We understand that our community has questions about the future of the Abode. Our intention is, and always has been, to have a transparent and inclusive process. We understand that there is an organization interested in acquiring the Abode. In an effort to thoroughly respond to recent correspondence from this organization, legal counsel has recently been retained. This means that our process is slowed so that we may confer with counsel and determine a clear path forward in full compliance will all governing laws. Regrettably, the intervention of legal counsel limits communications as all interactions now have to be vetted through an attorney.
Please know that our thinking related to the Abode’s future is likely similar to your own:
Our core motivation is to serve the mission and transmission that created the Abode, and to continue the deep lineage of care for the Abode land and Shaker buildings.
We would like to see the sacred nature of the land maintained as a continuum from the Mohican tribe, to the Shakers, to the Jewish youth programs of the 1950s and 1960s, to the Sufis of the 1970s to 2020s, to today.
In thoughtfully considering the Abode’s future, we of course are fully committed to following all applicable laws pertaining to the sale.
We are open to consideration of all offers and proposals made in good faith and friendship.
We are interested in mutually respectful conversations with any group with a sincere interest in the Abode.
As of this writing, any potential sale process has been put on hold and will only resume when there is a clear way forward.
We are aware that we are living through a divisive time worldwide. Our larger community is one united by the ideals of Love, Harmony, and Beauty. We know that passionate people can have different perspectives on a place they all love, but our teachings tell us differences do not have to divide us. We pray that we can embody the values that we serve throughout this process.
Lastly, we empathize with the desire to see the Abode continue as the place we’ve known for so long, to be able to visit, do a retreat, attend a program, walk the mountain. We hope that the process becomes more open soon, so that we can envision the future of the Abode together.
Thank you for your patience as we may not send updates for a while, or respond to specific questions sent via email, until we have the opportunity to develop a clear path forward. We will also be in touch after we determine if we can hold in-person gatherings this summer.
In service,
Sohrob Nabatian, Chair
Ted Basir Yasi, Vice Chair
Jennifer Alia Wittman, Secretary & Treasurer
Thank you for this email. Although I don’t have an emotional connection to the Abode I appreciate the carefilled and thoughtful manner of this email!
Thank you,
Alia Nur
Dearest Alia and all,
Thanks you for sharing this missive concerning the Abode. And further thanks to those who have shared an alternate vision for the future of the Abode.
For many years I have had an interest in the Abode, from afar mainly, but for several years I worked quite diligently on a project there. Over that time it was a great puzzle to me how there seemed to be such challenges around the SOI (as named at the time) and the Abode as to its mission, purpose, governance procedures etc.
After many years I have found a question that comes from Shamcher Beorse as valuable (to me at least) in helping to understand what may be the underlying cause of these challenges.
Shamcher used to say: 'One can have anything in the world as long as one is willing to become the kind of being who has that kind of thing.’ (approximately)
It doesn’t seem to be the case that the Inayatiyya is prepared to become the kind of organization that has a place like the Abode. I wonder if the ’new group’ that is interested in the Abode is prepared to become such an entity?
I have two questions to ask: if indeed, “Lastly, we empathize with the desire to see the Abode continue as the place we’ve known for so long, to be able to visit, do a retreat, attend a program, walk the mountain” what is the Order doing to help manifest this? And my other question is rather blunt: is it truly a priority for the Order to preserve the Abode, Pir Vilayat’s legacy, for future generations or is the priority to reap a financial windfall by selling this sacred ground and the spiritual home for so many of us?
Dear Abode Board of Trustees
I have been thinking of how you three are the representation of the Abode of the message.
In selling the Abode, you must look at How the Abode is the spiritual home for hundreds of people. The meditation hall, the top of the mountain sanctuary, and the Abode is very sacred to many of us. Many people have worked for the Abode for many years including myself. I have been here for 39 years and have worked many days making the Abode a better place by being on both boards, Inayati and the Abode, and many positions on the executive committee, admissions committee, and endless task. This is what I call as members of the Abode our sweat equity. All of this give us some form of membership ownership deep connection to the Abode. It is my hope that this will be taken into account when the Abode is sold.
In-service and peace and love, Shakur.