Our Teaching Philosophy
We don't see meditation as clearing the mind or reaching a flawless state of zen. Rather, it's about learning to sit with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning mind, even the odd itch that tends to surface a few minutes in.
Our team combines decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some came to meditation through scholarly philosophy, others through personal challenges, and a few discovered it in college and stayed. We share a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life skill rather than a mystical rite.
Every guide has a unique way of clarifying ideas. Ravi often uses everyday-life analogies, while Ananya draws on psychology. We've seen that various methods resonate with different learners, so you'll probably align with some 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 Krishnamurthy
Lead Instructor
Ravi began meditating in the late 1990s 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 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 nothing without experiential knowledge. Her approach bridges scholarly insight with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical inquiries and retreat programs. Ananya has a talent for making intricate philosophical ideas approachable 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 This Way
After years of practice and teaching, we've found meditation is most effective when demystified. We don't promise enlightenment or flawless peace. Instead, we focus on cultivating skills to navigate life's inevitable challenges with greater awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses begin in the autumn season, giving you time to reflect on whether this approach resonates with you. We value taking time to make thoughtful decisions about contemplative practice—not something to rush into on a burst of enthusiasm.
If you're curious about learning meditation as a practical life skill rather than a spiritual pursuit, we'd be glad to guide your exploration. The practice has transformed our lives in subtle but meaningful ways, and we've witnessed it do the same for many others.