Our Teaching Philosophy
We see meditation not as clearing the mind or attaining a flawless state of zen. It’s more about learning to sit with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning mind, even that peculiar itch that shows up five minutes in.
Our group brings together decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some discovered meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal crisis, and a few during college and stayed. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life skill rather than a mystical experience.
Each mentor has their own way of explaining concepts. Arun tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Priya 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 have made meditation their life's work, each contributing a distinct perspective to the practice
Arin Kapoor
Lead Instructor
Arin began meditating in 1998 after burning out 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 ability to explain ancient concepts using surprisingly modern analogies – he once compared monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our core 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.
Priya Patel
Philosophy Guide
Priya 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 meant nothing without experiential knowledge. Her approach bridges scholarly insight with practical application.
She guides our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Priya has a gift for making complex philosophical concepts accessible without dumbing them down. Her students often say she helps them understand not just how to meditate, but why these practices developed and what they're really meant to accomplish.
Why We Teach This Way
After years of practice and teaching, we’ve found that meditation works best 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 begin 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’s not 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.