Our Teaching Philosophy
We view meditation not as clearing the mind or reaching an ideal state of zen. Rather, it's about learning to stay with whatever arises—the swirling thoughts, the busy planning mind, and even that odd itch that crops up a few minutes after you begin sitting.
Our team combines many years of practice across diverse traditions. Some arrived at meditation via academic philosophy, others through personal hardship, and a few simply wandered into it in college and stayed. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a usable life skill, not a mystical pursuit.
Every guide has a unique way of presenting ideas. Ravi favors everyday-life analogies, while Ananya draws on her psychology background. We've found that different methods resonate with different people, so you'll probably feel a stronger connection with some 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 practicing meditation in 1998 following burnout from his software engineering role. He spent three years studying Vipassana in Myanmar and later trained in Zen in Japan. What distinguishes him is his knack for explaining ancient ideas through surprisingly contemporary analogies—he likened the monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and focuses on helping busy professionals cultivate durable meditation habits. His sessions typically include practical discussions on weaving mindfulness into work life and handling stress without spiritual bypassing.
Ananya Patel
Philosophy Guide
Ananya pairs a PhD in United States Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She found contemplative practice while examining ancient texts and realized that theoretical knowledge alone is insufficient without lived experience. Her approach blends scholarly insight with practical application.
She leads our more advanced philosophical explorations and retreats. Ananya has a talent for presenting intricate philosophical ideas in an approachable way. Students often say she clarifies not only how to meditate, but why these practices emerged and what they are truly meant to achieve.
Why We Teach This Way
With years of practice and teaching, we've found that meditation thrives when it's demystified. We don't promise enlightenment or perfect peace. Instead, we aim to develop skills that help you move through life's inevitable challenges with greater awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses begin in September 2025, giving you time to consider whether this approach fits you. We value taking time to make thoughtful choices about contemplative practice—not something to rush into on a surge of momentary enthusiasm.
If you're curious about learning meditation as a practical life skill rather than a spiritual quest, we'd be honored to guide your exploration. The practice has subtly but profoundly transformed our lives, and we've witnessed the same for many others.