#Auroville

[thozhar]

The people who are coming to Auroville are often coming from the places that were settler colonies. A lot of Australians, people from North America. Even if they weren’t colonial citizens. The Mother is, on the face of it, anti-colonial. But she practised these settler colonial activities, under the guise of spiritual enlightenment. And this is nothing new. This is the story of the French Republic, particularly If you look at histories of Haiti, for example. I haven’t looked at spiritual settlements in other parts of India, but I’m sure there are similarities there, where you have wandering Westerners who have been completely immersed in these orientalist fantasies of the spiritual lives in India. Spiritual utopianism and settler utopianism, the terms are meant to ask people to think about how someone who has a utopian vision is dispossessing and displacing indigenous people at the same time. To this very day Auroville’s promotional material are full of words like “frontier” and “pioneer”, all of these things that come straight from the United States experience of settlement. And it’s glorified, as if you’re doing it for the greater good.

— Jessica Namakkal on what Auroville tells us about the ‘end of colonialism and empire’

[recherchestetique]

Arial view of Auroville experimental township in Viluppuram district, India

[wildoute]

[fifteenonaskateboard]

My Volunteering Experience at Sadhana Forest and Buddha Garden!!

Sadhana Forest Experience

Walking barefoot on the sand every day, eating vegan food, and trying a mud bath for the first time in my life—being in the cold water, applying clay on my body in the serene weather—was an unforgettable experience. I also attended a sound bath for the first time, which was quite powerful. For a few minutes, I couldn't feel my body at all. As part of my seva, I participated in various activities like washing dishes, cutting vegetables, cleaning the kitchen, serving food, cleaning pathways, washing blankets, folding clothes, engaging in forest activities, and stitching. i loved doing the activities there but I struggled to connect with people but later on i did find some people with whom i loved talking and spending time during our food breaks. Overall, my time at Sadhana Forest was okayish. Maybe it was because I couldn’t connect deeply with people or because I had very little time for myself—except during night walks. Despite that, I was really proud of myself for walking more than 25,000 steps daily! My fear of darkness suddenly vanished. Some nights, I would walk alone, gazing at the stars and fireflies, listening to music, and talking to my boyfriend. That was my only personal time, and I would get so exhausted that all I wanted to do was sleep. I lived in open-door huts with no lights. The first night was difficult, but after that, I slept like a baby—fear was just gone.

Vegan Food I Tried (That I Remember Eating):

Ragi Idli

Ragi Pancakes with Jaggery Syrup

Peanut Butter

Corn-Carrot Vegetable Stew

Ragi Porridge

Mint Biryani

Cabbage & Carrot Stir-fry

Drumstick Leaves Stir-fry

Lentil Stew with Red Rice

Ragi Laddu with Coconut Milk Tea

Papaya-Pineapple Jam

Buddha Garden Waking up early in the morning, watching the sunrise, planting seeds—lettuce, radish—collecting weeds before planting, and feeding it to the turkeys and hens every morning. Connecting with people through conversations about organic farming, life, travel, food, yoga, meditation, birds, flowers, and books, and sharing breakfast together. A place where no one judges you, a place full of warmth and love <3. Reading in the kitchen while listening to the birds, trying different teas—mango ginger tea, lemongrass tea, and blue pea flower tea- (picked the ingredients from the farm itself). Digging my hands in the sand and walking barefoot every morning in the fresh, clean air- felt a deep connection to the earth. At night, watching the sky full of stars, sitting on the terrace, gazing continuously in hopes of seeing a shooting star. Being surrounded by fireflies every night—it felt unreal, as if I were living in a dream. It was just so magical. There was a dog too, and her name was Bamboo. <3 I even saw my favorite bird—the kingfisher—at Buddha Garden. Most evenings, I spent my time by the pond—a place so quiet, so full of calmness. I would sit there reading, listening to music, observing birds, and watching the sky. I would made cloud affirmations, watch the sunset, and observing its colors reflected on the water. A place where no humans were around—just me and nature. After my morning work, I would take a shower, get ready, and go out to explore Auroville. At night, exhausted from the day, I would simply lie on my bed, close my eyes, and fall asleep.

Exploring Auroville I went to the Matri Viewpoint with one of the friends I made there. We also visited the art museum, where the paintings were beautiful, and the place was so peaceful. On our way back, we passed a big banyan tree, and I touched it. The next day, I traveled alone to the Tibetan Pavilion, where there was a small Buddhist prayer space. I meditated there, and there was also a swing and a small garden. I sat there, did some reading, and enjoyed the calmness. The next day, I attended a poetry session. The day after, I went to the library with another friend and found an interesting book. I spent my time reading there, and I also watched a beautiful, cuddly, sleepy cat that everyone loved. I also went on a solo cafe date, where I had a latte and spent time reading the first volume of Heartland. I also explored Solitude Farm, where they make food using fresh vegetables from their own farm. The owner taught us how important it is to know where our food comes from and showed us his farm. He also told us about his favorite book, The One-Straw Revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka. I met my friends there, and we had lunch together before heading to Pondicherry. In Pondicherry, we explored the Mangrove Forest, saw the point where the river and ocean meet, watched the sunset, and enjoyed mushroom chat near the beach. We also explored the market, where I bought a heart-shaped ceramic essence holder for my boyfriend. I had the yummiest brownie at Farm fresh. I also went to the Inner Chamber of Matri Mandir, a place with powerful, positive energy. I meditated in front of the crystal in the inner chamber, which was one of my dreams come true. The aura of the place was something, you know. I also did tree meditation with a banyan tree over 100 years old. The next day, I went to the Botanical Garden with one of my friends from Buddha Garden. To reach there, I walked about 6 km, I took the longer route mistakenly, but I finally made it. The garden was huge, filled with different types of trees, some medicinal. I also saw a pond full of lotus flowers, lily pads, little fish, and frogs. I spotted different flowers, birds, and even a peacock. There was a flowering plant covered with butterflies, looking like a fairyland of butterflies. It was so beautiful. The Botanical Garden has all my heart, and it was one of the best days of my life. There were steel stairs that led to a viewpoint of the entire garden, and my friend and I reached the top. I also explored the flower garden and being around the flowers made me feel happy and alive. I also had dinner date nights with myself. I had the world’s best pizza, and i really meant it, it was very tasty. On another date night, I had mushroom fry—I had never tasted anything like it, so delicious. The cook of that place was very kind—he shared some of his stories and told us he wakes up before sunrise every morning. He also mentioned how drinking water helps keep gas away (haha) and talked about a locket he wears that protects him from diseases (I forgot what it was made of, but I think it was Tulsi wood). I also went to the beach—being in the ocean and listening to the waves is just so soothing, isn't it? And in the Auroville market, I had another tasty pizza at Pizza Casa and explored the market. I bought a three-clove earring made of coconut shell, a Moonstone crystal ring (symbolizing new beginnings), a hemp bag, and some handmade paper. I also got myself some books.

This volunteering experience is always going to stay close to my heart. 💌💌✨✨💕💕🍀🍀🌏

[gaelic]

Matrimandir

The Matrimandir is an edifice of spiritual significance for practitioners of integral yoga, in the centre of Auroville established by the Mother of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. It is called Soul of the City and is situated in a large open space called Peace.

2023-11-23 India, Tamil Nadu, Auroville

https://gaelic-india.mystrikingly.com

[wadu01]

a unique musical instrument known for its distinctive sound. It typically resonates with a deep, rich tone when struck or rubbed, and is often used in sound therapy and meditative practices. The Sonic Stone's appeal lies in its ability to produce soothing, harmonic vibrations that can have a calming effect. Its usage varies from musical performances to wellness practices, embodying a blend of art and therapy. This instrument often has a cultural or historical significance, representing traditional craftsmanship and acoustic innovation.

[willywaldo]

Utopia sounds so good. Sweep away what is and build in its place a more perfect society. Like millions before them, John and Diane were looking for a better world; that search quickly grew complicated, as it always does. They got caught in the crash between their dreams and hard reality. It's an old story, played out across time, in virtually every revolution and millenarian movement, when human lives are treated as mere expedients on the journey to a new world. Yes, John and Diane were victims of Auroville's revolution. They were also victims of the search for perfection.--Akash Kapur, Better To Have Gone: Love, Death, and the Quest for Utopia in Auroville.

[gurugram-properties]

HCBS Auroville Sector 103 Gurugram: Your Dream Home on Dwarka Expressway

In a world full of endless journeys and countless destinations, there’s one place that truly matters—home. A place where love resides, comfort embraces you, and life finds its perfect balance. HCBS Auroville is that space—a thoughtfully designed residential project spread over 8.75 acres on the Dwarka Expressway, offering modern, affordable housing without compromising on quality or convenience.

Express Living on Dwarka Expressway

Dwarka Expressway is more than just a highway; it’s a gateway to a smarter, faster, and more convenient lifestyle. The property leverages this prime location to provide superior connectivity, allowing residents to stay seamlessly connected to the city while enjoying a peaceful, well-planned neighborhood. Whether you work in Gurugram, Delhi, or beyond, the expressway ensures hassle-free commutes, saving you time and energy.

Designed for Comfort & Convenience

Every aspect of HCBS Auroville Sector 103 has been crafted to enhance your living experience:

More Usable Space Inside: The apartments are intelligently designed to maximize space, offering more square footage for comfortable living.

More Green Spaces Outside: The project prioritizes open areas, parks, and landscaped gardens, creating a refreshing environment away from the city’s chaos.

Modern Amenities: From 24/7 security to power backup, every facility is tailored for a stress-free lifestyle.

Unmatched Connectivity & Accessibility

Living at HCBS Auroville means never being too far from what matters:

Easy Access to Public Transport: Good cab services and reliable public transport keep you connected.

Traffic-Free Roads & Safe Walkways: Wide, well-lit roads and dedicated walking paths ensure safety and convenience.

Proximity to Essential Services: Schools, hospitals, shopping centers, and entertainment hubs are just a short drive away.

Quick Reach to Airport & Railway Stations: The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) and major railway stations are easily accessible, making travel effortless.

Affordable Luxury on Dwarka Expressway

Unlike overpriced city apartments, it offers premium living at an affordable price. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or an investor, this project provides the perfect opportunity to own a home in one of Delhi-NCR’s most promising locations.

Don’t just live—live express. Welcome to HCBS Auroville Sector 103 Gurugram, where every day feels like coming home.

[santosh]

Exploring Verite

Weekend #instagood #travel #auroville #fuji100f #portraits https://www.instagram.com/p/CXWIUSEpgQx/?utm_medium=tumblr

[blog-aventin-de]

Auroville · Stadt der Morgenröte

Auroville · Stadt der Morgenröte · Mirra Alfassa · Indien

Auroville, Stadt der Morgenröte, ist ein experimenteller Ort des Zusammenlebens von Menschen verschiedener Herkunft in Indien. Gegründet wurde die Stadt im Jahr 1968 von Sri Aurobindo , Mirra Alfassa, bekannt als »die Mutter« und vom Architekten Roger Anger. Etymologie: Der Name »Auroville« hat seinen Ursprung in der französischen Sprache, »Aurore« bedeutet Morgendämmerung und »Ville« steht für Dorf/Stadt. Auf einer Jahreskonferenz im Jahr 1964 beschlossen in Pondicherry Sri Aurobindo und Mirra Alfassa als geschäfführende Präsidentin eine Resolution, welche zur Gründung der Stadt führte. Alfassa und Sri Aurobindo waren der Meinung, dass der Mensch ein Übergangswesen sei. Sie erwarteten, dass die experimentelle universelle Gemeinde wesentlich zum Fortschritt der Menschheit in Richtung einer großartigen Zukunft beitragen würde, indem sie Menschen guten Willens und Strebens nach einer besseren Welt zusammenbrächte. Alfassas erste öffentliche Botschaft im Jahr 1965 lautete: »Auroville wird eine universelle Stadt sein, in der Männer und Frauen aller Länder in Frieden und fortschreitender Harmonie zusammenleben können, samt ihren unterschiedlichen Glaubensbekenntnissen und Nationalitäten. Der Zweck von Auroville ist die Verwirklichung einer menschlichen Einheit. Ort: Für die Stadt wurde ein Standort nördlich von Pondicherry ausgewählt, der etwa aus 20 Quadratkilometer Ödland bestand und 5 km von der Küste entfernt liegt. Einweihung: Die Einweihungszeremonie, an der Delegierte aus 124 Nationen teilnahmen, fand am Mittwoch, den 28. Februar 1968 statt. Die von Mirra Alfassa (Mutter) handgeschriebene Vier-Punkte-Charta legte ihre Vision eines ganzheitlichen Lebens wie folgt dar: Auroville gehört niemandem im Besonderen. Auroville gehört der gesamten Menschheit. Aber um in Auroville zu leben, muss man ein williger Diener des Göttlichen Bewusstseins sein. Auroville wird der Ort einer unendlichen Bildung, eines ständigen Fortschritts und einer Jugend sein, die niemals altert. Auroville will die Brücke zwischen Vergangenheit und Zukunft sein. Auroville nutzt alle Entdeckungen von außen und von innen und wird mutig in Richtung zukünftiger Erkenntnisse schreiten. Auroville wird ein Ort materieller und spiritueller Forschungen für eine lebendige Verkörperung einer tatsächlichen menschlichen Einheit sein. Matrimandir: Das Matrimandir ist eine goldene Metallkugel im Zentrum der Stadt, das von Alfassa als »Symbol der göttlichen Antwort auf das Streben des Menschen nach Perfektion« konzipiert wurde. Im Inneren des Matrimandir wird Stille aufrechterhalten, um die Ruhe des Raums zu gewährleisten, und das gesamte Gebiet um das Matrimandir herum wird als Friedensbereich bezeichnet. Im Inneren des Matrimandir führt eine spiralförmige Rampe nach oben zu einer klimatisierten Kammer aus poliertem weißem Marmor, die als »ein Ort, an dem man sein Bewusstsein findet« bezeichnet wird. Matrimandir ist mit einem Solarkraftwerk ausgestattet und von sehr gepflegten Gärten umgeben. Wenn es keine Sonne gibt oder nach Sonnenuntergang, wird der Sonnenstrahl auf dem Globus durch einen Strahl einer solarbetriebenen Leuchte ersetzt. Von diesem Zentrum gehen vier Zonen aus: die »Wohnzone«, die »Industriezone«, die »Kultur- und Bildungszone« und die »Internationale Zone«. Um die Stadt oder das Stadtgebiet herum liegt ein Grüngürtel mit einer Umweltforschungseinrichtung, einer Land- und Forstwirtschaft, einem botanischen Garten, einer Samenbank (Heil- und Kräuterpflanzen) und ein Wassereinzugsgebiet. Rechtsstatus: Vor 1980 besaß die Sri Aurobindo Society rechtlich alle Vermögenswerte der Stadt. Ab 1980 übernahm eine indische Staatsverwaltung die Stadt. Ein Wechsel wurde eingeleitet, als nach dem Tod von Mirra Alfassa im Jahr 1973 ernsthafte Risse in der täglichen Verwaltung zwischen der Gesellschaft und den Einwohnern der Stadt auftraten. Die Bewohner appellierten damals an Indira Gandhi, die damalige Premierministerin von Indien, und baten um Unterstützung. Die Gesellschaft focht zwar die Klage der Regierung vor dem Obersten Gerichtshof von Indien an, das endgültige Urteil aber bestätigte die verfassungsrechtliche Gültigkeit des Vorgehens und Eingreifens der Regierung. Nach dem Urteil im Jahr 1988 wurde es notwendig, eine dauerhafte Vereinbarung für die langfristige Verwaltung von Auroville zu treffen. Ein Gesetz wurde geschaffen, dass die Übertragung aller beweglichen und unbeweglichen Vermögenswerte der Stadt in eine Stiftung vorsah, die als Auroville Foundation und die Schaffung eines dreistufigen Regierungssystems: des Verwaltungsrats; die Einwohnerversammlung und der Auroville International Advisory Council vorsah. Wirtschaft: Anstelle von Papier- und Münzgeld erhalten die Bewohner von Auroville Kontonummern, um sich mit einem zentralen Konto verbinden. Besucher werden gebeten, sich ein vorläufiges Konto und eine Aurocard (Debitkarte) zuzulegen. Von den Einwohnern von Auroville wird erwartet, dass sie einen monatlichen Beitrag an die Gemeinde leisten. Sie werden gebeten, der Gemeinschaft nach Möglichkeit durch Arbeit, Geld oder Sachleistungen zu helfen. Der »Gästebeitrag« oder eine von den Gästen von Auroville gezahlte Tagesgebühr bildet einen Teil des Budgets von Auroville. Es gibt auch ein »Unterhaltssystem«, bei dem bedürftige Aurovilianer von der Gemeinde monatlich Unterhalt erhalten können, der einfache Grundbedürfnisse des Lebens abdeckt. Aurovilles Wirtschaft und sein gesamtes Leben entwickeln sich ständig weiter, und es gibt laufende Experimente, um der großen Vision näher zu kommen. Die indische Regierung finanziert einen kleinen Teil des Budgets von Auroville, das hauptsächlich aus Beiträgen der Handelseinheiten von Auroville besteht, die 33 % ihrer Gewinne in den Zentralfonds von Auroville einbringen, und aus Spenden, die größtenteils aus dem Ausland stammen, von den zahlreichen internationalen Stützpunkten von Auroville, die auf der ganzen Welt eingerichtet wurden. In Auroville gibt es mehrer Gästehäuser, Baueinheiten, Informationstechnologie, kleine und mittlere Unternehmen, die Artikel wie handgeschöpftes Papier für Schreibwaren, Bio-Lebensmittel herstellen und weiterverkaufen sowie die bekannten Räucherstäbchen, die in der ganzen Welt gekauft werden. Zur Zeit sind etwa 6.000 Menschen, hauptsächlich aus den umliegenden Orten, in verschiedenen Abteilungen und Einheiten von Auroville beschäftigt. Weitere Aktivitäten: Andere Aktivitäten in Auroville umfassen Land-Aufforstung, ökologische Landwirtschaft, grundlegende Bildungsforschung, Gesundheitsfürsorge, Dorfentwicklung, moderne Technologie, Stadtplanung, Grundwassermanagement, kulturelle Aktivitäten und allgemeine Gemeinschaftsdienste. Auroville · Stadt der Morgenröte · Mirra Alfassa · Indien Read the full article

[dandanjean]

Lîlâ

L’art, la poésie, la musique ne sont pas le yoga, ne sont pas plus en eux-mêmes des choses spirituelles que la philosophie ou la Science. Ici se dissimule une autre incapacité curieuse de l’intellect moderne – son impossibilité à établir la distinction entre le mental et l’esprit, sa promptitude à prendre les idéalismes mentaux, moraux et esthétiques pour de la spiritualité et leurs degrés…

[khuuuusshi]

(From: https://auroville.org/)

Auroville is a must visit in Pondicherry. It's a town created on the basis of unity and peace. The town has quirks of it's own. For example, the concept of money doesn't really exist. Mostly. Most shops there don't accept money and instead use something called the Aurocard.

This doesn't mean that you shouldn't get your wallet. If you're only visiting for a few hours or a day, there's no point in getting one. It takes time to get an Aurocard as you'll need to bring proper identification.

I must warn you that most items from their shops will be a tad more costly compared to the stuff you'll get in regular shops on the streets. They hand make everything so the cost is bound to be more.

Speaking of their hand-made creations, they have a few shops you must go to. They're pretty huge on being eco-friendly, and it shows in their work.

They have an accessories shop that has earrings made using keys from computers. They're super cool for alternative fashion and tech lovers. They also have scarves, other earrings, etc.

My personal favourite brand/business they had was one concerning the sustainability of pads. Many women use pads as they are easily accessible and are easy to use, but they impact the environment immensely. The chemicals used to create pads pollute water bodies and pads don't really break down easily.

Many women use pads due to the comfort. So, as a solution they hand-made reusable pads! They're made of cloth and use buttons to attach. They're easily washable and can be reused at least 75 times.

Auroville is the place to go for fashion lovers, peace lovers, and eco friendly enthusiasts!

Even if you don't really have similar beliefs, it's a great way to experience different culture in a wholesome way.

[travelthrivehub]

Chennai to Pondicherry: The Perfect Coastal Road Trip

Ready for a coastal adventure? 🌊 The road trip from #Chennai to #Pondicherry is packed with history, beaches, and unique vibes! Discover Mahabalipuram's ancient temples, Auroville’s tranquility, and Pondicherry's colonial charm. Perfect for a weekend escape! ���️ Tag who you'd take with you! #EastCoastRoad #RoadTripIndia #TravelVibes #ChennaiToPondicherry

The Chennai to Pondicherry coastal road trip on the East Coast Road (ECR) is ideal for anyone looking to mix cultural landmarks, scenic beaches, and historic towns in a single adventure. Covering 150 km of Tamil Nadu’s coastline, this journey has much to offer, from the historic temples of Mahabalipuram and spiritual community of Auroville to the French colonial beauty of…

[dreamerroy]

Auroville: A place where only the rich can access

[nagarathinamkrishna]

L’univers de Krishna Nagarathinam -Prof. R . Kichnamourty

                                      (Article publié dans le journal français « Trait d’Union » de Pondichéry dont le rédacteur en chef est Monsieur Albert Rollin. L’auteur n’est autre que M.R. Kichnamourty, professeur de français dont la plume est réputée pour ses traductions de grands écrivains français en tamoul.  C’est notre ami V.S Nayagar qui m’a présenté son professeur il y a quelques…