sanctuary Guidelines
You are warmly welcomed to Meditation Mount, a sanctuary for the soul, a space for stillness and renewal. To honor this space and preserve its tranquility for all who enter, we offer a diverse range of inspirational and nurturing experiences available by pre-registration through our calendar.
The following guidelines and frequently asked questions are offered in a spirit of care and goodwill to support the quality of your experience and that of all who gather here. We are grateful for your presence and your mindfulness. We look forward to receiving you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do at Meditation Mount?
We welcome you to enjoy Meditation Mount as a sacred space for meditation and rediscovery in the peace and beauty of its surroundings. We offer three experiences during your time here, including a Meditative Walk, Guided Audio Meditations, and a Group Creative Meditation to transmit blessings to a world in need. To find out more about our Sanctuary Experience, please click here. We also offer recurring events, including sound meditations, yoga, and special events both in person and online. Please visit our calendar for our current offerings.
What are your hours?
Meditation Mount is currently open by registration during our Sanctuary Hours or Events. You may visit at any time during our Sanctuary hours, which vary by season. To read more about hours and see the schedule, click here. We have both recurring and special events. Please visit our calendar for the most up-to-date events schedule.
Is the sanctuary open to everyone?
All are welcome here regardless of faith, tradition, or the absence of either. Meditation Mount is a sanctuary where many paths meet in a shared spirit of peace and goodwill. We ask that this spirit be honored by refraining from proselytizing of any kind, so that every person who enters may feel truly welcomed.
How far in advance may I register for Sanctuary Hours?
You are welcome to register up to 60 days in advance. Please see our calendar to reserve your time in the Sanctuary.
How may I come to Meditation Mount?
Sanctuary Hours are available throughout the week for $15.00 per person. Please see our calendar to reserve your place and explore our upcoming Events.
What happens when I arrive?
At your registered time, the gate will be open. Drive up to the top of the Mount and park. A greeter will welcome you and check you in either at the gate or at the Sanctuary buildings. Maps and signage will guide you from there.
What awaits me within the Sanctuary?
You are welcome to explore the Auditorium, Meditation Room, Gift Shop, International Garden of Peace, Viewpoint, and the Path. A map will be provided upon your arrival. All other indoor spaces are dedicated to the Mount's private operations and residences.
What should I bring with me to Meditation Mount?
Please come prepared with water, sun protection, and comfortable footwear for the sacred Path. Layers are encouraged for sunset Sanctuary Hours. Above all, we ask that you arrive with an open heart and extend loving kindness and respect to all you encounter within the Sanctuary.
Is there a bathroom?
A public restroom is available and accessible from the perimeter walkway.
Is there parking?
At the very top of the driveway, one will encounter the parking lot. Please park your vehicle in appropriately marked spaces.
What is the terrain like at Meditation Mount?
One of the attractions of Meditation Mount is its natural setting and access to the abundance of Nature’s beauty. Thus, one of the objectives is to preserve as much of that serene feeling as possible.
Meditation Mount is a semi-wilderness area containing natural hazards, such as rough potted roads, gopher holes, and uneven terrain. Closed-toed walking shoes are recommended. Please stay on the paths and watch for snakes. It is strongly recommended that visitors do not go alone on the more isolated trails.
What is the weather like at Meditation Mount?
It is always advisable to check the weather report. Summers and early fall can be quite warm or even hot, and visitors should come prepared with a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and extra drinking water. The weather can be cool in late fall and through winter and early spring. The days can be sunny with temperatures dropping near the end of the day. Jackets and layers are recommended. Sometimes gloves and hats are appropriate. Meditation Mount can be enshrouded in the mist during winter and spring, in which case a rain jacket may be needed. Please where the appropriate shoes and clothes to make sure you can enjoy your experience.
Can people stay overnight?
Meditation Mount is designed for day activities, and there are no overnight facilities, with the exception of those who are registered as overnight participants in our multiple-day retreats. Guests to the area can select from a number of places to stay in the nearby towns of Ojai, Ventura, or Santa Paula.
Can I bring food and drinks to Meditation Mount?
In order to not distract from the experience of the Sanctuary of Meditation Mount we do not allow either bringing or consuming food on-site. You are allowed to bring water, however visitors agree that they will not bring alcoholic beverages, drugs, or intoxicants to Meditation Mount nor to be on the property under their influence.
Can I bring my pet to Meditation Mount?
For the health and safety of our guests and gardens of the Sanctuary, Meditation Mount has a No-Pets policy. Although we love animals, we ask that you please leave your pet at home during your visit to Meditation Mount. This No-Pets policy applies to Emotional Support Animals, Comfort Animals and Therapy Animals.
Meditation Mount complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) allowing access for all individuals to public places; therefore we do allow working service dogs to accompany guests. Service animals are individually trained to perform work or tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals are required to be leashed or harnessed except when performing work or tasks where such tethering would interfere with the dog’s ability to perform the work or tasks.
Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. Under ADA regulations that became effective on March 15, 2011, there are no protections for emotional support animals in terms of access to public accommodations and public entities. The Department of Justice has stated that emotional support animals are not protected as service animals under these regulations.
Should you arrive to the garden with a pet that is not a service animal, you will be asked to take your dog home as it is unhealthy to leave them in your vehicle. To avoid any disruption or inconvenience, we ask that you please leave your pet at home.
Thank you for your cooperation and consideration.
Can I bring a large group of people with me to visitations?
Any group that is interested in coming to Meditation Mount with more than 10 people must contact the Operations Manager in advance at 805-646-5508 or write an email to connect@meditationmount.org. An effort will be made to accommodate the group according to our on-site schedule. Each member of the group must sign in and is responsible for following the Sanctuary Guidelines.
Who do I contact if I need Handicapped Access?
Please contact the Operations Manager at Meditation Mount at 805-646-5508 before registering for Sanctuary Hours for instructions on handicapped access.
Can I smoke at Meditation Mount?
Smoking is not permitted on the entire property. Fire is a serious, year-round danger to Meditation Mount and the entire area. Candles and open fires are not permitted anywhere on the property. Immediately report any sign of fire or smoke to the Manager/Caretakers. Visitors are not allowed to smoke any tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Vaping is also not permitted. In addition visitors agree that will not bring alcoholic beverages, drugs, or intoxicants to Meditation Mount nor to be on the property under their influence.
Can I host an event at Meditation Mount?
Meditation Mount is not a venue for rent for events. However, we do offer our own workshops and special events that are aligned with our Mission of promoting the building of an enlightened and compassionate world through the application of the principles and pathways. For current event offerings please visit: MeditaitonMount.org/event-offerings
Guidelines
SAFETY & WILDLIFE
Our guests' safety and respect for the wildlife at Meditation Mount are a top priority. We ask that you avoid potential safety hazards such as steep trails, maintenance equipment, and enclosed storage areas while on the property. If you see wildlife on our property, please do not approach or attempt to feed. Please note that Meditation Mount may be a habitat for poison oak, poisonous snakes, and insects. We have also seen bears, bobcats, deer, coyotes, and foxes on the property. Be alert and keep close watch of children. Please report any problem wildlife to our staff and caretakers. Please note that firearms and weapons are not permitted on the property.
CHILDREN
Children are welcome during the Sanctuary Hours at Meditation Mount. Children are also welcome on a case-by-case basis during our events, as some quiet indoor meditation events may not be suitable. If you have a question of if your child can come to an event, please contact connect@meditationmount.org. If children do attend programs and/or visitations, we ask that parents or adult guardians are responsible for their whereabouts and behavior and remain quiet and respectful of the meditative, peaceful nature of the property and its other guests. Please note that there are no special facilities for children on site. For safety reasons, children under 14 years of age must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times. Young people 15 years and over are expected to know and respect the Sanctuary Guidelines for Meditation Mount.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES, DRONES & FILMING
The use of electronic devices must be as limited as possible. Please turn off all ringers and sound notifications on cell phones when arriving at the property and do not take phone calls in any areas where other visitors are within hearing distance. No drones of any type are permitted at Meditation Mount, unless specifically and previously authorized. Any form of commercial or professional filming, photography or videography requires prior approval along with the appropriate authorization forms.