Our Teaching Philosophy
We see meditation not as a means to clear the mind or attain a flawless state of calm, but as learning to stay with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning impulses, and even that persistent itch that appears a few minutes into practice.
Our team brings together decades of experience from diverse traditions. Some arrived at meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal upheaval, and a few simply discovered it in college and stayed. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life skill rather than a mystical pursuit.
Each guide has their own way of conveying ideas. Arin tends to use everyday analogies, while Leena draws on a background in psychology. We’ve found that different approaches connect with different people, so you’ll likely resonate with certain teaching styles more than others.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who have devoted their lives to meditation, each offering a distinct perspective on the practice
Arin Kapoor
Lead Instructor
Arin began his meditation journey in 1998 after burnout from his software engineering role. He spent three years studying Vipassana in Myanmar and later trained in Zen practice in Japan. What sets him apart is his talent for explaining ancient ideas through 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 mindfulness routines. His sessions often incorporate practical discussions about weaving awareness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Leena Desai
Philosophy Guide
Leena merges her PhD in United States Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She found contemplative practice while researching ancient texts and realized that theoretical insight means little without lived experience. Her approach links scholarly understanding with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Leena has a gift for making intricate philosophical ideas accessible without oversimplifying them. Students often say she helps them understand not only how to meditate, but why these practices developed and what they aim to achieve.
Why We Teach This Way
After years of practice and teaching, we’ve learned that meditation is most effective 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 greater awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses start in September 2025, giving you time to consider whether this approach resonates with you. We believe in taking thoughtful time to decide 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 transformed our lives in subtle yet meaningful ways, and we’ve witnessed the same for many others.