Our Teaching Philosophy
We don’t see meditation as about 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 persistent itch that shows up five minutes into sitting.
Our team combines decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some of us came to meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal crisis, and a few stumbled into it during college and never looked back. What we share is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life skill rather than a mystical pursuit.
Each guide you’ll meet has their own way of explaining concepts. Arun Kapoor tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Leela Sharma draws from her background in psychology. 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've made meditation their life's work, each bringing unique perspectives to the practice
Arin Kapoor
Lead Instructor
Arin began meditating in 2004 after burnout from 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 ability to explain ancient concepts using surprisingly modern analogies – he once compared monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our core courses and specializes in helping busy professionals cultivate sustainable meditation practices. His sessions often include practical discussions about weaving mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Leela Sharma
Philosophy Guide
Leela 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 matters little without experiential knowledge. Her approach bridges scholarly insight with practical application.
She guides our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Leela has a gift for making complex philosophical concepts accessible without oversimplifying them. Students 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 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 calm. Instead, we focus on building skills that help you navigate life’s inevitable challenges with greater awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses start in September 2026, 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 meaningful ways, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.