Our Teaching Philosophy
We think meditation isn’t about clearing the mind or reaching a flawless state of calm. It’s about learning to sit with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the busy planning mind, and even that odd itch that tends to show up a few minutes in.
Our group blends decades of practice from various traditions. Some of us found meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal upheaval, and a few simply wandered into it during college and stayed. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life skill, not a mystical pursuit.
Each guide has their own way of explaining concepts. Kiran uses everyday-life analogies, while Maya draws from a 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’ve made meditation their life’s work, each offering distinct perspectives to the practice
Kiran Desai
Lead Instructor
Kiran began meditating in 1998 after burnout from a software engineering career. He spent three years practicing Vipassana in Myanmar and later trained in Zen in Japan. His strength lies in translating ancient ideas into relatable, contemporary comparisons—he once likened the monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and focuses on helping busy professionals cultivate sustainable meditation routines. His sessions often include practical discussions about weaving mindfulness into work and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Maya Kapoor
Philosophy Guide
Maya combines a 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 little without experiential knowledge. Her approach links scholarly insight with practical application.
She guides our deeper philosophical inquiries and retreat programs. Maya has a gift for making complex philosophical concepts accessible without oversimplifying. Students often say she helps them grasp not just how to meditate, but why these practices emerged and what they aim to accomplish.
Why We Teach It This Way
After years of practice and teaching, we’ve learned that meditation flourishes when it’s demystified. We don’t promise enlightenment or claim you’ll reach perfect tranquility. Instead, we aim to build skills that help you navigate life’s inevitable challenges with greater 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 thoughtfully choose contemplative practice—it’s not something to rush into from 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 deeply transformed our lives, and we’ve witnessed the same for many others.