Nestled in the Topa Topa Mountains of Ojai, Meditation Mount stands as a sanctuary for the soul—a physical and spiritual refuge dedicated to a singular mission: building an enlightened and compassionate world. The space itself carries intention, offering a landscape where contemplative practice meets community action.
What makes Meditation Mount a living expression of its purpose?
Meditation Mount operates from a conviction that inner transformation and outer change are inseparable. The organization offers group meditations—both virtual and in-person—recognizing that modern seekers need multiple pathways to practice. This flexibility acknowledges the reality of contemporary spiritual life: that people's capacity to gather physically varies, and that technology, when used consciously, can extend community beyond geography.
The centerpiece of this vision is the International Garden of Peace. More than a physical garden, it functions as what the organization describes as "a space where we gather to imagine and shape a new way of living based on right relationship and respect for all life." This language signals something deeper than horticulture—it's an experiment in how contemplatives can embody their practice in the world. A garden, after all, demands right relationship: with soil, water, seasons, and the beings that share it. It teaches what meditation promises: that awareness of interconnection changes behavior.
The invitation Meditation Mount extends—to "open the door for each soul seeking to participate in the inspiring presence and beauty of meditation"—carries particular warmth. There is no gatekeeping here, no prerequisite of experience or belief. The offering is simply presence: the chance to sit with others, to feel what emerges when intention aligns with place, and to participate in something larger than oneself.
Where to go from here
If you're drawn to explore contemplative community and practice, Meditation Mount welcomes visitors both in person and online. Visit meditationmount.org to learn about current programs, group meditation times, and ways to support this work as a 501(c)3 nonprofit.
