Our Teaching Philosophy
We view meditation not as clearing the mind or attaining a flawless state of zen. It’s more like learning to sit with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning mind, and even that odd itch that shows up a few minutes into sitting.
Our team blends decades of practice from diverse traditions. Some arrived at meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal hardship, and a few found 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 has their own way of explaining ideas. Ari favors everyday-life analogies, while Mira draws on her psychology background. 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 made meditation their life's work, each offering a distinct perspective on the practice
Ari Sharma
Lead Instructor
Ari 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 knack for explaining ancient ideas with surprisingly modern comparisons—he once likened 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 talks about weaving mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Mira Kapoor
Philosophy Guide
Mira combines her PhD in United States Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She discovered contemplative work while researching ancient texts and realized that academic understanding means little without experiential insight. Her approach bridges scholarly rigor with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Mira has a gift for making complex philosophical ideas accessible without oversimplifying. Students often say she helps them grasp not only how to meditate, but why these practices developed and what they’re truly meant to accomplish.
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 building skills that help you meet 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 transformed our lives in subtle but meaningful ways, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.