Our Teaching Philosophy
We believe meditation isn’t about blanking the mind or reaching a flawless state of serenity. It’s more about learning to stay present with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning brain, and even that curious itch that pops up midway through a session.
Our team blends decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some arrived at meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal challenge, and a few wandered into it in college and stayed. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical skill for daily life rather than a mystical experience.
Each guide brings their own way of explaining ideas. Ravi’s style leans on everyday analogies, while Ananya draws from her psychology background. We’ve found that different approaches resonate with different people, so you’ll likely feel a stronger connection with certain teaching styles.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who’ve made meditation their life’s work, each offering a distinct perspective on the practice
Ram Kumar
Lead Instructor
Ram 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 compared monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and specializes in helping busy professionals build sustainable meditation practices. His sessions often include practical discussions about weaving mindfulness into work and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Aria Chen
Philosophy Guide
Aria 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 academic understanding means little without experiential knowledge. Her approach bridges scholarly insight with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Aria has a talent for making complex philosophical concepts accessible without reducing their depth. Students often say she helps them understand not just how to meditate, but why these practices developed and what they’re truly meant 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 achieve 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 2026, 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 changed our lives in subtle yet profound ways, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.