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 roots to a 20-year career dedicated to resolving complex trauma and fostering deep engagement with life. Through mentoring and retreats, his work directly challenges the self-help industry’s “shame-based reality,” helping individuals navigate the unique struggles of the modern world with practical, grounded wisdom.