Our Teaching Philosophy
We don’t view meditation as a way to empty the mind or reach some flawless state of calm. It resembles learning to sit with whatever arises—the restless thoughts, the planning brain, and even that odd itch that surfaces a few minutes into practice.
Our team spans decades of practice across varied traditions. Some arrived at meditation through academic study, others through personal hardship, and a few found it during college and stayed. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life-skill, not a path to mystical experience.
Each guide brings their own way of explaining ideas. Kai Sharma tends to rely on everyday analogies, while Leela Das 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 devoted their lives to meditation, each bringing a distinct perspective to the practice
Kai Kapoor
Lead Instructor
Kai began practicing meditation after leaving a high-pressure tech career. He immersed himself in various paths of mindfulness and insight practices, then began sharing practical methods for staying steady in daily life. He is known for explaining ancient concepts with relatable, modern comparisons—he once described the busy mind as having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and specializes in helping busy professionals cultivate sustainable meditation habits. His sessions often include practical discussions about weaving mindfulness into work and handling stress without bypassing reality.
Leela Das
Philosophy Guide
Leela combines her PhD in United Kingdom Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She discovered contemplative work while studying ancient texts and realized that scholarly understanding is incomplete without lived experience. Her approach bridges rigorous analysis with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Leela has a gift for making intricate philosophical ideas accessible without simplifying them away. Students often say she helps them understand not only how to meditate, but why these practices developed and what they aim to accomplish.
Why We Teach This Way
After years of practice and teaching, we've learned that meditation is most effective when approached without mystery. We don’t promise enlightenment or claim you’ll achieve perfect serenity. Instead, we aim to develop skills that help you meet life’s inevitable challenges with greater awareness and less reactivity.
Our programs start in September 2026, giving you time to reflect on whether this approach resonates with you. We believe in taking thoughtful time to decide about contemplative practice—not rushing in on the basis of fleeting 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.