Abode Village View – Week of 4/16
“The vision of nature is the presence of God.” – Hazrat Inayat Khan
Dear Friends,
Spring may not have fully arrived on Mt. Lebanon, but clean up and beautification activities are beginning to bloom, in preparation for our Opening Weekend/Earth Day Open House. All are welcome to put their “hands to work” this week, including at our staff work day this Wednesday, April 18. Please contact Al if you’d like to help.
Upcoming Week’s Events at the Abode
Tuesday, April 17
– 6:00pm Community Dinner – Razzaq Dining Room
– 7:00pm Philosophy of Spirituality Discussion Group – Razzaq Library
Thursday, April 19
– 6:00pm Community Dinner – Razzaq Dining Room
– 7:00pm Message Class with Winfried – Meditation Hall (Quddus)
April’s class will be a four part introduction to meditation. These classes will introduce basic concepts of meditation and spiritual experience. We will draw on old meditative practices, scientific insights, and recently developed mediation practices. We will also use movement and sound to connect with our inner experience. Special emphasis is devoted to the heart – the physical heart and the heart center (anahata chakra in the Hindu and tantric Buddhist traditions, latif khalb in the Sufi tradition) and start exploring the dimensions of the heart. No prior formal meditation practice is necessary — all you need to bring is your presence, comfortable clothing, and a curious mind.
Friday, April 20
This weekend’s events are part of our first Village Visit of the year, our Earth Day Open House. For more information, click here.
– 2-5pm Open House Arrivals
– 5:00pm Opening Circle, tour
– 6:00pm Dinner
– 7:30pm Community Dialogue on Spirituality and the Environment
Saturday, April 21
– 7:00am Morning Prayers
– 8:00am Breakfast
– 9:30am Work Project: Orchard Planting!
– 11:15am Ziraat Lodge
– 11:45am Rest Period
– 12:15pm Mid-day Prayers
– 12:30pm Lunch
– 1:30pm Karma Yoga Intro
– 2:00pm Meditation Class
– 3:00pm Campus Tour, Horse Rides
– 5:45pm Evening Prayers
– 6:00pm Dinner
– 7:30pm Heart Centered Kirtan
Heart Centered Kirtan is dedicated to offering an approachable pathway into the mysteries of the heart through a modern adaptation of the ancient practice of kirtan. Their practice involves blending traditional Sanskrit hymns, prayers, and inspirational texts with rock, folk, blues, and reggae. The Pioneer Valley based musicians are led by wallah Libby Volckening (harmonium/vox) accompanied by James Robinson (guitar/vox), and Amanda Turk (percussion).
The Abode is grateful for the ongoing support of Vimala Steadman, which allows us to offer this event by donation ($15-$20). All donations will directly support the work of the Abode.
Sunday, April 22
– 7:00am Morning Prayers
– 10:00am Meditation class with Nur
– 11:00am Universal Worship with Nur – Meditation Hall (Quddus)
– 12:30pm Sunday Brunch – Razzaq Dining Room
– 2:00pm Open House Closing Circle
Upcoming Programs
Abode Opening Weekend/Earth Day Celebration, April 20 – 22
Register here.
All seekers and nature lovers are invited to join us for our campus’s official spring opening. We will gather to celebrate Earth Day, and experience together the many elements of community life here. For more information, please follow the link below.
Emerald Earth Retreat, May 4 – 6
Register here.
We will share in practices for cultivating the natural self, exploring the alchemy of the soul’s journey, and orienting more clearly to our unfolding purpose. Through retreat we touch upon our essential self, fresh and spontaneous, and affirm our rootedness in the sacredness of life. This in turn, fulfills a deep calling of the soul, bridging our inner awakening with our sacred task of participating in an earth of beauty.
Please check our calendar and programs pages for an extended look at upcoming events and happenings. We look forward to being with you soon at the Abode!
