Our Teaching Philosophy
We don’t see meditation as clearing the mind or reaching a flawless state of zen. It’s more about learning to sit with whatever arises—the buzzing thoughts, the planning mind, and even that peculiar itch that tends to show up a moment into practice.
Our team combines decades of practice across different traditions. Some found their way to meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal hardship, and a few discovered it during college and stayed. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical skill for everyday life, not a mystical experience.
Each guide you’ll meet explains concepts in their own way. Arjun tends to use everyday analogies, while Maya draws on her psychology background. We’ve found that different approaches resonate with different people, so you’ll likely connect more with certain teaching styles.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who’ve made meditation their life’s work, each offering a distinct perspective to the practice
Arjun Desai
Lead Instructor
Arjun began practicing meditation in 1998 after burning out 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 using 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 establish sustainable meditation habits. His sessions often include practical discussions about integrating mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Maya Kapoor
Philosophy Guide
Maya combines her PhD in United Kingdom Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She discovered contemplative work while researching ancient texts and realized that academic insight means little without experiential understanding. Her approach links scholarly depth with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Maya has a talent for making intricate philosophical ideas accessible without reducing them. Students often say she helps them grasp not only how to meditate, but why these practices arose and what they’re truly meant to achieve.
Why We Teach This Way
After years of practice and teaching, we’ve learned that meditation is most effective when it’s demystified. We don’t promise enlightenment or claim you’ll reach perfect serenity. Instead, we focus on building skills that help you face life’s inevitable challenges with greater awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses begin in September 2025, giving you time to reflect on whether this approach resonates with you. We believe in taking time to make thoughtful decisions about contemplative practice—not rushing in on a wave of 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 touched our lives in profound, subtle ways, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.