Talks and meditation instructions from Dave Smith, Dharma Teacher, Mindfulness Trainer, Secular Humanist...recovering buddhist. These talks and instructions are offered to you free of charge. If you are moved by generosity, and would like to support me in my livelihood, making a donation would be g…
The Dave Smith Dharma podcast is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in Buddhism and meditation. As a long-time practicing Buddhist, I was introduced to Dave's teachings by a friend and have found them to be excellent and influential in my own spiritual journey. One of the best aspects of this podcast is Dave's genuine and down-to-earth delivery. He shares his direct experiences, foibles, and struggles, making it relatable and inspiring for listeners like myself. There is no pretense in his teachings, which opens the door for all of us to engage with the material on a deeper level.
Another great aspect of this podcast is that Dave's teachings are thoughtful and accessible. He presents complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand, making them applicable to everyday life. His vulnerability, humor, compassion, and grace shine through in each episode, creating an engaging and enjoyable listening experience. I have found his guidance and instructions to be incredibly helpful in my own practice.
Additionally, Dave has a unique talent for distilling Buddhist concepts from the original texts into relatable lessons for modern life. He bridges the gap between traditional teachings and our everyday experiences with wisdom and depth. This has deepened my understanding of meditation and Buddhism as a whole.
Furthermore, I had the opportunity to meet Dave during one of his retreats at the Durango Dharma Center, which was an enlightening experience. This personal encounter only solidified my appreciation for his teachings even more.
However, one potential downside of this podcast might be that it may not appeal to those seeking traditional reflections on Buddhist practice or more academic dharma talks. Dave's style is relatable without losing depth, but some individuals may prefer a more scholarly approach.
In conclusion, The Dave Smith Dharma podcast is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking guidance on their spiritual path. It offers thoughtful teachings delivered with vulnerability and humor that make them relatable to everyday life. Dave's ability to distill complex concepts into practical lessons is exceptional, and his influence has been transformative for many listeners. I am grateful for the impact this podcast has had on my own practice and strongly recommend it to others seeking dharma talks and guided meditations rooted in the original Buddhist texts.

From 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/davesmithdharmaThank you for subscribing.

From NYE retreat, Bay St. Louis. Flowering Lotus: https://www.floweringlotusmeditation.org/ https://www.davesmithdharma.com/https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharmaThank you for subscribing.

Metta-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/davesmithdharmaThank you for subscribing.

Get some. Collect and connect. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharmaThank you for subscribing.

The mind, its structure and functionality aka citta. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharmaThank you for subscribing.

Night one talk. NYE retreat in Bay St. Louis. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharmaThank you for subscribing.

Guided practice session from overview. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharmaThank you for subscribing.

Morning one, overview of sila bramha vihara. NYE retreat, Bay St Louis MS. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharmaThank you for subscribing.

Final 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/davesmithdharmaThank you for subscribing.

From 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/davesmithdharmaThank you for subscribing.

Random 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/davesmithdharmaThank you for subscribing.

Dave 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/davesmithdharmaThank you for subscribing.

Opening 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/davesmithdharmaThank you for subscribing.

Reflections from Chiang Mai. In proper dedication to my teacher and mentor, Steven Smith. More to come.... https://www.davesmithdharma.com/https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharmaThank you for subscribing.

talk given for Insight Denver, via zoom: https://www.insightdenver.org/ https://www.davesmithdharma.com/https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharmaThank you for subscribing.

This 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/davesmithdharmaThank you for subscribing.

Given 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/davesmithdharmaThank you for subscribing.

Morning 3, guided gratitude as awareness practice. Montana retreat, Bozeman Dharma Center. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharmaThank you for subscribing.

Final talk, Montana retreat, Bozeman Dharma Center. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharmaThank you for subscribing.

Evening 2 bramha vihara session, metta. Montana retreat, Bozeman Dharma Center. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/https://account.venmo.com/u/davesmithdharmaThank you for subscribing.

Talk 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/davesmithdharmaThank you for subscribing.

Day 2, morning session. Cultivating awareness. Montana retreat, Bozeman Dharma Center

Evening 1 heart practice session. Overview of sila-bramha-vihara with guided instructions.

Talk 1 from Montana retreat, Bozeman Dharma Center.

Morning 1 overview and instructions. Bozeman Dharma Center Retreat.

Final talk from Vallecitos. The three trainings of the 8 fold path are outlined and described.

Evening heart practice from Vallecitos. Compassion in appreciate as they are outlined in the abhidharma (manual on Buddhist psychology)

Evening Bramha vihara session with a focus on metta/kindness. Check out my program at the Ghost Ranch in November. HERE

Talk 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/

Over of gratitude and guided practice from Vallecitos.

From the Sunday weekly mentoring group. If you are interested in our mentoring program you can find out more HERE

The talk is from Vallecitos, and covers the teaching on the four foundations of Mindfulness.

Given at Wild Heart in Nashville, just before the Southern Dharma retreat.

Full audio sessions from my 4 week course for New York Insight. Begins with an overview of 4 noble truths, intro sessions, conversations with Stephen Batchelor and then live teaching sessions from the course. If you find these audio offerings of benefit please consider dropping me some cash. This shit takes a lot of time, everything is appreciated. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/contact/

2 talks put together from the Sunday mentoring program. Find out more HERE

Talk three from retreat at Southern Dharma, mindfulness and the four noble truths.

Talk two from retreat at Southern Dharma, mindfulness and the four noble truths.

Talk one from retreat at Southern Dharma, mindfulness and the four noble truths.

This talk was given for Big Heart City.During this talk Shannon offers perspectives on the Dharma as being good in the beginning, middle, and end. Many thanks to Vinny for the invite. Enjoy.

Given for my good friends at Sangha Live: https://sangha.live/dharma-library-archive-sunday-sangha-recordings/ . This talk offers current perspectives on the world and how we might relate to it, without all the victimhood.

Found within the Zen tradition, this talk explores the paradox of a sudden awakening followed by a gradual cultivation. It explores the idea of what does it mean to "practice". This was given in person at the Durango Dharma Center. https://www.durangodharmacenter.org/

This is by far the longest and most thorough talk on the 8 fold path that you will ever find. 5:55. I spliced it all together here for you because it is what I do. If you want to offer some support and send some $$ my way. Much appreciated. https://www.davesmithdharma.com/contact/

Existential, therapeutic, contemplative, ethical.

Due to much chatter amongst the crowd, I have further unpacked my thoughts around the previous rant. Come and see fo yo self.