Our Teaching Philosophy
We don’t view meditation as a way to empty the mind or reach a flawless state of serenity. It’s more about sitting with whatever arises—the unsettled thoughts, the planning mode, and even that peculiar itch that tends to appear a few minutes into practice.
Our team blends decades of practice from diverse traditions. Some members approached meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal upheaval, and a few stumbled upon it in college and never left. What unites us is a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical skill for everyday life, not a mystical experience.
Each guide brings their own flavor of explanation. Arman Kapoor tends to use everyday analogies, while Leila Shah draws on her background in psychology. We’ve found that different approaches click with different people, so you’ll likely connect with certain teaching styles more than others.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who’ve made meditation their life’s work, each bringing a unique perspective to the practice
Arman Kapoor
Lead Instructor
Arman began meditating 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 distinguishes him is his knack for translating ancient ideas into surprisingly contemporary examples—he once likened the monkey mind to having too many tabs open in a browser.
He leads our foundational courses and specializes in helping busy professionals cultivate sustainable meditation practices. His sessions often feature practical dialogues about integrating mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Leila Shah
Philosophy Guide
Leila combines her PhD in United Kingdom Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She discovered contemplative work while examining ancient texts and realized that theoretical insight means little without experiential firsthand knowledge. Her method bridges scholarly understanding with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Leila has a gift for making intricate philosophical ideas accessible without oversimplifying them. Students often say she helps them grasp not only how to meditate, but why these practices arose and what they’re truly meant 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 achieve perfect peace. Instead, we focus on developing skills that help you navigate life’s inevitable challenges with greater awareness and less reactivity.
Our courses begin 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 quietly transformed our lives, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.