Our Teaching Philosophy
We see meditation not as clearing the mind or achieving a flawless state of zen. It’s about learning to sit with whatever arises—the restlessness of thoughts, the planning mind, and even that peculiar itch that tends to show up a few minutes into practice.
Our group combines decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some discovered meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal challenges, and a few simply wandered into it during college and stayed. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life skill rather than a mystical pursuit.
Each guide offers a unique way of explaining ideas. Ravi tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Ananya draws from her psychology background. We’ve found that different approaches resonate with different learners, so you’ll likely connect more with certain teaching styles.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who have made meditation their life's work, each bringing a distinct perspective to the practice
Ravi Krishnamurthy
Lead Instructor
Ravi began practicing meditation in 1998 after burnout from his software engineering career. He spent three years studying Vipassana in Myanmar and later trained in Zen meditation in Japan. What sets him apart is his talent for explaining ancient concepts using surprisingly modern analogies—he once likened the monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and specializes in helping busy professionals cultivate sustainable meditation habits. His sessions often include practical discussions about weaving mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Ananya Patel
Philosophy Guide
Ananya blends her PhD in United States Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She encountered contemplative study while examining ancient texts and realized that theoretical understanding means little without lived experience. Her approach fuses scholarly insight with practical application.
She guides our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Ananya has a gift for making intricate philosophical concepts approachable without oversimplifying. Students say she helps them grasp not just how to meditate, but why these practices emerged and what they’re truly meant to achieve.
Why We Teach This Way
After years of practice and teaching, we’ve learned that meditation works best when it’s demystified. We don’t promise enlightenment or claim you’ll reach perfect serenity. Instead, we focus on developing skills to navigate life’s inevitable challenges with greater awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses begin in September 2026, giving you time to reflect on whether this approach resonates with you. We believe in taking time to make thoughtful decisions about contemplative practice—it’s not something to rush into based on momentary enthusiasm.
If you’re curious about learning meditation as a practical life skill rather than a spiritual pursuit, we’d be honored to guide your exploration. The practice has changed our lives in subtle but profound ways, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.