RedemptionAug 20, 2025 · 19 minhttps://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Faith (again): talkAug 15, 2025 · 42 minFrom Big Heart City Friday night class. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Living in the world: talkAug 3, 2025 · 47 minTalk 3 at RMERC. Natural Awareness Retreat. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Four foundations of mindfulness: TalkAug 3, 2025 · 59 minThe talk is from Vallecitos, and covers the teaching on the four foundations of Mindfulness. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Gratitude: Overview and guidedAug 3, 2025 · 57 minOver of gratitude and guided practice from Vallecitos. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.
- Beautiful theory of mind pt. 1: TalkAug 3, 2025 · 1 hr 1 minhttps://www.davesmithdharma.com/ https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharma Thank you for subscribing.