Our Teaching Philosophy
We don’t see meditation as simply emptying the mind or reaching a flawless state of serenity. It’s more like learning to sit with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning mind, and even that odd itch that shows up mid-session.
Our team brings together decades of practice across various traditions. Some arrived at meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal upheaval, and a few stumbled into it in college and stayed. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life skill rather than a mystical pursuit.
Each guide you’ll encounter has their own way of explaining ideas. Rajan tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Mira draws from her psychology background. We’ve found 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 distinct perspective to the practice
Rajan Kumar
Lead Instructor
Rajan began his meditation journey in 1998 after burnout from a 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 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 cultivate sustainable mindfulness practices. His sessions often include practical discussions about integrating awareness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Mira Patel
Philosophy Guide
Mira combines her PhD in Germany 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 guides our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Mira has a gift for making complex philosophical ideas accessible without simplifying them. Students often say she helps them understand not just how to meditate, but why these practices evolved and what they’re truly intended to achieve.
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 reach 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 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—it isn’t something to rush into based on momentary excitement.
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 meaningful ways, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.