Authentic Intelligence (the other AI): Confronting Buddhism & AI

August 4 - 8, 2027

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Arrival: August 4th, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Departure: August 8th, 12:30 PM

Tiered Tuition:
Scholarship Tuition: $375

Standard Tuition: $450

Supporter Tuition: $550

+ 4 nights lodging
Combined at checkout

Meals & drinks included
Inc. V, VG, GF

Add extra nights at 50% off

Tuition:
Scholarship Tuition: $375

Standard Tuition: $450

Supporter Tuition: $550

+ 4 nights lodging
Combined at checkout

Meals & drinks included
Inc. V, VG, GF

Add extra nights at 50% off

About the Retreat

As we become endlessly distracted by the artificial, the search for authenticity becomes vital. While Artificial Intelligence processes information, Authentic Intelligence cultivates meaning. In an age of algorithmic certainty and digital noise, we face a crisis of meaning.

This multi-day program offers a way of getting untrapped, by shifting away from the artificial toward an analog “ecology of practices.” Designed for both new and experienced practitioners seeking a rigorous, no-nonsense approach to living with clarity and purpose in a tech-driven world.

Click here to watch an interview between Mark and Dave.

This program bridges ancient contemplative wisdom with contemporary science, drawing from three key frameworks:

  • Early Buddhist Texts: Investigating teachings on mindfulness and mettā in the early Pali Canon to extract pragmatic tools for understanding the mind, its purpose, and its function.
  • Affective & Cognitive Science: 4E cognition and evolutionary science framing emotions not as obstacles to manage, but as grounds for transformation and human flourishing.
  • Existential Philosophy: Modern cultural critiques confronting digital conformity to embrace the radical responsibility and agency of the individual. Through interactive teaching sessions, shared dialogue, and extended practice periods, we will bridge contemplative discipline with our emotional lives.

What to Expect

  • Interactive teaching sessions designed to unpack digital conformity and use of AI and the uncertainty of the ever-changing technological landscape
  • Extended practice periods allow the bridging of contemplative discipline with our emotional lives
  • An understanding of what early Buddhist traditions and modern cognitive science actually have to say about how your mind works
  • Practical tools to use your emotions not as things to fix or fight, but as fuel for personal growth and a better life
  • Gaining perspectives that honor a middle way by avoiding the traps of extremism

Who is This Retreat For?

All are welcome. Whether you approach AI through daily professional use, ethical concern, or simple curiosity, this space is open to all backgrounds. The core question belongs to everyone: How do we cultivate genuine presence and human connection in a tech-driven world?

This retreat is for:

  • New and experienced practitioners looking for a no-nonsense entry point into mindfulness
  • Seasoned meditators applying contemplative tools to digital distraction
  • Engineers, developers, and leaders seeking a grounded, ethical framework to anchor fast-moving AI work in human wisdom

Teacher Testimonials

“My retreat experience with Dave has been one of the profound and constructive things I’ve done in my life. For someone who has been practicing mindfulness for less than a year before sitting his first retreat with Dave, I found it to be very easy to understand yet very challenging with plenty of room for growth. Since I have sat four different retreats at various lengths and can’t wait to sit more.” — Vlad V. | Santa Cruz, CA

“I have been studying Buddhism for nearly 50 years. I highly recommend any chance to study with Dave. The seven-day retreat I did with Dave this summer was stellar. He brings his authentic, loving and humble unwavering focus to teaching. He is particularly adept at weaving in all the emotional intelligence. I found deeper access to self-kindness that has continued to inform my daily practice.” — Lauren R. | Santa Fe, NM

Secular Dharma Foundation

This program was developed through the work of the Secular Dharma Foundation. The mission of the Secular Dharma Foundation (501c) is to foster the advancement of emotional and psychological well-being through the education and integration of mindfulness, psychology, nature-based programming, and various therapeutic modalities. We provide educational tools and resources, mindfulness and emotional skills training through online programs, podcasts, trainings, and retreats.

Retreat Faculty

Dave Smith

Dave Smith is a Dharma teacher, international speaker, author, and founder of the Secular Dharma Foundation. Integrating three decades of Insight Meditation with early Buddhist teachings from the Pali Canon and contemporary psychology, he offers a pragmatic, secular framework for mindfulness, ethics, and self-awareness. A former punk rock musician and recovering addict, Dave brings his anti-establishment [...]

Mark Miller

Brilliant philosopher of cognition and cognitive scientist, Mark Miller earned his PhD at the University of Edinburgh, working with legendary philosopher and cognitive scientist Andy Clark. He is a Senior Research Fellow at the Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies, Lab Manager of the Consciousness and Wisdom Studies Lab at the University of Toronto, [...]

Lodging

We have several accommodations to choose from during checkout.
All options include our healthy meals and drinks. Inc V, VG, GF.

Off Land
Participants who wish to commute from home or arrange their own accommodations off-campus (for example, a bed and breakfast, camping nearby)  pay tuition, plus $40/night for meals (3 meals per day) and use of our facilities.

Dormitories
Rooms with beds for up to 7-8 people. Gender-segregated with men in their own dorm and women in another. The dorms use a shared bathroom down the hall, which is also equipped with shower stalls.

Monk Rooms
A cost-effective option for participants looking for indoor, solitary lodging, but who don’t mind using a shared bathroom or are looking for a more affordable retreat solution. These rooms are in the same hall as the Ridgen Dormitories, but offer more privacy than the dorms. In addition to a bed, bedding, a private room and closet, the monk rooms also have a large window and a desk and desk chair for added comfort.

Single and Double Rooms
The perfect choice for a retreat where you want both your own space and your own bathroom. Each room offers a little more space, a dresser and closet, and a 3/4s bathroom (toilet, sink, and shower, no bathtub) attached to each room.

Junior Suite
Our Lodge Junior Suites include a queen-size bed topped by a cozy comforter, a desk, dresser, closet and private bath with bathtub, plus a sitting area.

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