Our Teaching Philosophy
We view meditation not as a way to clear the mind completely or attain a flawless state of serenity. It’s more about learning to sit with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning mind, even that strange itch that tends to show up five minutes into sitting.
Our team brings together decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some arrived at meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal upheaval, and a few simply found it in college and stayed. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical skill for everyday life, rather than a mystical experience.
Each guide has their own way of explaining ideas. Ravi is prone to using everyday-life analogies, while Ananya draws on her psychology background. We’ve found that different approaches resonate with different people, so you’ll likely feel a stronger connection with some teaching styles.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who’ve made meditation their life’s work, each bringing a unique perspective to the practice
Ravi Desai
Lead Instructor
Ravi began meditating in 1998 after burnout in his 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 gift for explaining ancient concepts through surprisingly modern analogies—he once compared the monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and specializes in helping busy professionals discover sustainable meditation routines. His sessions often include practical discussions about weaving mindfulness into work life and reducing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Anaya Iyer
Philosophy Guide
Anaya 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 insight means little without experiential knowledge. Her approach bridges scholarly understanding with practical application.
She guides our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Anaya has a talent for making complex philosophical ideas accessible without oversimplifying them. Students often say she helps them understand not just how to meditate, but why these practices developed 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’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 transformed our lives in subtle but meaningful ways, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.