Genuine Happiness: An Alternative Perspective

A Daylong Retreat with Dave Smith

Saturday, October 21
10 AM – 4 PM

During this daylong retreat, dharma teacher Dave Smith will offer reflections from both the early traditions of Buddhism and secular practices based on happiness research. How can we use our practice of the Dharma to create genuine happiness for ourselves, for others and for this world?

So much of what we hear and learn about in Dharma practice places an arguably unnecessary emphasis on suffering (dukkha). While attending to our suffering is an important and essential aspect of the path, it is by no means the end of the story. In one of the Buddha’s oldest descriptions of what it means to awaken, he states that awakening is a subtle yet radical shift in perspective— a movement from being preoccupied with our “place” in the world, to living from a “ground.” This shift is accomplished by developing the four foundations of mindfulness. As we progress in our practice, this shift becomes more and more natural and available in the everyday moments of our lives.

This retreat will include short dharma talks, guided sitting and walking meditations, and opportunities for questions and responses. All are welcome, including beginners.

About Dave Smith

Dave Smith is an internationally recognized Buddhist meditation teacher, addiction treatment specialist, and published author. His background is rooted in the Insight Meditation tradition and he was empowered to teach through the Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society. He has extensive experience bringing meditative interventions into jails, prisons, youth detention centers and addiction treatment facilities.