Our Teaching Philosophy
We don’t view meditation as clearing the mind or attaining a flawless state of Zen. It’s more about learning to sit with whatever arises—restless thoughts, a busy planning mind, and even that peculiar itch that shows up a few minutes into sitting.
Our team blends decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some arrived at meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal upheaval, and a few simply joined during college and stayed. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life skill rather than a mystical experience.
Each guide you’ll encounter has their own way of explaining ideas. Ravi tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Ananya draws on her psychology background. We’ve found different styles resonate with different people, so you’re likely to connect more with some approaches 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 meditating in 1998 after burnout in 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 concepts through 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 frequently include practical talks about weaving mindfulness into work life and reducing 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 experiential knowledge. Her approach links theoretical 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 only how to meditate, but why these practices arose and what they aim to accomplish.
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 peace. Instead, we focus on building 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 consider 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 but profoundly transformed our lives, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.