Our Pedagogical Approach
We see meditation as not about clearing the mind or reaching some flawless state of zen. It's more about learning to sit with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the busy planning mind, even that odd itch that tends to show up five minutes into practice.
Our group combines many years of practice across various traditions. Some joined meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal hardship, and a few never left after college. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life skill rather than a mystical journey.
Each guide speaks in their own way. Ravi favors everyday-life analogies, while Ananya leans on psychology. Since different approaches resonate with different people, you’ll likely connect with some teaching styles more than others.
Your Guides for Meditation
Two practitioners who have made meditation their life's work, each offering a distinct perspective on 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. He stands out for explaining ancient concepts with fresh, contemporary analogies—likening monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and focuses on helping busy professionals cultivate sustainable meditation habits. His sessions typically 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 academic understanding meant nothing without experiential knowledge. Her approach bridges scholarly insight with practical application.
She guides our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Ananya has a gift for making complex philosophical concepts accessible without oversimplifying. Her students often say she helps them understand not just how to meditate, but why these practices developed and what they're really meant to accomplish.
Why We Teach This Approach
After years of practice and teaching, we've found that meditation works best when it's demystified. We don't promise enlightenment or claim you'll achieve perfect peace. Instead, we focus on developing skills to navigate life's challenges with greater awareness and reduced reactivity.
Our courses begin in September 2025, giving you time to reflect on whether this method 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 subtly but profoundly transformed our lives, and we've seen it do the same for many others.