Our Teaching Philosophy
We view meditation not as emptying the mind or attaining a flawless state of tranquil balance. It resembles learning to sit with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning tendencies, and even that peculiar itch that shows up a few minutes into sitting.
Our team brings together decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some approached meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal upheaval, and a few discovered 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 meet has their own way of explaining ideas. Arin tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Mira 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 have made meditation their life's mission, each bringing a distinct perspective to the practice
Arin Kapoor
Senior Instructor
Arin began meditating in 1998 after burning out from a software engineering career. He spent three years studying Vipassana in Myanmar and later trained in Zen meditation in Japan. What distinguishes him is his talent for explaining ancient concepts with surprisingly contemporary analogies—he once compared the monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and specializes in helping busy professionals cultivate sustainable meditation practices. His sessions often include practical discussions on weaving mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Mira Chen
Philosophy Mentor
Mira holds a PhD in Eastern Philosophy and has fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She discovered contemplative practice while researching ancient texts and realized that scholarly understanding matters little without lived experience. Her approach blends rigorous inquiry with practical application.
She guides our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Mira has a gift for making complex philosophical concepts accessible without simplifying them. 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 thrives when it’s approachable and clear. We don’t promise enlightenment or a flawless sense of peace. Instead, we focus on building skills that help you navigate life’s inevitable challenges with greater awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses begin in September 2025, giving you time to reflect on whether this approach resonates with you. We believe in taking thoughtful steps when choosing contemplative practice, rather than rushing in on a spark of excitement.
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 profoundly changed our own lives, and we’ve witnessed the same transformation in many others.