Our Teaching Philosophy
We don’t see meditation as simply emptying the mind or reaching some flawless state of calm. It’s more about learning to sit with whatever arises—the wandering thoughts, the planning brain, and even that peculiar itch that shows up five minutes into practice.
Our group combines decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some of us encountered meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal upheaval, and a few discovered it in college and never left. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life skill rather than a mystical experience.
Each guide you’ll meet has their own way of conveying ideas. Ravi tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Ananya draws from psychology. We’ve found that 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 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 explaining ancient concepts using surprisingly contemporary analogies—he once likened monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and specializes in helping busy professionals cultivate sustainable meditation practices. His sessions often include practical discussions about integrating mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypass.
Ananya Patel
Philosophy Guide
Ananya blends her PhD in United Kingdom Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She found contemplative practice while researching ancient texts and realized that scholarly understanding means little without experiential knowing. Her approach bridges academic insight with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Ananya has a talent for making complex philosophical ideas accessible without oversimplification. Students often say she helps them grasp not only how to meditate, but why these practices emerged and what they’re truly meant 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 serenity. Instead, we focus on building skills that help you navigate life’s inevitable challenges with more 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 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, profoundly changed our lives, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.