Auroville, the City of Dawn, is a unique experiment in human unity and spiritual progress. Founded in 1968, this international township located in southern India embodies the vision of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother (Mirra Alfassa) of a harmonious world where people of all backgrounds and cultures live together in peace and unity. Central to Auroville’s ethos is its Charter, a set of principles and guidelines that reflect its core values. In this article, we delve into The Mother’s writings to gain deeper insights into the essence of Auroville and the quest it represents.
Auroville’s Charter: A Vision for Unity
At the heart of Auroville’s mission is its Charter, a document that outlines the principles and aspirations of this experimental community. The Charter begins with a profound statement: “Auroville belongs to nobody in particular. Auroville belongs to humanity as a whole.” This declaration sets the tone for the entire Auroville experiment – it is a place where the boundaries of nationality, religion, and personal ownership are transcended in favor of a broader human unity.
But the Charter doesn’t stop there; it goes on to emphasize the importance of spiritual consciousness in Auroville. It states, “But to live in Auroville, one must be a willing servitor of the Divine Consciousness.” This is a fundamental requirement for Aurovilians – they must be open to the inner transformation and spiritual growth that are integral to Auroville’s purpose.
Unending Education and Constant Progress
Auroville’s Charter envisions it as “the place of an unending education, of constant progress, and a youth that never ages.” The concept of unending education is a departure from conventional education systems that often focus on obtaining degrees and certificates. In Auroville, education is seen as a means to enrich existing faculties and discover new ones, fostering holistic development.
The idea of a “youth that never ages” symbolizes the timeless spirit of Auroville. It’s a reminder that within this community, individuals can maintain their youthful curiosity, enthusiasm, and passion for growth, regardless of their chronological age.
A Bridge Between Past and Future
Auroville’s aspiration is to be a bridge between the past and the future. It seeks to harness the wisdom of the past while embracing the innovations of the future. The Charter states, “Taking advantage of all discoveries from without and from within, Auroville will boldly spring towards future realizations.” This forward-looking approach encourages Aurovilians to be receptive to progress and change, integrating the best of both worlds.
Material and Spiritual Research for Human Unity
One of the most profound aspects of Auroville’s vision is its commitment to being “a site of material and spiritual researches for a living embodiment of an actual Human Unity.” Auroville recognizes that true human unity extends beyond superficial differences and embraces a deeper spiritual connection. Through research and experimentation, Aurovilians strive to realize and embody this unity in their daily lives.
A Dream for Auroville
In addition to the Charter, The Mother shared her vision for Auroville, describing it as a place where humanity can live in peace and concord. It is a place where individuals can focus on conquering the causes of suffering, transcending weakness and ignorance, and triumphing over limitations. Her dream for Auroville includes:
- Integral Education: Education in Auroville aims at enriching existing faculties and bringing forth new ones, with a focus on personal growth rather than certificates.
- Equality: Auroville eliminates the disparity between individuals based on material wealth, recognizing the importance of individual merit.
- Artistic Expression: Auroville promotes artistic beauty in all forms, making them accessible to all based on capacities rather than social or financial status.
- Work as Expression: Work in Auroville is not merely a means of livelihood but an avenue for self-expression and service to the community.
- Relations of Brotherhood: Auroville fosters relations of collaboration and brotherhood rather than competition and strife.
To Be a True Aurovilian
Becoming an Aurovilian involves a deep inner journey. The first step is to discover one’s true self beyond external appearances. Auroville encourages individuals to look within and connect with their inner being, leading to a profound inner discovery.
Auroville also emphasizes the importance of disinterestedness – letting go of personal desires and ambitions. True freedom in Auroville is not the pursuit of ego-driven desires but the realization of inner peace and transparency.
Auroville challenges the notion of ownership, urging its residents to let go of the proprietary sense of possession. It provides for the needs of individuals based on their place in the community and their inner development.
Work is a crucial aspect of life in Auroville, contributing to both inner discovery and the community’s development. Work is seen as a means to organize matter and bring order to one’s surroundings, reflecting the principle of inner organization.
Auroville’s Quest for a New Species
Auroville’s ultimate quest is to pave the way for the advent of a new species of humanity. While the specifics of this new species are still evolving, the community is dedicated to consecrating itself to the Divine and actively working toward this transformative evolution.
In conclusion, Auroville is not just a place on the map; it is a bold experiment in human unity, spiritual growth, and social transformation. The writings of The Mother provide profound insights into the principles that guide Auroville’s quest. It is a vision of a world where unity, inner discovery, and conscious evolution are not just ideals but lived realities, and it continues to inspire people from around the globe to participate in this extraordinary journey.
