Our Teaching Philosophy
We view meditation not as clearing the mind or reaching an ideal state of zen. It’s more about learning to stay with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning mind, even that persistent itch that tends to show up a few minutes in.
Our group combines many years of practice from diverse traditions. Some found meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal upheavals, and a few stumbled upon it in 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 meet explains concepts in their own way. Ravi tends to use everyday-life 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 to certain teaching styles.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who've made meditation their life's work, each bringing unique perspectives to the practice
Ravi Nandakumar
Lead Instructor
Ravi began his meditation journey 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 distinguishes him is his talent for clarifying ancient concepts with fresh, relatable analogies—he once compared the monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and specializes in helping busy professionals find sustainable meditation practices. His sessions often include practical discussions about integrating mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Anya Gupta
Philosophy Guide
Anya blends a PhD in United Kingdom Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She discovered contemplative practice while studying ancient texts and realized that theoretical understanding means little without lived experience. Her approach bridges scholarly insight with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical inquiries and retreat offerings. Anya has a talent for making complex philosophical ideas approachable without oversimplifying. Students often say she helps them understand not just 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 found 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 more 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 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 changed our lives in subtle but profound ways, and we've seen it do the same for many others.