Our Teaching Philosophy
We view meditation not as clearing the mind or attaining a flawless state of serenity. It resembles learning to sit with whatever arises—the busy thoughts, the planning mind, and even that peculiar itch that shows up five minutes into sitting.
Our team brings together decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some came to meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal crises, and a few just found it in college and stayed. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life skill rather than a mystical experience.
Each guide has their own way of conveying ideas. Kai tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Mira draws on her background in psychology. We’ve found that different approaches resonate with different people, so you’ll likely connect more with some teaching styles than others.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who have devoted their lives to meditation, each offering a distinct perspective on the practice
Kai Krishnamurthy
Lead Instructor
Kai began meditating in 1998 after burnout from his 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 talent for explaining ancient concepts through surprisingly modern analogies—he once compared monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and specializes in helping busy professionals discover sustainable meditation practices. His sessions often include practical discussions about blending mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Mira Patel
Philosophy Guide
Mira combines her PhD in United Kingdom Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She discovered contemplative practices while researching ancient texts and realized that academic understanding meant little without experiential knowledge. Her approach bridges scholarly insight with practical application.
She guides our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Mira has a gift for making complex philosophical concepts accessible without oversimplifying them. Students often say she helps them grasp 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 teaching, we’ve learned 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 to help you navigate life’s inevitable challenges with greater awareness and reduced reactivity.
Our courses begin in September 2024, 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.