Abode of the Message :: Communities Directory

Formed: 1975 Established: 1975

This page last updated:9/7/2011

Abode of the Message

New Lebanon, New York,

United States

We are an intentional spiritual community in upstate New York, the primary residential community of the Sufi Order International. We are dedicated to honoring unity, truth, and wisdom of all the world's religions. A vital conference/retreat center, a school of esoteric study, and a residential community are all parts of the Abode. There are many ways to be here: through a service-study program, short- or long-term residency, a B&B, personal retreats, attending conferences or classes, and Universal Worship.

Website: http://www.theabode.net/

Contact:

Wahida Young, Volunteer Coordinator
Abode of the Message
5 Abode Road
New Lebanon, New York 12125 United States
Phone: 518-794-8090 ext. 116, 518-794-7834 ext. 114

Community location is placed at the center of the zip/postal code, city/state, or city/country (not based on street addresses)

This page last updated:9/7/2011

Visitors Accepted

(call ahead for reservations or tour)

Visitor Process: Contact: 518-794-8095 or see website for info; call for information and reservations. Long-term visitors or residency requires application, which can be found at: http://abodeprograms.org/residence/ or by emailing khidmat@theabode.net.

Statement of Housing Non-discrimination:

Our community does not discriminate in regards to housing based on race/color, national origin, religion, sex/gender, family status (i.e. having children, not having children, or being pregnant), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, source of income, age, creed, personal appearance, political affiliation, HIV infection, military/veteran status, unfavorable military discharge, gender identity or expression, receiving public assistance, or being the victim of domestic abuse.

Comment: Certain housing options are restricted to adults only based on local fire and safety codes.

Population Members(adults and children): 62 Non-member Residents: 15 (varies seasonally) Open to new members: Yes (application process required)	Government Decision Making: Other Identified Leader: Yes (Pir Zia Inayat Khan, Leader of Sufi Order International) Leadership Core Group: Yes (core leadership is both elected by members and appointed by the Pir)	Labor and Money Financial Style: Members have independent finances Labor Contribution: Expected (three hours weekly) Join Fee: Yes (membership fees for members; one months' deposit for renters) Regular Fees: Yes (regular monthly rental and fees; optional annual fundraiser)
Land and Buildings Rural Area: 400 acres (161.9 hectares) Land Owned By: Other (The Abode of the Message. Inc. owns the land) Cohousing: No	Food, etc. Percentage of Food Grown: 21-50% (varies seasonally; organic farm) Share Community Meals: (nine communal meals offerred weekly) Dietary Choice or Restrictions: Other (our focus is primarily vegetarian, predominantly ovo-lacto vegetarian;there are some meals with fish or chicken available but no red meat is prepared in the kitchen. We buy some food communally and individuals are welcome to provide for their own dietary requirements beyond that. We choose as a community to favor organic food and locally grown natural foods. Programs at the conference center sometimes require special meal plans;community members can participate in those plans ( still no red meat).) Dietary Practice: Primarily vegetarian (see above) Alcohol Use: Seldom used (Individual responsibility and choice; allowed in moderation, use is discouraged in Common areas; be conscious of those dealing with addictions; drunkenness is not permitted) Tobacco Use: Seldom used (individual responsibility and choice; use is restricted to specified areas on the campus)	Social Factors Common Spiritual Practices: Yes (Members of our community generally pursue the teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan. These teachings are oriented toward The One Being, idealized as the Perfection of Love, Harmony, and Beauty. Members make a conscious effort to practice these ideals in daily living.) Which Spiritual Traditions(s): Sufi (All serious seekers are welcome here. We honor the unity of the religious ideals that are held by each religion or tradition. Our Universal Worship has an altar with candles representing all points of view.) Educational Style(s): Other (Home schooling, a private elementary school at the community, and public schools are in the area)

Become an Editor Current editor(s): AlimaL

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