Conscious choice of responses, rather than reacting habitually

Workshop: Human unity and compassionate communication : SAWCHU ::: 9:30 AM
Bharat Nivas Presents
HUMAN UNITY & COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION
9:30 AM to 5:00 PM 6th December 08 (Saturday) at SAWCHU
The purpose of Auroville is to realize Human Unity. We are all inspired by Unity. While we made great progress in all dimensions, we have some distance to go on the arduous path of Human Unity. Unresolved issues may be slowing down our progress. Habitual reactions trigger more issues that add to the heap of unresolved issues grows, making our path more difficult.

The roots of Compassionate Communication[1] are in “Oneness” and “Giving from the heart”. This event is an experiment in the spirit of ‘taking advantage of all discoveries from without and from within” to explore ways to remain compassionate even in trying circumstances and situations. The interactive sessions and pen/paper exercises are aimed at
· Separating out observations from your assumptions/evaluations
· Distinguishing between causes and stimulus for your feelings
· Conscious choice of responses to fulfill everyone’s needs, rather than reacting habitually
· Making requests that have a better chance fulfilling your goals, in harmony with your values
· Connecting compassionately to others and yourself
· Approach to strategies that are likely to be more successful
· Appreciation that fosters and sustains ‘giving and receiving from the heart’
We hope that this event will help in resolving some of the issues and help achieve closer collaboration and more goodwill.

The event will be organized as four sessions of about eighty-ninety minutes each, with a lunch break (approximately an hour). Tea will be served during tea breaks. The event is sponsored by Bharat Nivas and is open to Aurovilians/Newcomers and would be limited to 15 participants. Please register by calling Mr. Kathir on 2622253 between 9:30am to 12:30 pm / 2pm to 4pm on all working days. We will commence the session on 6th December (Saturday) with a meditation at 9:30AM. Please be seated by 9:25 AM and help in making the event valuable for all. Please bring along a pen and note book.

About the Facilitator
J.V. Avadhanulu (JV for short) is passionate about Pranayama, Being Well and Compassionate Communication. More than 150 people attended his workshops / retreats in Auroville.
JV holds an M.Tech from IIT(Kharagpur) and was a Captain in the Indian Navy till 1989. He received the Visisht Seva Medal from the President of India and Jain Memorial Gold Medal. He worked for 18 years in the private industry in top R&D management positions prior to joining Auroville in Dec 07. He was a Seminar Leader at Land Mark Education Corporation form 1999 to 2003.

[1] Based on Non Violent Communication (NVC) books and workshops of Marshall Rosenberg PhD. For information on NVC please see http://www.cnvc.org/. For information on NVC in Auroville, please see http://wiki.bluelightav.org/display/NVC/Home
posted by jvavadhanulu

Sri Aurobindo Kendra - Center in Dharamgarh, Orissa

SRI AUROBINDO KENDRA, DHARAMGARH
WHAT SRI AUROBINDO REPRESENTS IN THE WORLD'S HISTORY IS NOT A TEACHING, NOT EVEN A REVELATION, IT IS A DECISIVE ACTION DIRECT FROM THE SUPREME. __ THE MOTHER

INTRODUCTION: SRI AUROBINDO KENDRA is situated in DHARAMGARH in the district of KALAHANDI, ORISSA, INDIA. The sacred relics of SRI AUROBINDO and THE MOTHER was installed by sadhaka Prof. Chottenarayan Sharma of SRI AUROBINDO ASHRAM, Pondicherry inside a shrine in a beautifully constructed building sorounded by flower gardens. Meditation around the shrine is conducted regulaly.

ACTIVITIES: SRI AUROBINDO STUDY CIRCLE is running from since 1971 to study the philosophy and Integral Yoga of Sri Aurobindo. SRI AUROBINDO CENTRE OF INTEGRAL EDUCATION was established on 1979 to introduce the educational philosophy and integral education of Sri Aurobindo in the society for the perfection of life.

All these centres are managed by SRI AUROBINDO PATHACHAKRA TRUST, DHARAMGARH, Kalahandi, Orissa, India. All the man of goodwills are requested to contribute and donate funds for the devloment of this Ashram and collaborate in this divine work.

ADDRESS FOR CONTACT:- SRI AUROBINDO PATHACHAKRA TRUST, DHARAMGARH-766015, KALAHANDI, ORISSA, INDIA. PHONE: 91 6672 242233 or 242320 Email: sriaurobindokendra@yahoo.com
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Sri Aurobindo Ashram
My Info: SRI AUROBINDO KENDRA
Email: sriaurobindokendra@yahoo.com

Psychological principle behind using Mantra in one's spiritual practice

SACAR HOSTS A SHORT SEMINAR FOR A GROUP OF YOUNG FRIENDS FROM GERMANY, SEPTEMBER 08
SACAR welcomed a group of 20 young and enthusiastic learners from Germany who visited us on September 12-13, 2008. These individuals are currently living, in Auroville and will spend a year studying and working there. Special sessions were arranged during their two-day visit to SACAR. On 12th morning they visited Sri Aurobindo Ashram and several departments, and enjoyed lunch at the Ashram Dining Hall. A session on Demystifying India was presented by Beloo Mehra in the afternoon. This session involved a discussion on the foundations of Indian culture as explained by Sri Aurobindo, followed by a short review of some of the contemporary voices about India and Indian culture.

The morning of the September 13 started with a session on Mantra Chanting conducted by Deepshikha Reddy. The participants were given a general background on Mantra and the psychological principle behind using Mantra in one's spiritual practice. They also practiced chanting a couple of Mantras under Deepshikha.s guidance. On the same morning Larry Seidlitz made a presentation on Introduction to Integral Yoga. In his talk, he emphasized the aim of Integral Yoga, its similarity and difference with other traditional yogas, the central guiding principle of Integral Yoga and the triple labour of Aspiration, Rejection and Surrender.

Powerpoint presentations, video clips, and interactive discussions made the learning experience enriching for everyone. The 2-day event ended with a general Question & Answer session. Participants enjoyed the peaceful surroundings at SACAR campus and relished the samosas, pavbhaji, and other Indian snacks served during tea breaks.

Workshop on Integral Education, August 29, 2008
On a special request from Andhra Mahila Sabha College, Institute of Human Study conducted a work shop on Integral Education for a team of teachers from Badrachalam Paper Board Company School.

Dr. Chhalamayi gave an insight into Sri Aurobindo.s vision of Integral Education. Smt. Kanakavalli spoke about child development and growth processes. Mrs. Vidya Raghavan spoke about the approaches to and challenges involved in the implementation of integral methodology in the classroom and the need for new ways of assessment corresponding with this methodology. Mrs. Geeta Matha explained about the significance of a resource room in every school building which can house a wide variety of teaching learning materials to be used by teachers and students. Teachers were also introduced to the concept of environs. Mrs. Rama, the team leader and all the participants were highly enthusiastic about using new methodologies in their classrooms. They especially appreciated exploring how education is related to life and life skills.

We invoke the Grace and Blessings of our beloved Mother and Sri Aurobindo through our reference to MASA, October 2008 Contact: Beloo Mehra Phone: 0413-2348067 beloome@gmail.com sacar@auromail.net

The Director & SACAR Family extend a warm welcome to all new SACAR-IGNOU students

SACAR has for its objective an in-depth study of and research into the thought and vision of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and relate it to the present and future of India in particular, and the world in general. We encourage study of all allied thought and perspectives from other thinkers and visionaries from different cultures with an objective to offer a synthetic view of the future.

SACAR is a centre of research and learning dedicated to acquiring and implementing in all areas a new and broader perspective on human life. This new perspective has a spiritual aim and basis, and underlies and unifies the multifarious solutions and changes to be made throughout the nations of the globe. The guiding principle of all our activities is the synthesizing movement to unite in a practical and progressive way the highest spiritual realisations with the development and perfection of the outer life—two fields that have been historically the special domain of Eastern and Western nations, respectively. Our focal point in this endeavour is the spiritual knowledge and vision behind this effort of synthesis.

SACAR is NOT an institution of religious education. It is important to emphasize that the philosophy and thought of Sri Aurobindo in which SACAR specialises is NOT a religion. This integral thought addresses the global and perennial questions of the nature and significance of existence and human life in a scholarly manner. Online Campus Publications News & Upcoming Events Contact Us

To bring a dialogue into a session where people from different points of view can express themselves

AurovilleRadio Home Thursday, 06 November 2008 Channel 1 - Stereo (best quality sound) Channel 2 - Mono (low quality sound)
Home About Us Radio Schedules Downloads Internship & Voluntary Contact Us go to AurovilleTV

Changes
Written by Radio Team
Wednesday, 05 November 2008
A few Aurovilians who believe there is a real need to provide more options for academic and vocational studies, have come together to create a scholarship fund for Auroville youth.Visit India's largest electric vehicle portal: www.evfuture.com Evfuture (electrical/environmental future) has been working hard to complete orders for bicycles and humvees, a moped-style electric bike.The news today features too the victory of Barack Obama, America's first multi-cultural president in its history. To download the news click here .

Living Roots
Written by Radio Team
Wednesday, 05 November 2008
An interview with Ally, Melissa and Erin - three students of the Living Roots program at the College Guest House. They talk about how long they have been in Auroville, the kind of work they have been doing during their stay here and how popular such programs are in The United States. They also talk about some of the difficulties they have encountered, some of the positive things they have seen and the ideas and memories they will take back home with them. To download the program click here .

Spirituality and Body Changes
Written by Radio Team
Tuesday, 04 November 2008
Bagha, one of the creators of the Laboratory of Evolution, a Resource and Research Centre entirely focused on researching and documenting all in the world that has to do with Evolution and Human Unity, talks about the possibilities of the new human consciousness. For her the real way to reach a sustainable life begins with a real changing in each human being. Bagha belives that Auroville is a special place to develop the inner being, but she really belives that one can try to reach its own develop everywhere in the world. For more information check http://www.laboratoryofevolution.net/ To download the program click here .

Jazzy news
Written by Radio Team
Monday, 03 November 2008
Today's news announcement of A Musical Concert, Dance Performance, and Dance by Thamarai Cultural Center, an invitation to join the Global Grace Day and an excerpt of the jazz concert from last Saturday at Pitanga. The weather forecast continues with clear skies during the day, slightly cloudy at night, light winds with a temperature range 25 to 30 degrees. To download the news click here.

Village Women Power
Written by Radio Team
Saturday, 01 November 2008
Raji, from Alankuppam, is a member of the Sri Aurobindo Women's Group. This five year old group is part of Village Action. Their work includes public social work such as helping people clean their village and helping children who attend night school in their village. They receive advice or help as needed from the Village Action Group as well as attending the meeting in village action monthly. They come from several different villages: Kottakkari, Pudhupakkam and Allankuppam, all members of the Village Action Group. Initially they began with one group and increased in number, expanding creatively what they do with the recycled paper. To download this program (in Tamil) click here.

The Dream Continues
Written by Radio Team
Friday, 31 October 2008
Today's news features Chloe and Vivek talking about AVRadio's live presentation 'Dialogue with A Dream' a new live program which will happen monthly; this afternoon it's about sustainable mobility, how we get around, the condition and location of the roads and pathways. Also there is a reminder about two cultural events happening this weekend: a play and a jazz concert. For the next few days the weather is clear during the days and cloudy at night, winds are light, temperatures range between 25 and 30 degrees. To download the news click here .

Challenges of the new society
Written by Radio Team
Thursday, 30 October 2008
Toward Sustainability is a series of 21 programs that will give an overview on what Auroville is doing in this direction. The series reports on important aspects of the material arrival of the new consciousness . The body, water, energy, urban planning, building, farming, afforestation and economy are the topics that are approached by aurovillian experts. In this first program, Marc Lucky Ghissi talks about the challenges that Auroville faces in the way of being a model of the new society and the problems its people have to solve in daily life in the light of the new supramental consciousness. To download the program click here .

The Round Table
Written by Radio Team
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
In today's news Hemant speaks about the Unesco-Paris-40th Auroville Celebration event in an interview by Chloe. Dialogue with a Dream (an AurovilleRadio live program) happens on Friday, this time concerning sustainable mobility in Auroville. Also there is an announcement for a live jazz concert. The weather today and for the next few days is clear; scattered clouds during the nights. From the N/NE light winds. Temperatures range from 25 to 29 degrees. To download the news click here .

Diwali Lights
Written by Radio Team
Monday, 27 October 2008
Today's news offers an interview with Hemant who speaks about Deepawali. Also in the news there is a Diwali greeting from presidential candidate Barack Obama, a reminder to share light, sweets and flowers at Upasana this evening and several announcements for the coming week. Sunny weather for Diwali in Auroville today! The sky is overcast with scattered clouds, light winds from the NW, temperatures rnge between 25 and 29 degrees. To download the news click here .

Weekly Schedule
Written by Radio Team
Saturday, 25 October 2008
This week we are broadcasting :
Prof Varun Sahni - Big Bang (new)
Perumal & Ancolie - Sangamam Festival
Dr. Rohini Sahni - Development Economics (new)
The Pax Project live on stage - Concert at Kalabhumi
Nanditadi's students - Evening of Hindustani Vocal Music (new)
Auroville Youth Choir - Concert in Pitanga
You can listen to these by checking the broadcasting schedule here .

Diwali announcements and animals
Written by Radio Team
Friday, 24 October 2008
Today's news features an interview of Vivek and Sundar about Auroville's work in animal care. Various announcements appear regarding closures on Monday due to Diwali. Also in the news: the wonders and uses of basil and its Indian counterpart tulsi, also a chance to cook and eat together in Evergreen on Tuesdays. Today's weather is overcast, humid, temperatures 25-30 degrees, WSW winds 13-25 kph today Friday through Sunday night, thunderstorms and rain to continue. To download the news click here .

Sustainable mobility Live Dialogue!
Written by Radio Team
Friday, 24 October 2008
How do we move from place to place in Auroville?Do we have cycle paths free from motorised vehicles?Do we have pathways on which to walk?Is mobility within Auroville sustainable?Do we believe that Auroville is a forerunner in sustainable activities?This burning issue of sustainable Mobility for Auroville will be discussed on the next Dialogue with a Dream (an AurovilleRadio live program) on: Friday 31st of October at 5:15 pm.You can listen at Town Hall Conference Room. For more information and the list of the invitees click READ MORE. Read more...

Multicultural Youth
Written by Radio Team
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Today's news is full of announcements: a 2009 calendar of Ireno's photos which convey a feeling of the international - multicultural reality of Auroville's youth, there's a bit of information about Diwali, an invitation to a presentation of Auroville's 40th anniversary celebration that took place Paris in conjunction with UNESCO and a request to please let us keep our cycle paths free of all motorised vehicles, including electric. In Auroville today the weather is overcast, up to 100% expectation of thunderstorms and rain between Wed. and Fri., Winds have shifted back to West-South-West 14-21 kph, temperatures 2-28 degrees. To download the news click here.

Evening of Hindustani Vocal Music
Written by Radio Team
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Last Saturday Nanditadi's students gave a great performance of vocal hindustani music. They performed in the Sri Aurobindo Auditorium, in Bharat Nivas. The Auditorium was just the right place to be, if you were in the mood to escape the monsoon and dive into the world of Hindustani music. But even if you missed it, here is your chance to listen the whole concert by checking the radio schedules here. See more picture in READ MORE.You can download the trailer by cliking here. Read more...

Compassionate Communication
Written by Radio Team
Monday, 20 October 2008
The news today offers Aurovilian Gangalakshmi talking about the spiritual aspect of Auroville. Also in the news there are two announcements for celebrating Diwali, an invitation to take a stunning monsoon photo for Auroville's monthly newspaper, Auroville Today and a workshop coming up on Compassionate Communication.Today's weather is overcast, humid and breezy with 90 – 100% chance of rain continuing. East/NorthEasterly winds 7 to 10 kph, temperatures 26-29 degrees. To download the news click here.

Weekly Schedule
Written by Radio Team
Saturday, 18 October 2008
This week we are broadcasting :
Giovanni Maruzzelli - Open Source: Origins, Trends and Relevance to Auroville (new)
Joy, Agni & Aurovilians - Mother’s mantra: Om Namo Bhagavate
Vincenzo - Insight Vincenzo (new)
GIM on the Matrimandir Test Lake - Part 1&2
Meditation under the Banyan Tree before Full Moon Walk (55 people)
Dr. Ulrich Berk - Agnihotra - Vedic Fire to Heal our Planet (new)
Eliane, Mishko, Suresh, Matthew and Krishna - Jazz Bossa Evening
Murali - Solo Piano Recital on Franz You can listen to these by checking the broadcasting schedule here.

Agnihotra
Written by Radio Team
Friday, 17 October 2008
Today's news features Agnihotra - Vedic Fire to Heal our Planet by Dr. Ulrich Berk, Chairman of the German Association of Homa Therapy. The complete presentation can be heard by checking the radio schedule or pass by the radio for a CD copy of the presentation. Also there's a reminder about cell 'phone usage. The weather today is cloudy; rain and thunderstorms are are forecast through Sunday night. Winds are now coming from the NE 6-18 kph, temperatures 26-29 degrees. To download the news click here .

Music on AurovilleRadio
Written by Radio Team
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
Today's news features AVRadio's choice of Copyleft for broadcasting music at those moments when Auroville's creativity is low. Also in the news the rainy season has made it necessary to postpone Future School's fundraiser until the rains abate. Sunbliss Café now offers lunch and early dinner deliveries to your door plus there's another chance to explore one's inner clown. The weather is dry and sunny at this moment but not to be fooled: thunderstorms and rain continue as the forecast, with NE winds 10-18 kph, temperatures 26-28 degrees. To download the news click here

Auroville in Paris
Written by Radio Team
Monday, 13 October 2008
Today's news presents an interview with Tomas of Annapurna Farm. Paris hosted the UNESCO event regarding Auroville’s 40th anniversary; Nadaka gave a performance, Aurovilians Uma of Upasana and Aster Patel spoke about Auroville's projects and environmental work. Various dignitaries praised Auroville: experiment in human Unity. The weather: looks like the monsoon has arrived! Thunderstorms and rain forecast for the remainder of the week, SE winds 14-18 kph, temperatures 26-29 degrees. Take care driving on the muddy roads please... To download the news click here.

Seenuvasan's Experiences
Written by Radio Team
Monday, 13 October 2008
Seenuvasan, living in the village Irumbai, presently works in an employment profit-fund office in Auroville. He first came to Auroville in 1989 working in construction at Matrimandir. The following year he found work at Bharat Nivas as an editing assistant in the Secretary's office. Sreenevasan has also worked evenings at Ilaigarkal School. He appreciates that many tourists come here as well as villagers, for the peace and harmony offered in a place like Auroville. To download this program (in Tamil) click here.

Weekly Schedule
Written by Radio Team
Saturday, 11 October 2008
This week we are broadcasting :
Toby and Michael Bonke - GIM on the Matrimandir Test Lake (new)
Joy - Mix Up
Johnny Play - Wasteful Acts (new)
The Improbable Aurovilians - Revolution Del la kids
Gopika - Mantra Classes in Bharat Nivas
Devotion - An anthology of spiritual poems
Auroville Choir - Works by Lasso, Monteverdi, Praetorius, Bach, Brahms, Kodaly
Tiago - Creative environmental educational initiative with children in the Amazon
You can listen to these by checking the broadcasting schedule here .

Auroville media expands...
Written by Radio Team
Friday, 10 October 2008
Today's news presents Christoph telling about the launching of AurovilleTV. Also in the news there are music and dance announcements: to learn to sing Hindustani vocals, to celebrate through African dance and to just dance at Auroville's monthly dance collective. And, another chance to learn spoken Tamil. Today's weather shows a bright blue sky, sunny with SouthEasterly breezes and continued chances for thunderstorms and rain between today and Friday, with temperatures 27 to 30 degrees. To download the news click here .

Saraswati Puja
Written by Radio Team
Wednesday, 08 October 2008
Today's news in English features Saraswati Puja day with Raman enlightening all on what this puja is about here in Tamil Nadu; usually in South and East India it is celebrated with great pomp and splendour and, in major parts of India it is associated with Goddess Durga. Also in the news there's a call for new energy at AVRadio! To download the news click here .

The Living Room
Written by Radio Team
Monday, 06 October 2008
Today's news is full of announcements: the General Information Meeting today at 5 at Town Hall, the ban on smoking in public places passed last week by the Indian government, a fund-raiser for Future School and a short interview with Min who talks about his latest initiative 'The Living Room,' a new place for everyone to congregate. The weather today through Tuesday night forecasts thunderstorms, chance of rain, overcast skies with SouthEasterly winds 10-14 kph, temperatures 27-30 degrees. To download the news click here .

A constructive dialogue
Written by Radio Team
Monday, 06 October 2008
Last Saturday AurovilleRadio started a new live broadcast program: “Dialogue with a Dream." The first topic: “Water” specifically the proposed lake at Matrimandir. This discussion among the experts included; Toby, Prashant, Rauf, Suhasini, Chandresh, Aryadeep and Charlie was constructive and positive. We would like to share a few excerpts from the discussion with the community, as a precurser to the General Meeting on this subject on Monday. Please note that we have tried to compress one hour of discussion into 15 min. If you want to listen to the whole discussion, check the schedule here .To download the trailer click here .

Wasteful Acts
Written by Radio Team
Friday, 03 October 2008
Today's news features Jessie talking about Johnny, and just what it means, a 'Johnny play,' and of course a bit about tonight's Johnny play entitled 'Wasteful Acts.' Also in the news Vivek speaks about a new feature of AVRadio: live broadcasts of current topics of interest in Auroville, to take place on a regular basis. The first session addresses the proposed lake at Matrimandir, entitled 'Dialogue with A Dream' on Saturday 4 Oct. at Town Hall's Conference Room, 5 p.m. To download the news click here .

Dialogue with a Dream
Written by Radio Team
Wednesday, 01 October 2008
AurovilleRadio is starting a new monthly program of live broadcasts called *Dialogue with a Dream," in which a conversation will be held on current topics of interest in Auroville. The whole idea is to bring a dialogue into a session where people from different points of view can express themselves, initiating dialogue with one another. The proposed topic for this first session is about WATER, specifically the proposed lake at Matrimandir. Listen to AurovilleRadio to hear this live broadcast on Saturday, 4th of October, 5:15 pm 2'>http://www.aurovilleradio.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1&limit=28&limitstart=28">2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next > End >> © 2008 AurovilleRadio - AurovilleRadio

All the nations are essentially one and meant to express the Divine Unity upon earth

News from Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry) Upcoming Events
17 and 20 November 2008 - Maha-Samadhi of the Mother
The Mother
The Mother left her body on 17th November 1973. Her body was laid in the Samadhi on 20th November. The Mother's room will be open for darshan for devotees on 17 November 2008.
On Her life's aim, here is what the Mother once wrote:
"I am French by birth and early education, I am Indian by choice and predilection. In my consciousness there is no antagonism between the two, on the contrary, they combine very well and complete one another. I know also that I can be of service to both equally, for my only aim in life is to give a concrete form to Sri Aurobindo's great teaching and in his teaching he reveals that all the nations are essentially one and meant to express the Divine Unity upon earth through an organised and harmonious diversity."
When pressed about the details of her physical life, this was Her brief reply:
"Do not ask questions about the details of the material existence of this body; they are in themselves of no interest and must not attract attention. Throughout all this life, knowingly or unknowingly, I have been what the Lord wanted me to be, I have done what the Lord wanted me to do. That alone matters."
24 November 2008 - Siddhi Day
24 November 2008 is a very significant day, especially for the devotees of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, as it marks the 82nd anniversary of the Siddhi Day - The Day of Victory -, the descent of the Sri Krishna Consciousness or the Overmental Consciousness into the physical. This was the first decisive step towards the Supramental Manifestation which took place later in 1956.
About this event Sri Aurobindo later wrote in a letter:
"The 24th November [1926] was the descent of Krishna into the physical…. The descent of Krishna would mean the descent of the Overmind Godhead preparing, though not itself actually, the descent of Supermind and Ananda. Krishna is the Anandamaya; he supports the evolution through the Overmind leading it towards his Ananda."
A view of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry
The 24th November 1926 is also the day when the Sri Aurobindo Ashram came into being. It is therefore the planting of the seed which has how grown into a huge and mighty banyan tree with a presence all over the world.
And this is what the Mother once explained to the children when she was asked why She and Sri Aurobindo created the Ashram at Puducherry:
"My child, that is why the Ashram was created... because, in France, I was always asking myself: How can one find the time to find oneself ? How can one even find the time to understand how to become free? So then I thought: a place where material needs will be sufficiently provided for, so that if one truly wants to become free, one can do so. And the Ashram was founded on this idea, not on any other -- a place where people would have enough to live on so as to have time to think of the True Thing."
Annual Seminar of the Women's Council - November 2008: "Organisation of Action in Life"
Organisation of action is the key to success in life. Life covers the whole gamut of our ideas and aims, our aspirations and endeavours, and our day-to-day physical activities and dealings. It is very essential to bring clarity and cohesiveness in our mind, a rhythm of harmony in our feelings and emotions and a flow of grace and beauty in our body's movements.
All who are interested are invited to attend Sri Aurobindo Society's Women's Council annual seminar on "Organisation of Action in Life" to be held on 21, 22, 23 November 2008, at the Society's Beach Office hall, [revised address] No.9, Saint Martin Street, Puducherry - 605 001.
For further information, accommodation etc., write to The Secretary Women's Council Sri Aurobindo Society Puducherry - 605 002. E-mail: sushila@sriaurobindosociety.org.in
Study Camp by Dr. Alok Pandey on 'Savitri' - 22 to 28 February 2009
Dr. Alok Pandey will conduct Study Sessions in Sri Aurobindo's epic "Savitri" at the Society's Beach Office from 22 to 28 February 2009. As usual, there will be two sessions daily between 05:00 and 07:00 pm.
Recent Events at Beach OfficeIntensive Awareness Programme - 30 Sept. to 3 Oct. 2008
An Intensive Awareness Programme, as a part of a series, was organised by Sri Aurobindo Society at Pondicherry from 30 September to 3 October 2008. The objective of this programme was to make representatives from our centres, who were invited selectively, aware of the important aspects of Sri Aurobindo's Yoga as applicable to practical living. Emphasis was laid on subjects related to which questions are put by visitors who visit our various centres.
Following are the subjects covered and the speakers who dealt with them: Subjects Speakers Sri Aurobindo's Yoga Alok Pandey Spirituality, Religion and Occultism Devdip Ganguly Delight Kaivalya Smart Parts of our Being Ajit Sabnis Meditation & Concentration Alok Pandey Illness and Cure Alok Pandey What is Hinduism? Matri Prasad True Education Shivakumar Destiny, Death and Rebirth Alok Pandey Science and Spirituality Sraddhalu Prayer and Mantra Sraddhalu Society's Work Vijay Conclusion - Feedback from delegates Pradeep Narang and Alok Pandey
Such programmes, Mother willing, will be organised regularly to enable more and more persons from our centres to take advantage of it.
Camp for Students of Veda Vijnana Gurukulam, Bangalore - 8 to 12 Oct. 2008
A 5-day education camp was organised by the Society for a group of three Acharyas and six students from Veda Vijnana Gurukulam, Bangalore. A general introduction to the Ashram and Educational methodology as revealed by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother was given to the group by Dr. Sampadananda. Shivakumar spoke on the topic "Spirituality & the Role of Youth" and later had an activity session on How to Develop the Senses". Dr. Matthijs Cornelissen of the Ashram spent a whole day on explaining in depth the process of Integral Education.
Devdip, an Ashramite, took them to the Centre of Education and explained the way education takes place there, which was later followed up with a visit to the Sportsground. Dr. Ananda Reddy of SACAR held sessions with them on the deeper meaning of the Vedas and their relevance and applicability in today's life. A visit to Sharanam - an inspirational rural training centre of Sri Aurobindo Society, was arranged where they sanctified the atmosphere with vibrant Vedic chanting. There was also an interactive session, in Sanskrit, with Chinmayee-di, after which Shivakumar concluded the Camp programme by highlighting the task ahead for the teachers and students of modern India.
Visit by Students of Panduranga Shastri Vidyapeeth, Mumbai - 8 & 9 Oct. 2008
Eleven NRI students from Panduranga Shastri Vidyapeeth, Mumbai, visited the Ashram on 8 & 9 Oct. 2008, and the Society arranged introductory sessions about the Ashram, Sri Aurobindo Society and Auroville. Shivakumar, Dr. Sampadananda Mishra and Sushanto of Sri Aurobindo Society interacted with them, answering their questions regarding Integral Yoga.
Camp for Students of Bombay International School, Mumbai - 26 Oct. to 1 Nov. 2008
Nine students and Principal of Bombay International School, along with Anahita Sanjana and three of her Yoga students, were at the Ashram for a 6-day educational camp organised by the Society. The students were of about 14yrs. Old. The Camp was co-ordinated by Maitreyee. The sessions included an "Introduction to Sri Aurobindo, the Mother and the Ashram" by Shivakumar, "On Self Development" by Shri Sraddhalu, "On Sanskrit" by Dr. Sampadananda Mishra, "Origami" by Abhipsa and "Developing Concentration" by Shivakumar. There were also visits to Auroville and going around the Ashram. After the camp, on their way back, on 1 Nov. 2008 they visited Thiruvannamalai and Shri Ramana Maharishi's Ashram as well.

News from Branches and Centres
News from Abroad
Visit by the International Secretary
Shri Gopal Bhattacharjee, International Secretary, Sri Aurobindo Society, visited Germany and USA between 20 August and 24 September 2008. In the Society's Weinheim Centre, Germany, he spoke on "The significance of Sri Aurobindo's birthday celebrations". He also conducted a study circle on Sri Aurobindo's "Synthesis of Yoga" and "Letters on Yoga" from 24 to 31 August '08. On the 1st of September he gave a talk on "What is Spirituality?" in a private gathering. Later he spoke on "How to Practice Integral Yoga of Sri Aurobindo" at Fortzheim, about 150 kms. away from Weinheim.
In the USA Shri Bhattacharjee conducted a study circle at the premises of Sri Aurobindo Society, Plattsburgh, on Sri Aurobindo's book "Life Divine" from 8 to 13 September '08. Sri Aurobindo's birthday celebration was organised by the Society in collaboration with the Cultural Association of Plattsburgh on 14th September. Shri Bhattacharjee spoke on "What does Sri Aurobindo stand for?" On 17th September at Burlington Shri Bhattacharjee met a group of people and discussed with them the solution to terrorism in the light of Sri Aurobindo.
Nairobi (Kenya)
On 20 August 2008, three members of Nairobi Centre presented 6000 booklets in twelve different titles to Gertrude's Children's Hospital at the Sri Aurobindo Bhavan, Nairobi. The hospital has received four previous offerings of booklets over the last three years. The hospital expressed its gratitude and said that the booklets benefit and enlighten the patients and the hospital staff.

News from India Tiruchi (Tamil Nadu)
The Tiruchirappalli Centre celebrated its anniversary on 2 October 2008. Ms. K.G. Meenakshi, Correspondent, Sivananda Balalaya, Trichy, presided over the meeting. Smt. Anandhi Durai, Jt. Editor, Panimalar, Chennai, gave a talk on "Because Thou Art". Approximately 200 people attended the meeting.
Glimpses of the Exhibition, inaugurated by Shri Alexander Mohan, Commissioner of Police, Trichy
The Centre also organised an exhibition of books, flowers and their spiritual significance & photographs of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. The exhibition was inaugurated by Shri Alexander Mohan, Commissioner of Police, Trichy. A separate sales counter was also put up. About 1,000 people visited the exhibition and enjoyed it immensely.
Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
The Chennai Branch organised the following lectures during the month of September 2008 as a part of the celebrations of Sri Aurobindo's birth anniversary:
Date Speaker Topic 01.09.2008 Shri M.K. Ramaswamy "Radha's Consciousness" 07.09.2008 Kavimamani Elayavan "True Silence" 14.09.2008 Shri Janakan "Life Divine" 21.09.2008 Shri M.K. Ramaswamy "Ordinary Outlook" 28.09.2008 Shri S. Rangarajan "Two Levers to touch the Soul"
In addition to the above, Shri M.K. Ramaswamy delivered a series of lectures on The Mother's "Prayers and Meditations" every Saturday between 06:30 and 07:00 pm at the end of daily collective meditation.
Activities in Madhya Pradesh
Yog Shivir at Nowgong: Nowgong is one among five Relics Centres in Madhya Pradesh. Here Holy Relics installed on 04 April 1987 by Shri Chandradeep ji. From 1 to 15 Sept. 2008 a Yog Shivir was organised at Nowgong centre in M.P. Yogasanas and health tips along with some general information on Sri Aurobindo and the Mother was given to the participants. About 60 Participants (25 women and 35 men) attended the camp. On 14 and 15 Sept. Dr Rajiv Dixit spoke on "'Remain Healthy Without Doctors And Medicines".
Foundation Day of SAS celebrated at Bhopal: To mark the foundation day of Sri Aurobindo Society, Bhopal Branch, a programme was held at Bhopal on 19 Sept 2008. Shri Manoj Sharma, Vice Chairman of M.P. SAS, spoke on the objects and general functioning of Sri Aurobindo Society. Dr D. N. Joshi narrated the various activities of Bhopal Centre since its beginning. A healthy discussion was held for more efficient working of the Centre.
Programme on Indian Culture at Rewa: The Padra Centre of Sri Aurobindo Society organised a programme on 'Indian Culture' at Raipur (Karchulian) in Rewa District in Madhya Pradesh on 22 Oct. 2008, under the title "Sri Aurobindo aur Bhartiya Sanskriti" (Sri Aurobindo and Indian Culture).
Glimpses of the Programme on Indian Culture at Rewa
In the house packed courtyard of Higher Secondary School, Raipur (Kar) about 300 students of senior secondary classes attended the programme. About 50 members of the teaching staff and members of Society were also present. Dr. Motilal Varma, member of SAS State Committee; Shri Ramesh Mishra of Saligramam Centre (Chennai, Tamilnadu); Shri Prakash Verma of Jabalpur; and Shri Amar Singh Dangi of Bhopal Branch were the special guests.
Glimpses of the Programme on Indian Culture at Rewa
The programme began with chanting of shlokas from Vedas and Bhajan by Ms Anubha Bhattacharya of Mahasua Centre. Shri Harish Sharma, Chairman of Padra Centre, delivered the welcome speech. Shri Desh Narayan Sharma made the introductory speech. Shri Manoj Sharma (Bhopal) was the keynote speaker. With relevant quotations from Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, he emphasised that Spirituality is the essence or soul of Indian Culture. Dr K.N. Verma (Mahasua) presided over the functoin. Vote of thanks was given by Principal of the School Mr. P.V. Khare. Noted poet Shri Ram Saroj Dwivedi conducted the programme. Newly published booklet of SAS (Hindi zone) "Ideal parents, Ideal teacher and Ideal Child" distributed freely along with other Hindi booklets received from SAS (Hindi zone) Head quarter Noida. Prasad was distributed to all, after the programme.

Noida (U.P.) - October 2008 Programmes
Special Programmes:
Bhajan Sangeet: View of Smt. Madhavi Chandolikar; Shri Rajesh Chandolikar accompanied on Tabla and Shri Yashovardhan on Harmonium
View of Audience: (front row - Right to Left) Sh. R.C. Lahoti, former Chief Justice of India; Sh. T.N. Chaturvedi, former Governor of Karnataka; Sh. Mahesh Prasad, IAS and others
Bhajan-Sangeet: A programme of 'Bhajan-Sangeet' on Sri Aurobindo and The Mother by noted singer Mrs. Madhavi Chandolikar, was organised at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan on 10 October 2008. Shri Rajesh Chandolkar accompanied on Tabla and Shri Yashovardhan on Harmonium. The performance was extremely scintillating and the participants greatly appreciated the programme. About 140 devotees and their families including Sh. R.C. Lahoti, former Chief Justice of India; Sh. T.N. Chaturvedi, former Governor of Kartnataka; Shri Mahesh Prasad, IAS; Shri Vijay Poddar, Chairman, Sri Aurobindo Society (Hindi Zone) and others participated in the programme.
Annual Conference (Hindi Zone) 2008: Annual Conference of Sri Aurobindo Society (Hindi Zone) is being organised in Noida on 6 & 7 December 2008. Apart from the organisational meeting of the delegates, three sessions on 'Indian Culture' will be held. For more details, please contact Dr. S.C. Tyagi, Ramjiwan Nagar, Chilkana Road, Saharanpur-247 001 (Ph : 0132-2653877) or Shri Suresh Gupta, Sri Aurobindo Bhawan, C56/36, Sector-62, Noida-201 301 (Ph : 0120-3263313). All are cordially invited.
Education at Sri Aurobindo Shiksha Niketan: 28 October 2008: The children of Sri Aurobindo Shiksha Niketan celebrated Deepavali festival by holding competitions like 'Diya Decoration', 'Painting Competition' etc. Gifts were given to all the children besides prizes to winning participants. Sweets were also distributed on the occasion.
2, 9, 16 and 23 October 2008: Dr. Puneesh Taneja came on these days to Sri Aurobindo Bhavan and interacted for two hours with the children of Sri Aurobindo Shiksha Niketan. Poems, Stories, importance of good manners and discipline were explained to the children.
Health: Treatment by Homeopathy: Homeopathy Dispensary for two hours daily from Monday to Saturday by Dr. Ajay Srivastava at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan is going on well.
Treatment by Acupressure Therapy: Acupressure Treatment for two hours daily from Monday to Friday by Mrs. Sudha Kesharwani at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan is going on well. While giving treatment, she is also using the relevant quotations of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, and the persons coming for acupressure treatment are evincing keen interest in them. Free Eye Check-up/Consultation on every Sunday at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan: Free Eye Check-up/Consultation is being organised on every Sunday, for two hours from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm by Dr. P.S. Chauhan, Eye Specialist and Project Director, National Blindness Control Programme, Govt. of India, at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan, Noida.
Development of Women: Sewing & Tailoring Classes: Sewing & Tailoring Classes are being conducted daily from Monday to Friday at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan by Smt. Jaishree Nigam and about twenty ladies are learning the same.
Other Activities: Besides the above, regular activities of reading of "Savitri", meditation with the Mother's music daily in the morning and evening, Library, playing of spiritual audio/video CDs etc. are held.

Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh)
A largely attended special meeting was organised on 21 September 2008 at the lecture hall of the Sri Aurobindo Vidyalaya, Tirupati, at which 'Saraswathi Putra & Sahasravadhani' Dr. Medasani Mohan, Director, Annamacharya Project, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, spoke on "Sri Krishna Tattvam" in the Mahabharata and Srimad Bhagavatam.
Guntur (Andhra Pradesh)
On 27 September 2008 Shri P.C. Swaroop gave a talk at the Guntur Branch on the "Relevance of Sri Aurobindo for Modern Times". Shri B. Venkatramaiah presided over the function. Felicitation was given to Shri Mantena Krishnam Raju, Chairman, Sri Aurobindo Society, Khajipalem, Andhra Pradesh. About 60 people attended the programme.
Andhra University - Sri Aurobindo Annual Lecture
The Andhra University organised the 6th Sri Aurobindo Annual Lecture on 26 Sept. 2008. The talk was delivered by Lt. Gen (Retd.) Ashoke Chatterjee, Director, Sri Aurobindo International Institute of Educational Research (SAIIER), Auroville. The subject was "Indian Heritage in the Light of Sri Aurobindo".
Dehradun (Uttarakhand)
Shri Pradeep Narang, Chairman, Sri Aurobindo Society delivered a talk on "Triple Transformation" on 21 September 2008 from 10:30 am to 12:00 noon. About 50 persons participated. After the talk there was a question-answer session.
Shri K. Pawan, Chairman of Sri Aurobindo Society, Patiala branch interacted with the students of different schools on 4 October 2008 from 12:30 noon to 02:00 pm on "Self Development". About 45 students attended in this interactive programme. On 4 October evening and 5 October morning Shri Pawan held Study Sessions on 'Savitri'.
Chakradharpur (Jharkhand)
Sri Aurobindo's birth anniversary was observed by the Chakradharpur Centre on 15 August 2008. The celebrations started with the hoisting of the Mother's flag by Chairperson of the Centre followed by meditation on the Mother's organ music. Children of the Children's Corner sang songs and read a few pages from the book "Sweet Words of the Sweet Mother". A library was inaugurated in the Centre by Shri Shyama Pada Sinha by placing the copies of "Savitri" in Hindi, English and Bengali.
Sri Aurobindo Complex Trust (SACT), Bangalore
The following talks were held at the Sri Aurobindo Complex, J.P. Nagar, Bangalore: On 25 August 2008 Prof. Manoj Das spoke on "Conquest of Death - Dream or Reality" On 4 September 2008 Prof. Chandrashekar Rath spoke on "Vedas & Upanishads in the Light of Sri Aurobindo".

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What does it mean to be called an Aurovilian?

Home > Journals & Media > Journals > Auroville Today > Current issue > October 2008
The main topic of the October 2008 issue deals with our neighbours.
It's a phenomenon seen all over the world. When a place acquires a certain level of complexity and dynamism, it attracts not only new residents but also people who wish to live close by. Are they coming for economic gain or is there a deeper connection?
The issue further carries an article on the Matrimandir Crane, on the and on the Svaram workshop. The section new books carries a review of the latest book of former International Advisory Council member Marc Luyckx Ghisi, titled The Knowledge Society, reports on a salsa workshop and the latest interaction of the cat Pelagius…
Here follow a few of the articles. We wish you happy reading. Please subscribe if you want to read more, or ask for a free copy. Details are elsewhere on this web page.

Editorial
Our neighbours
Cashing-in on Auroville? Signs on the ‘ Auroville Main Road ' from the East Coast Road to Kuilapalayam village.
It's a phenomenon seen all over the world. When a place acquires a certain level of complexity and dynamism, it attracts not only new residents but also people who wish to live close by.
Auroville is no exception. Over recent years the explosion of buildings coming up on the fringes of Auroville – houses, guest-houses and shops – confirms that, whether we like it or not, a ‘greater Auroville' is already here.
Some Aurovilians fear the worst; that these people are coming here only to feed off Auroville, not to give anything back. Certainly, in the case of many of the shops and businesses mushrooming up around us, the commercial motive is predominant. Then there are those who just want to benefit from all that Auroville has achieved so far. These live close by because of the greenery, peace and cleanliness, or because of the cosmopolitan nature of the community that manifests in stimulating conversations, cross-cultural performances, exotic food and workshops.
Yet when Auroville Today went out to interview our neighbours, we discovered that a surprising number of those living around Auroville are attracted by something deeper, by Auroville's ideals and by the writings and example of Mother and Sri Aurobindo (some have been studying them for many years). Many of these people have an Ashram background or have been visiting Auroville for many years; many have long-time friendships with Aurovilians. While they eat at Auroville restaurants or attend our cultural events, these people are not interested in just benefitting. Some of them make regular financial contributions. Many of them would like a more active exchange, to offer their skills and energy in helping Auroville grow.
However, some Aurovilians believe that there is an essential asymmetry: that it's impossible not to take more than you give if you live in proximity to Auroville but don't commit yourself fully to the experience. So why don't these people become Aurovilians? Some tried but, for one reason or another, (the difficulty of finding accommodation is often cited) it didn't work out. Many have family responsibilities, work circumstances or physical problems that prevent them living here full-time. Some feel unwilling to make the large financial commitment necessitated by building in Auroville if they have no way of recuperating their costs should the experience not work out. Others want to retain a certain freedom – for example, in how they run their businesses – which they don't think possible if they join Auroville.
In other words, for quite a number of our well-meaning neighbours Auroville remains a step too far.
This raises an interesting question – what does it mean to be called an Aurovilian? Is it limited to those physically living on this plot of land or can we conceive of something larger? Then again, if ‘Aurovilian' is too precious a term to be shared freely, could there be other relations? Some of our neighbours would like some kind of status that recognises their commitment to our ideals and their wish to help us. Could we revive the Friends of Auroville, albeit in a new form, for people like these?
Or, as one of them put it, would we prefer living in an exclusive club?
“Do not close the door to us”
“I do not belong to anything”
Dayakara – a dog’s paradise
An upbeat bike repair shop
The ‘Road’
The Matrimandir crane
“We became a dance family”

Sri Aurobindo Aradhana Centre, Bangalore

Since its inception, there have been various activities at the Sri Aurobindo Aradhana Trust towards realising the aims and objectives of the Trust. Special programs are organised to propagate the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother and bring together people from all walks of life through these ideals. Programs that inspire and nourish the mind by a process of enquiry through discourses, lectures, talks, seminars, meditation and appreciation programs on art, culture and music. OBJECTIVES people the trust

The Sri Aurobindo Aradhana Centre, Bangalore is an active spiritual, cultural & social organization committed to propagating the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother and integrating these into every walk of life.

The Trust, a non-profit voluntary organization, came into being on December 4, 1992, under the guidance of Shri Dyaman Bhai, Managing Trustee and Shri M.P. Pandit of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry. Having made its mark in the realization of the philosophy and teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, the trust has embarked upon the ambitious project of creating its own premises at Green Fields, Bangalore, North.

The Objectives of the Centre are

• A Research Centre for exploring the spiritual significance of Nature and Her many splendoured bounty, as elucidated by the Mother
• A sponsor of University Graduates conducting research on Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, by providing accommodation and infrastructure facilities
• Guidance Camps for Integral Yoga and Meditation as well as Physical Education
• Exhibition Centre of various mediums in celebration of the splendour and glory of Nature
• Unique Education Centre structured on the vision of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother for the development of a wholesome individual with integral character through the training of a multi-level consciousness of the physical, vital, mental, psychic and the spiritual
• Health Care Centre promoting the concept of simple living and high thinking through exotic, yet simple, inexpensive and highly effective branches of alternative medicine including flower therapy, health treatment and nutritive health foods
• Spiritual Retreat with residential facilities and access to the numerous in-house activities, for specific periods towards the rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul
• Women Empowerment to help realize the fullest potential of women as the ultimate home maker and nurturer of the family through specialized training programmes aimed at according economic independence to women with dignity and honour
• Training Centre for the fine arts through short-term and integrated courses in music, drawing, painting, crafts, flower arrangement and landscaping
• Store-house of knowledge through a well-built library of books and Audio-visual material on the Mother and Sri Aurobindo.
• Translation, Printing and Publishing of the writings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother

MANORAMA VIRA Managing Trustee
Manorama Vira, Manu, as she is popularly known, is a noted name in the world of Bonsai, Saikei and Ikebana and is fine tuned to this splendid art with her outstanding accomplishments in the aesthetic forms of dance, music and painting. A fitting testimony to Manu's special talents has been the naming of a special Hibiscus flower after her name by the Lalbagh Horticulture Society, Bangalore...

Her dream project of having a centre building for the Mother's work at Bangalore got completed in 2005 and was inaugurated by the then Governor of Karnataka - Sri T.N. Chaturvedi on 21st Feb 2005.