Our Teaching Philosophy
We view meditation not as clearing the mind or attaining a flawless state of calm. It resembles learning to sit with whatever arises—chaotic thoughts, the planning mind, and even that odd itch that shows up a few minutes into practice.
Our team blends decades of practice across traditions. Some arrived at meditation via academic philosophy, others through personal challenges, and a few discovered it during college and stayed. We share a commitment to teaching meditation as a practical life skill rather than a mystical experience.
Each guide has their own way of explaining ideas. Arun tends to use everyday-life analogies, while Mei Chen draws from her psychology background. We’ve found that different styles resonate with different people, so you’ll likely connect with a particular approach more than others.
Your Meditation Guides
Two practitioners who’ve made meditation their life's work, each bringing a distinct perspective to the practice
Arun Varma
Lead Instructor
Arun began his meditation journey after burnout from a career in software development in the late 1990s. He studied Vipassana in Myanmar for three years and later trained in Zen practice in Japan. He stands out for explaining ancient ideas through surprisingly contemporary analogies—he once likened the monkey mind to having too many browser tabs open.
He leads our foundational courses and focuses on helping busy professionals cultivate sustainable meditation habits. His sessions often include practical discussions about weaving mindfulness into work life and handling stress without spiritual bypass.
Mei Chen
Philosophy Guide
Mei blends her PhD in United Kingdom Philosophy with fifteen years of personal meditation practice. She found contemplative work while researching ancient texts and realized that scholarly understanding means little without experiential wisdom. Her approach connects rigorous insight with practical application.
She leads our deeper philosophical explorations and retreat programs. Mei has a talent for making complex philosophical ideas accessible without oversimplifying. Students often say she helps them grasp not just how to meditate, but why these practices developed 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 reach 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 time to make thoughtful decisions about contemplative practice—it's not something to rush 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 seen it do the same for many others.