Our Teaching Philosophy
We believe meditation isn't about clearing your mind or reaching a flawless state of calm. It resembles learning to sit with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning mind, and even that odd itch that appears five minutes into sitting.
Our team brings together decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some came to 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 rather than a mystical experience.
Each guide you’ll meet has their own way of explaining concepts. Rajiv tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Priya draws from 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've dedicated their lives to meditation, each bringing a unique perspective to the practice
Rajiv Menon
Lead Instructor
Rajiv began his meditation journey in 1998 after burnout 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 knack for explaining ancient concepts using surprisingly contemporary analogies—he once compared the mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and specializes in helping busy professionals establish sustainable meditation practices. His sessions often include practical discussions about weaving mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Priya Sharma
Philosophy Guide
Priya combines her PhD in United States Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She discovered contemplative practice while researching ancient texts and realized that academic understanding means little without experiential knowledge. Her approach bridges scholarly insight with practical application.
She guides our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Priya has a talent for making complex philosophical ideas accessible without oversimplifying. Students often say she helps them understand not just how to meditate, but why these practices arose and what they’re 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 that help you navigate life’s inevitable challenges with more awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses start 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 changed our lives in subtle but profound ways, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.