Dave Smith Dharma

The triad of gratification, danger, and escape is one of the Buddha’s most concise and simple teachings for investigating everyday lived experience. This formula can be applied to every single aspect of our experience. Many Buddhist scholars point out that this teaching contains the earliest roots of what we have come to know as the four noble truths, the basic framework for all Buddhist traditions.
What is interesting about this simple teaching is that the Buddha came to this realization before his awakening. He discusses this triad on four separate occasions, relating them to the aggregates, feelings (vedana), the four elements and the six sense doors. 
The sheer simplicity of this teaching provides a framework for understanding human experience, particularly for those of us living in the digital complexity of the modern world. 

This is not a realization given from high diction, or a pedestal of great wisdom and knowledge. Nor does it seek to bewilder us with metaphysics such as teachings on non-self, emptiness, rebirth and karma. Instead, it is easily understood and readily available to any of us, at any point in our process. 

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Reflections on Nibbana. Reference to attentional systems in the brain. Given at Rocky Mt. Ecodharma August 2024. 

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First talk from Rocky Mt. Ecodharma. August 2024. 

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 A fun little rant and dealing with dogma all "isms" in general. Enjoy. 

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Talk number two on citta. This talk emphasizes the role of the bramha viharas. 

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That talk offers a brief overview of the various meditative systems within the theravada tradition. This talk was given for my Sunday mentoring group. If you are interested in being part of the practice group and seek 1:1 mentoring, check out this link.

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This is the first talk of two. Given at Vallecitos in July 2024.  It offers reflections on mind or citta. 

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Talk 3: Rocky Mt. Eco Dharma Retreat. Natural Awareness and Wisdom. 

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Talk 5: Rocky Mt. Eco Dharma Retreat. Natural Awareness and Wisdom. The full entire teachings on metta and it's friends. 

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