I recently discussed early Buddhism, cognitive science, and secular Buddhism with Dave Smith and Mark Miller.

Dave has been a dharma teacher in the Insight Meditation tradition for three decades and is a co-founder of the Secular Dharma Foundation. Dave’s focus is integrating early Buddhist teachings with contemporary psychology to provide a pragmatic, secular framework for mindfulness, ethics, and self-awareness.

Mark is a philosopher of cognition who 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, and an Instructor in the University of Toronto’s Department of Psychology and Buddhist Psychology and Mental Health program. Mark works to bridge cognitive science and computational neuroscience with the study and practice of contemplative wisdom.

Our conversation explored how contemporary computational neuroscience findings align with early Buddhist teachings about the mind.

Dave emphasized the value of early Buddhist texts for providing us with a grounded approach and guide to living more fully and suffering less. He also noted what these texts don't contain but which have become central elements in many Buddhist lineages —concepts of ultimate truth, non-dual awareness, and transcendent realms.

Mark provided scientific context, explaining how current research shows the brain functions as a prediction engine that generates experiences from internal models rather than passively recording reality. This new approach is consistent with how early Buddhist teachings view our relationship with others and the world.

The discussion also addressed the impact of digital technology and social media on cognitive patterns, with both Mark and Dave noting how rapid reward systems in platforms like social media can damage people's ability to appreciate slower, more meaningful experiences.

I pointed out that we also need to consider how contemporary social and economic systems based on profit reinforce this trend by stimulating our tendency to crave and want more.

Our conversation concluded with Dave and Mark discussing their emerging collaboration, including an "Authentic Intelligence" retreat at Drala Mountain Center in August 2027. Click here for more information about the retreat.

Here is the video of our conversation: