Our Teaching Philosophy
We don’t view meditation as a means to empty the mind or reach a flawless state of zen. It’s more like learning to stay with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning mind, and even that odd itch that tends to show up a few minutes into sitting.
Our team gathers decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some of us came to meditation via academic philosophy, others through personal adversity, and a few simply wandered into it during college and never left. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life skill rather than a mystical quest.
Each guide you encounter has their own style of conveying ideas. Ravi often uses everyday-life analogies, while Ananya draws on her psychology background. We’ve found that different approaches resonate with different people, so you’ll likely connect with certain teaching styles more than others.
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 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 knack for clarifying ancient ideas with surprisingly contemporary analogies—he once likened monkey mind to having a dozen browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and specializes in helping busy professionals cultivate sustainable meditation routines. His sessions often include practical discussions about weaving 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 means little without experiential knowledge. Her approach bridges scholarly insight with practical application.
She guides our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Ananya has a talent for making complex philosophical ideas accessible without oversimplifying them. Her students often say she helps them understand not just how to meditate, but why these practices developed and what they’re truly meant to achieve.
Why We Teach This Way
After years of practice and teaching, we’ve found that meditation works best when it’s demystified. We don’t promise enlightenment or claim you’ll attain absolute serenity. Instead, we focus on building skills that help you navigate life’s inevitable challenges with greater awareness and reduced reactivity.
Our courses begin in the upcoming season, allowing you time to reflect on whether this approach resonates with you. We believe in taking the time to thoughtfully decide about contemplative practice—it isn’t 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 transformed our lives in subtle yet meaningful ways, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.