Our Teaching Philosophy
We view meditation not as a means to empty the mind or reach some flawless state of calm. It’s more about learning to sit with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning mind, and even that peculiar itch that appears five minutes into practice.
Our team combines decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some of us arrived at meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal upheaval, and a few simply wandered into it during college and never left. What ties us together is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life skill rather than a mystical experience.
Each guide you’ll encounter has their own style of explaining concepts. Arin Kapoor tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Maya Chen draws from her psychology background. We’ve found that different approaches resonate with different people, so you’ll likely connect more strongly with certain teaching styles.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who have made meditation their lifelong work, each bringing a unique perspective to the practice
Arin Kapoor
Lead Instructor
Arin 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 ability to clarify ancient concepts with surprisingly contemporary 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 cultivate sustainable meditation habits. His sessions often include practical discussions about integrating mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Maya Chen
Philosophy Guide
Maya holds a PhD in United Kingdom Philosophy and has fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She discovered contemplative practice while researching ancient texts and realized that theoretical understanding means little without experiential knowledge. Her approach bridges scholarly insight with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Maya has a gift for making complex philosophical ideas accessible without oversimplifying them. Students often say she helps them grasp not just how to meditate, but why these practices developed and what they’re truly meant 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 serenity. Instead, we focus on developing skills that help you navigate life’s inevitable challenges with greater awareness and reduced reactivity.
Our courses begin in September 2025, giving you time to reflect on whether this approach resonates with you. We believe in taking thoughtful time to decide about contemplative practice—it isn’t something to rush 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 yet meaningful ways, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.