About The Community

What is The Abode Community All About?

The Abode is a colorfully woven basket that is made of many strands. Each community member holds one of the strands and each member finds a niche that suits his or her personality and adds a distinctive color to the basket. In 1975, the founder of the Abode, Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan, gave it the mission to help create "a beautiful world of beautiful people". At its core, our community holds the concentration of Love, Harmony and Beauty, which is at the center of the Message of Hazrat Inayat Khan who brought Sufism to the West.

The Abode campus includes a working organic farm, well developed herb gardens, quiet nature trails, restored historic Shaker buildings, office spaces for different organizations and businesses, residential accommodations, a meditation hall, retreat cabins and a seasonal mountain camp. In addition the Mountain Road school and Flying Deer rent spaces in the buildings and on the grounds.

Opportunities to get involved in this dynamic community are many and ways of membership are varied. Stay a month, a year, or decades. You can live in the community as a resident, or support the Abode from a distance as a Worldwide Abode Community Member.

Two beloved community members
Photo credit: Jane Feldman

News

Read the latest news and stories related to the the Abode community.

Our Farm in 2012

The Abode has operated an organic farm since its inception. Our current farmer, Damon Steed, is moving to Texas to start his own organic farm. We wish him well and will miss him. Damon did a wonderful job during his 2 year tenure as our in-house farmer.
During this period of transition, we have decided to let the farm fallow while we are searching for better ways to fund this enterprise. If you wish to be part of our Transition Team, and/or to support the farm and our vision for our farmland, please contact the Abode Director at: 518-794-8090 ext. 113.

Become a Resident

Be part of our community by becoming a paying resident or being part of our work exchange program.

Worldwide Community

Membership dues are on a sliding scale, according to affordability, and can be paid monthly, quarterly or yearly at $9 - $99 per month. Local members may offer volunteer time in our proposed Welcome Center/Bookstore/Café, Abode Workdays, and Special Projects as your abilities and interests afford you the opportunity.