Our Teaching Philosophy
We don’t view meditation as simply clearing the mind or reaching a flawless state of calm. It’s more about learning to sit with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning brain, and even that odd itch that shows up a few minutes in.
Our team blends decades of practice across diverse traditions. Some came to meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal crises, and a few wandered into 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 brings a unique way of explaining things. Arun tends to use everyday analogies, while Mira draws on her background in psychology. We’ve found that different approaches connect with different people, so you’ll likely resonate with some teaching styles more than others.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who have made meditation their life’s work, each bringing a distinct perspective to the practice
Arun Varma
Lead Instructor
Arun began practicing 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 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 practices. His sessions often include practical discussions about weaving mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Mira Rao
Philosophy Guide
Mira combines her PhD in United States Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She discovered contemplative practice while researching ancient texts and realized that academic understanding means little without experiential knowledge. Her approach bridges scholarly insight with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Mira has a talent for making complex philosophical ideas accessible without oversimplifying them. Students often say she helps them understand not just 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 works best when it’s demystified. We don’t promise enlightenment or claim you’ll attain perfect peace. 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 the 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 profound ways, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.