Our Teaching Philosophy
We view meditation not as clearing the mind or attaining a flawless state of calm, but as learning to stay with whatever arises—the busy thoughts, the planning brain, and even that odd itch that pops up five minutes into sitting.
Our team combines decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some came to meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal adversity, and a few simply found it in college and stayed. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical skill for everyday life, rather than a mystical experience.
Each guide has their own way of describing concepts. Ravi often uses everyday analogies, while Ananya draws on her psychology background. We’ve found that different approaches click 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 a unique perspective 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 ideas with surprisingly modern analogies—he once likened the 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 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 scholarly understanding means little without lived experience. Her approach bridges intellectual insight with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Ananya has a talent for making intricate philosophical ideas accessible without oversimplifying them. Students often say she helps them grasp not just how to meditate, but why these practices emerged and what they aim to achieve.
Why We Teach This Way
After years of practice and teaching, we’ve found that meditation thrives when it’s demystified. We don’t promise enlightenment or claim you’ll reach perfect serenity. Instead, we aim to build skills that help you navigate life’s inevitable challenges with greater 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 thoughtful time to 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 subtly yet profoundly transformed our lives, and we’ve witnessed the same for many others.