Our Teaching Philosophy
We view meditation not as clearing the mind or reaching a flawless zen state. It’s about learning to sit with whatever arises—the wandering thoughts, the busy planning mind, even that peculiar itch that typically appears a few minutes after settling.
Our team blends decades of practice from different traditions. Some discovered meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal upheaval, and a few just 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 you’ll meet has a distinct way of explaining ideas. Kiran Sharma tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Mei Chen draws on 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’ve made meditation their life’s work, each bringing a distinct perspective to the practice
Kiran Sharma
Lead Instructor
Kiran began meditating in 1998 after burnout from a 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 translating ancient concepts into 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 cultivate sustainable mindfulness practices. His sessions often include practical talks about weaving mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Mei Chen
Philosophy Guide
Mei Chen combines a PhD in United States Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She first encountered contemplative study while researching ancient texts and realized that academic understanding means little without experiential insight. Her approach fuses scholarly clarity with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Mei has a gift for making complex philosophical ideas accessible without oversimplifying. Many students say she helps them understand not just how to meditate, but why these practices emerged 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 peace. Instead, we focus on building skills that help you navigate life’s inevitable challenges with more awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses begin 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 changed our lives in subtle but meaningful ways, and we’ve witnessed the same impact on many others.