Our Teaching Philosophy
We see meditation not as clearing the mind or reaching a flawless zen state. Rather, it’s about learning to stay with whatever arises—the unsettled thoughts, the planning mind, and even that peculiar itch that pops up a few minutes into practice.
Our group combines many years of practice across different traditions. Some discovered meditation through academic philosophy, others through personal struggle, and a few simply found it in 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 brings a distinct way of explaining ideas. Samir tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Maya draws on her psychology background. 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
Samir Rao
Lead Instructor
Samir began meditating in 1999 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 foundational courses and specializes in helping busy professionals find sustainable meditation practices. His sessions frequently include practical discussions about weaving mindfulness into work life and managing stress without spiritual bypassing.
Lina Zhou
Philosophy Guide
Lina 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 means little without experiential knowing. Her approach bridges scholarly insight with practical application.
She guides our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Lina has a talent for making complex philosophical ideas accessible without oversimplifying. Her students often 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 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 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 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 transformed our lives in meaningful ways, and we’ve seen it do the same for many others.