Our Teaching Philosophy
We don’t think meditation is about clearing your mind or attaining a flawless state of Zen. It’s more like learning to sit with whatever arises—the distracting thoughts, the planning mind, and even that pesky itch that shows up a few minutes in.
We bring together decades of practice across different traditions. Some of us began with academic philosophy, others through personal hardship, and a few simply stumbled into it during college and stayed. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life skill rather than a mystical experience.
Each guide you'll meet has their own way of explaining concepts. Ravi tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Ananya draws from her psychology background. We’ve found that different approaches resonate with different people, so you’ll likely connect more strongly with certain teaching styles.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who’ve made meditation their life's work, each bringing unique perspectives to the practice
Ravi Krishnamurthy
Lead Instructor
Ravi began meditating 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 ability to explain ancient concepts using surprisingly modern analogies—he once compared monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and specializes in helping busy professionals find sustainable meditation practices. His sessions often include practical discussions about integrating mindfulness into work life and managing stress without bypassing reality.
Ananya Patel
Philosophy Guide
Ananya blends a PhD in United States Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She discovered contemplative practice while researching ancient texts and realized that academic understanding meant nothing without experiential knowledge. Her approach bridges scholarly insight with practical application.
She guides our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Ananya has a gift for making complex philosophical concepts accessible without oversimplifying. Her students often say she helps them understand not just how to meditate, but why these practices developed and what they’re really meant to accomplish.
Why We Teach It This Way
After years of practice and teaching, we've found meditation works best when it's demystified. We don't promise enlightenment or claim you'll achieve perfect peace. Instead, we focus on developing skills to help you 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 from 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 subtly but profoundly changed our lives, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.