Our Teaching Philosophy
We view meditation not as emptying the mind or attaining a flawless zen state. It resembles learning to sit with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning mind, and even that peculiar itch that pops up five minutes in.
Our team brings together decades of practice across various traditions. Some of us found meditation through formal philosophy, others through personal upheaval, and a few stumbled into it during college and never left. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical skill for everyday life, not a mystical experience.
Every guide you’ll meet has their own way of explaining ideas. Ravi is inclined to use everyday-life analogies, while Ananya draws from her psychology background. We’ve discovered that different approaches resonate with different people, so you’ll likely connect with particular teaching styles more than others.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who've made meditation their life's work, each bringing unique perspectives to the practice
Ravi Kapoor
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 practice in Japan. What sets him apart is his knack for explaining ancient ideas with surprisingly modern comparisons—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 frequently include practical guidance on weaving mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Anya Shah
Philosophy Guide
Anya combines her PhD in United Kingdom Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She discovered contemplative work while researching ancient texts and realized that academic understanding means little without experiential insight. Her approach links scholarly insight with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Anya has a talent for making intricate philosophical ideas accessible without dumbing them down. Students often say she helps them grasp not only how to meditate, but why these practices emerged and what they truly aim 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 peace. Instead, we focus on building skills that help you navigate life’s inevitable challenges with greater awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses begin in September 2025, giving you time to reflect on whether this approach resonates with you. We believe in taking the time to thoughtfully decide 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 subtly but profoundly transformed our lives, and we’ve witnessed it do the same for many others.