Green Acres

As usual, we close our bulletin with soul inspiration and nourishment for our individual and collective paths. Both texts are by Sri Aurobindo – the first is an extract from “The Divine and Undivine” – a chapter in “The Life Divine”, and the second is the continuation of “Man, A Transitional Being”, which we began in our November 2023 issue. The common theme is an exploration of who we are and who we may become. We end with The Mother’s words: “The more we concentrate on the goal, the more it blossoms forth and becomes precise”.

“Auroville is the attempt towards collective realisation” said the Mother, and this attempt towards a collective realisation is not limited to those who live in Auroville. All Auroville International centers, all committed friends and associates and donors are equally “volunteers” aspiring for this “collective realisation”. It can be said that the core of Auroville stands for the soul of humanity, meaning all that is lofty and noble and good and beautiful in the life of humanity. In this issue of our newsletter, we share inspiring stories of commitment and giving in the service of this ideal by Auroville’s pioneers, newcomers, AVI centers, and supporters. Version française en pdf … பிடிஎஃப்பில் தமிழ்ப் பதிப்பு

Louis came to Auroville from France in 1971 to briefly deliver spare parts for the vehicles of the mythic « Caravan”. Instead he stayed on, participating in the development of Auropolyester and the digging and building of Matrimandir from the start to the end. A close associate and friend of Roger Anger, over the decades, Louis has played a major role in constructing Auroville’s most important residential and service buildings. He says “I would like to tell those who read this testimony about my JOY for being at Auroville and for constructing The Mother’s City. This joy has never left me.” We are happy to present Louis’s story in English and in French.

Doris, from the multi-ethnic island of Mauritius, first came to India in 1993, and then in 2004 to Auroville as an investigative reporter for an Indian media company. Deeply touched, she regularly returned, working as a volunteer in the Matrimandir Gardens. Now an official Newcomer, Doris caretakes the Unity Pavilion building and grounds along with her son, Sangharakshit, a volunteer – both participating in its many events and the Art for Land action. Here, Doris shares special moments of discovery in their Auroville lives: “Sangha and I are both deeply happy to serve the ideal of human unity.”

The first officially incorporated international support organization for Auroville was the “Auroville Association”, set up in California in 1973 by six American future-forward devotees. Then international support grew in 1983 when “Auroville International” was incorporated in the Netherlands and the USA association joined it as AVI-USA. For the past 40 years, AVI-USA has been a dynamic support and catalyst – raising funds for AV projects worldwide, sharing ideals, news, and events for an international audience through positive, inspiring and innovative actions.

Serena and the Aurora’s Eye team are happy to introduce their ongoing web series “Matrimandir & I” – showcasing Auroville and its soul and symbol of unity, the golden Matrimandir. This video series is a human experiment, looking into how Aurovilians relate to the Matrimandir, their personal experiences with it, and their goals for personal and spiritual development, as well as for Auroville’s evolution. Serena says, “Our dream is to interview all the citizens of Auroville. We aspire that this action will be part of the common ground for human unity.”

August 15th is a special day, with the year 2023 marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo, and the continuing celebrations in his honor. This year also inaugurates Year 10 of the Acres for Auroville land campaign. Here, we highlight the ajestic Banyan Tree, first identified by The Mother as the center of Auroville, with its silent spiritual presence and psychological support – the symbol of our unity. In honor of this special date, our bulletin offers you a great and inspiring read with life stories of Auroville pioneers, newcomers, supporters and contributors to the City of Dawn. English summary pdf plus version française en pdf. … பிடிஎஃப்பில் தமிழ்ப் பதிப்பு

Our rich April newsletter brings you: the quarterly A4A flier and LFAU letter; the announcement of three new land purchases; 48 years of helping build « the inner and outer » Auroville by B (William Sullivan); the life path of growth and seeking by new Aurovilian Ellie from Iran; land solidarity via the new Garden of the Unexpected postcard and sticker set; two sharings on Sri Aurobindo’s thought in this 150th anniversary year (from Sri Aurobindo’s Action Journal, and from Matthew Andrews, President of AVI-USA); and seven inspiring quotes for the Path. Version française en pdf … பிடிஎஃப்பில் தமிழ்ப் பதிப்பு