Our Teaching Philosophy
We believe meditation isn’t about emptying the mind or attaining a flawless state of zen. It’s more like learning to sit with whatever arises—the wandering thoughts, the planning mind, and even that peculiar itch that often shows up a few minutes into sitting.
Our team brings together decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some of us arrived at meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal upheaval, and a few simply found it in college and never left. What unites us 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. Rajiv tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Mira draws from psychology. 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 bringing a unique perspective to the practice
Rajiv Kumar
Lead Instructor
Rajiv began meditating in 1998 after burnout from his software engineering career. He spent three years studying Vipassana in Myanmar and later trained in Zen practice in Japan. What distinguishes him is his knack for explaining ancient ideas with surprisingly modern comparisons—he once likened monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and specializes in helping busy professionals cultivate sustainable meditation habits. His sessions often include practical discussions about weaving mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Mira Kapoor
Philosophy Guide
Mira 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. Mira has a gift for making complex philosophical concepts accessible without oversimplifying. 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 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 tranquility. 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 2025, giving you time to reflect on whether this approach resonates with you. We believe in taking the 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.