Our Teaching Philosophy
We view meditation not as emptying the mind or attaining a flawless state of calm. It resembles learning to sit with whatever arises—the wandering thoughts, the planning brain, and even that peculiar itch that appears five minutes into sitting.
Our team combines decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some arrived at meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal upheaval, and a few stumbled into it during college and never left. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life skill, not a mystical experience.
Each guide you meet has their own way of explaining ideas. Rajiv leans on everyday-life analogies, while Maya draws from her psychology background. We’ve found that different methods 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 unique perspectives to the practice
Rajiv Kumar
Lead Instructor
Rajiv began his meditation journey in 1998 after burning out from a software engineering career. He spent three years studying Vipassana in Myanmar and later trained in Zen practice in Japan. What sets him apart is his talent for explaining ancient ideas through surprisingly modern metaphors—he once likened the monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and specializes in helping busy professionals cultivate sustainable meditation routines. His sessions often include practical discussions about weaving mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Maya Kapoor
Philosophy Guide
Maya pairs 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 lived experience. Her approach links scholarly insight with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Maya has a gift for making complex philosophical ideas approachable without oversimplifying. Students often say she helps them understand not only how to meditate, but why these practices emerged and what they’re truly meant to achieve.
Why We Teach This Way
After years of practice and instruction, we’ve learned that meditation thrives 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 navigate life’s inevitable challenges with greater awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses start in September 2025, giving you time to consider whether this approach resonates with you. We believe in taking thoughtful time to decide about contemplative practice—it isn’t something to rush into driven by 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 changed our lives, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.