Intentional Communities - A Project of the FIC
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Formed: 1975 Established: 1975
Abode of the Message
New Lebanon, New York,
United States
 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 - a service-study program, short or long term residency, b&b,personal retreats, attending conferences, classes and Universal Worship.
Contact or 518-794-8095.
 
Contact:
Abode of the Message, attn: Khidmat
5 Abode Rd
New Lebanon, New York 12125 United States
Phone: 518-794-8090, 518-794-8095
Email This Community!
Last Updated:3/4/2008
 
Visitors Accepted
 (call ahead for reservations or tour)
Visitor Process: see website for info; call for information and reservation; long term visitors or residency requires application found on this website http://abodeprograms.org/residence/ or, email khidmat@theabode.net
Population
Adult Members:
50
(varies seasonally)
Child Members:
12
Non-member Residents:
15
(varies seasonally)
Open to new adults:
Yes
(application process required)
Open to new children:
Yes
(accompanying parents)
Gender Balance:
45% M 55% F
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
Open to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender members:
Yes
Shared Spiritual Path:
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 Path(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): rabiaruth, Abode
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