Our Teaching Philosophy
We view meditation not as emptying the mind or reaching a flawless zen state. It's more about learning to stay with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning thoughts, even that odd itch that surfaces a few minutes into practice.
Our team combines decades of practice from various traditions. Some arrived at meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal upheaval, and a few simply discovered it in college and stayed. We share a commitment to presenting meditation as a usable life skill rather than a mystical pursuit.
Each guide has a unique way of explaining ideas. Ravi often uses everyday-life analogies, while Ananya draws on psychology. We’ve found that various approaches click with different people, so you’ll probably feel a stronger resonance 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 meditating in 1998 after burnout from his software engineering career. 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 with surprisingly contemporary analogies—he once likened the monkey mind to having a dozen browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and helps busy professionals cultivate sustainable meditation habits. His sessions often include practical discussions on weaving mindfulness into work and handling stress without spiritual bypassing.
Ananya Patel
Philosophy Guide
Ananya combines a PhD in United States Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She found contemplative practice while studying ancient texts and realized that theoretical insight alone isn’t enough without lived experience. Her approach blends scholarly understanding with real-world application.
She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Ananya has a talent for presenting intricate philosophical ideas clearly without oversimplification. Students often say she helps them grasp not only how to meditate but why these practices emerged and what they’re meant to achieve.
Why We Teach It This Way
After years of practice and teaching, we've learned that meditation is most effective when it's demystified. We don't promise enlightenment or perfect peace. Instead, we focus on cultivating skills to help you meet life's inevitable challenges with greater awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses begin in September 2025, giving you time to consider whether this approach resonates. We believe in taking time to decide thoughtfully about contemplative practice—not rushing in on a wave of momentary 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 changed our lives in subtle yet meaningful ways, and we’ve seen it transform many others as well.