About Us
Our Mission
Our mission is to offer a sanctuary for intellectual and spiritual growth. Through a diverse array of educational programs, workshops, artistic expressions, and cultural events, we aim to:
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Enrich Minds: Our programs stimulate intellectual curiosity, encouraging individuals to expand their horizons and engage in meaningful dialogues that challenge their perspectives.
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Elevate Spirits: We create an environment where the human spirit is uplifted through artistic expression, cultural exploration, and moments of introspection.
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Inspire Change: By fostering a deep understanding of diverse cultures, worldviews, and ideas, we empower individuals to become agents of positive change in their communities and beyond.
Our Commitment
Central to our approach is a commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and holistic growth. We bring together thought leaders, artists, educators, and learners from various backgrounds to create a rich tapestry of experiences.
Through open discussions, immersive workshops, and engaging performances, we nurture an environment where ideas are exchanged, perspectives are broadened, and connections are forged.
2 Separate Entities
"The Ojai Retreat Cultural Center" and "The Ojai Retreat" are 2 separate legal entities, however "one in spirit". There exists a lease agreement between these 2 non-profit organizations. The Ojai Retreat Cultural Center is a non-profit, charitable organization (501,c,3) under CA law. The Ojai Retreat is a non-profit-organization but not a charitable organization (501,c,3).
Bring about a change in human consciousness and the world.
Our Impact
The impact of our work extends beyond our physical space. We believe that each individual who participates in our programs carries the potential to create ripples of transformation in their own lives and the lives of others. By nurturing the human mind and spirit, we envision a world where compassion, understanding, and conscious action prevail.
Nestled in the heart of Ojai, our center is a haven for seekers of wisdom, beauty, and self-knowledge. Through a diverse range of educational and cultural programs, we strive to inspire a shift in human consciousness, sparking a ripple effect of positive transformation across the world. From thought and insight-provoking workshops and engaging lectures to immersive artistic experiences, we offer a platform where learning is a journey of the heart and mind.
Every program we curate is a testament to our commitment to a better tomorrow. As you explore our offerings, you'll discover avenues that nurture creativity, promote understanding, and kindle a deep connection with our shared human experience. Our passionate community of educators, artists, and change-makers collaborates to create an environment where growth knows no bounds.
Welcome to the Ojai Retreat Cultural Center, where education, culture, and connection converge to light the path towards a more enlightened future.
Ojai, California
Ojai is situated in a small east-west valley, north of Ventura and east of Santa Barbara. It is approximately 15 miles inland from the Pacific coast.
Since Ojai is lined up with an east-west mountain range, it is one of few towns in the world to have a “Pink Moment” occur as the sun is setting, when the fading sunlight creates a brilliant shade of pink for several minutes on the Topatopa Bluffs at the east end of the Ojai Valley, over 6,000 feet above sea level. Nordhoff Ridge, the western extension of the Topatopa Mountains, towers over the north side of the town and valley at more than 5,000 feet. Sulphur Mountain creates the southern ranges bounding the Ojai Valley, a little under 3,000 feet in elevation.
The Ventura River flows through the Ventura River Valley, draining the mountains surrounding Ojai to the north and east and emptying into the Pacific Ocean at the city of Ventura.
The climate of Ojai is Mediterranean, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters, with lows at night sometimes below freezing. As is typical for much of coastal southern California, most precipitation falls in the form of rain between the months of October and April, with intervening dry summers.
The town of Ojai and its surrounding area is home to many unique recreational activities. Los Padres National Forest borders the town on the north, and many backcountry areas within the forest are accessible from Highway 33, which is the major highway through town south to north. To the west, the Lake Casitas Recreation Area offers camping, picnicking, and hiking as well.
