Our Teaching Philosophy
We don't see meditation as clearing the mind or reaching a flawless state of zen. It’s more like learning to sit with whatever arrives – the restless thoughts, the planning mind, and even that itch that typically shows up five minutes into sitting.
Our group combines decades of practice across varied traditions. Some arrived at meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal hardship, and a few just found it in college and never left. We all share a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life skill, not a mystical pursuit.
Each guide you’ll meet has their own way of explaining concepts. Ravi tends to use analogies from everyday life, while Ananya draws from her psychology background. We’ve found different approaches resonate with different people, so you’ll likely connect more 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 in 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 the monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He runs 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 spiritual bypassing.
Ananya Patel
Philosophy Guide
Ananya combines her PhD in United Kingdom Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She discovered contemplative practice while researching ancient texts and realized that academic understanding meant little 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 dumbing them down. 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 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 more awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses start in September 2025, 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 subtly but profoundly transformed our lives, and we've witnessed the same for many others.