Our Teaching Philosophy
We don’t see meditation as clearing the mind or reaching a flawless state of zen. It’s about learning to sit with whatever arises—the busy thoughts, the planning mind, and even that odd itch that tends to appear a few minutes into sitting.
Our group combines many years of practice from diverse traditions. Some found meditation through scholarly philosophy, others through personal challenges, and a few drifted into it in college and stayed. We all share a commitment to presenting meditation as a usable life skill rather than a mystical pursuit.
Each guide explains ideas in their own style. Ravi often uses everyday-life analogies, while Ananya draws on psychology. Different approaches click with different people, so you’ll likely relate more to certain teaching styles than to 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 his meditation journey 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. His strength lies in explaining ancient concepts with fresh, contemporary analogies—he even likened the monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our core courses and helps busy professionals cultivate sustainable meditation habits. His sessions frequently include practical talks on bringing mindfulness into work and handling stress without bypassing reality.
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 matters only when supported by direct experience. Her approach links theoretical insight with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Ananya has a knack for making intricate philosophical ideas approachable without oversimplifying. Students say she helps them grasp not only how to meditate but also why these practices emerged and what they truly aim to achieve.
Why We Teach This Way
After years of practice and teaching, we've found that meditation benefits most when it’s demystified. We don’t promise enlightenment or guarantee perfect inner peace. Instead, we focus on cultivating skills that help you meet life’s inevitable challenges with greater awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses begin in September 2025, allowing you time to consider whether this approach resonates with you. We value taking time to thoughtfully decide about contemplative practice—not something to rush into on the basis of fleeting enthusiasm.
If you’re curious about learning meditation as a practical life skill rather than a spiritual pursuit, we would be honored to guide your exploration. The practice has subtly but profoundly changed our lives, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.