On Auroville 2022 to 2025

-7: 23-05-2022: “An invitation to each and all :

In 1978, the four concrete arcs defining the sphere of Matrimandir, having risen from the first slab supported by the four pillars (Mahalakshmi, Mahakali, Mahasaraswati and Maheshwari), met at their upper ends into a single concrete ring: the “Ring of Unity” was cast in the night of the 28 th to 29 th of May. Indented into its inner surface are the sacred words: “Aum Namo Bhagavate” This was the material expression of humanity‟s aspiration to a truer world upon earth, a world of truth, unity, harmony and unlimited progress. The sphere these four arcs would hold and contain would itself become the site of deeper learning and serve as a relay for the Consciousness-Force working upon earth. We all understand, at least intellectually if not through personal experience, that any conflict is only truly and lastingly resolved when each one of its participants has been able to effectively communicate one‟s views, accept and integrate the differing views and reach an understanding and a sense of direction that are superior and more harmonious and balanced: an all-round enrichment rather than a loss. However we have yet to realize this progress collectively. When the Ring of Unity was cast, Aurovilians were experiencing the throes and pangs of a deeply challenging dispute and intractable misunderstanding with the original administration of the “project”, the S.A.Society. And now a chasm seems to be gaping between us – and within us as well – that is currently described as a clash of commitments to apparently irreconcilable versions of the future. Assuming – in good faith – that this present turmoil is arising from such a divergence of approaches to the physical development of Auroville, it is perhaps a good time to return to the basics: what are we actually aspiring to achieve? New forms expressing a new consciousness. So? No one who is, from near or far, committed to the growth of Auroville, can ignore or deny the precedence of consciousness: it is the growth of consciousness that can initiate the right forms, those forms that can serve the harmony of tomorrow. Where are we? And to begin with, what are the lessons we have learnt from whatever we have already built in Auroville, in terms of practicality, adaptability, the best possible relationship between the individual and the collective life, the best use of resources,

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