Our Teaching Philosophy
We view meditation not as clearing the mind or reaching an ideal state of zen. It’s about learning to sit with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning mind, even that odd itch that tends to appear a few minutes into sitting.
Our group combines decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some discovered meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal crisis, and a few simply wandered into it during college and stayed. What unites us is a commitment to presenting meditation as a practical life skill rather than a mystical experience.
Each guide has their own way of explaining concepts. Instead of Ravi, our team uses everyday-life analogies, while Leila Shah 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 have devoted their lives to meditation, each bringing a distinct perspective to the practice
Milan Kapoor
Lead Educator
Milan began meditating in 1998 after burnout in 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 knack 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 establish sustainable meditation practices. His sessions often include practical discussions about weaving mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Leila Shah
Philosophy Guide
Leila combines her 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 bridges scholarly insight with practical application.
She guides our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Leila has a talent for making complex philosophical concepts accessible without oversimplifying. Students often say she helps them understand not just how to meditate, but why these practices developed and what they’re truly meant to accomplish.
Why We Teach This Approach
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 tranquility. Instead, we focus on building skills that help you meet life’s inevitable challenges with more 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 the time to make thoughtful decisions about contemplative practice—it isn’t 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 subtly yet profoundly transformed our lives, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.