Instructors
Choose an instructor by location or book a remote session from anywhere. Ānāpānasati taught in line with the Buddha’s words.
Instructor Dave (Rajdev)
Bio
Dave is a former monk with more than a decade of dedicated Buddhist practice centered on the Buddha’s own words. Ordained in Thailand, he practiced under Ajahn Kukrit as his teacher, a well-known monk known for propagating true Buddhism via the words of the Buddha. Instructor Dave is steady, clear, kind, understanding and encouraging. He pays attention to what a person is experiencing and tries to give precise, practical guidance. Integrity matters to him. He keeps his speech straightforward and careful, reflecting his long commitment to the training in truthfulness.
Style and personality
Calm presence. Clear instructions. Patient listening. Direct answers when you need them. Dave is detail-oriented without being rigid and warm without being sentimental. Sessions feel focused, respectful, and unhurried.
Highlights
- Formerly ordained in Thailand, practiced under a well-known monk
- More than 13 years of practice grounded in the words of the Buddha, has deep understanding of practices and Dhamma
- Works comfortably with complete beginners and serious learners
- Community minded; hosts a free morning session most days in San Leandro (details)
Where Dave teaches
- In person in the San Francisco Bay Area
- Remote worldwide via video
- I’m available to teach anywhere by arrangement, provided travel, lodging, and related expenses are covered, and the fee includes my teaching time and fair compensation for the time away from my regular sessions.
Good to know: Dave treats every session as a collaboration. You bring your sincerity. He brings steadiness, clarity, and careful attention to detail. The aim is simple: fewer hindrances, more understanding, and a mind that is kinder, stronger, wiser and less attached in everyday life.
Instructor Aleena
Bio
Aleena is a long-time practitioner with around ten years of practice grounded in the Buddha’s words. She is direct, honest, and open, with high emotional intelligence and a natural empathy that helps people feel safe and understood. Her style is not the detailed lecture type; she connects heart-to-heart, listens closely, and offers practical guidance at a humane, steady pace.
Style and personality
Warm presence. Gentle pacing. Open conversation. Honest reflections offered with care. Aleena is more intuitive than technical. She meets you where you are, helps you feel at ease, and supports you in staying with the breath and your present-moment experience.
Highlights
- ~10 years practicing in line with the Buddha’s words (practitioner background)
- Especially supportive for beginners and for women who prefer a female instructor
- Strong in empathetic listening and creating an emotionally safe space
- For technical or advanced questions, she coordinates with Dave or recommends a joint session
Where Aleena teaches
- Remote worldwide via video (primary)
- In person near the Oregon–Washington border by arrangement
- Available to travel by arrangement when travel, lodging, and related expenses are covered, with fair compensation for time away from regular sessions
Good to know: Aleena’s sessions are relationship-centered and steady. If you want a caring guide who will listen deeply, keep you comfortable, and help you build consistency with mindfulness of breathing, she’s a good fit. For highly technical Dhamma detail, she collaborates with Dave so you always get precise, reliable guidance.