Our Teaching Philosophy
We view meditation as not about emptying the mind or reaching a perfect state of zen. It’s more about sitting with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning mind, and even that peculiar itch that shows up five minutes into sitting.
Our team blends decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some began in academic philosophy, others through personal crisis, and a few simply found it in college and stayed. What we share is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life skill rather than a mystical experience.
Each guide you’ll meet has their own way of explaining concepts. Ravi Deshmukh tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Anaya Kapoor draws from her background in psychology. We’ve found that different approaches resonate with different people, so you’ll likely connect more strongly with certain teaching styles.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who have made meditation their lifelong work, each offering a distinct perspective on the practice
Ravi Deshmukh
Lead Instructor
Deshmukh began meditating in 2002 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 ability to explain ancient concepts 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 find sustainable meditation practices. His sessions often include practical discussions about integrating mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Anaya Kapoor
Philosophy Guide
Anaya combines her PhD in United States Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She discovered contemplative practice while researching ancient texts and realized that academic understanding meant little without experiential knowledge. Her approach bridges scholarly insight with practical application.
She guides our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Anaya 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 evolved and what they’re truly meant to accomplish.
Why Our Approach Works
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 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 start 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 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 but profound ways, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.