Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry
Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual organization located
in White Town Area of Puducherry Town in Union Territory of Puducherry. The Sri
Aurobindo Ashram located on Rue de la Marine, is one of the most well-known and
wealthiest ashrams in India, with devotees from India and all over the world
flocking towards it for spiritual salvation. Its spiritual tenets represent a
synthesis of yoga and modern science. Children below 3 years of age are not
allowed into the Ashram and photography is allowed only with permission of the
Ashram authorities. The ashram grew out of a small community of disciples
who had gathered around Sri
Aurobindo after he retired from
politics and settled in Pondicherry in 1910.
On 24 November 1926, after a major spiritual
realization, Sri Aurobindo withdrew from public view in order to continue his
spiritual work. At this time, he handed over the full responsibility for the
inner and outer lives of the sadhaks (spiritual aspirants) and the
ashram to his spiritual collaborator, "the Mother", earlier known
as Mirra Alfassa. This date is therefore generally known as the
founding-day of the ashram, though, as Sri Aurobindo himself wrote, it had less
been created than grown around him as its centre.
Related
Organizations
Sri Aurobindo Ashram has only one location. It does not have
any branches. (Sri Aurobindo Ashram – Delhi Branch is a separate organization,
with its own administration.) Many other organizations in Pondicherry and
elsewhere include “Sri Aurobindo” in their name, but they are not part of Sri
Aurobindo Ashram. The most important organization also inspired by the vision
of Sri Aurobindo is Auroville, an international township founded by the Mother and
dedicated to human unity.
Early History
Life in the community that preceded the ashram was
informal. Sri Aurobindo spent most of his time in writing and meditation. The
three or four young men who had followed him to Pondicherry in 1910 lived with
him and looked after the household. Otherwise they were free to do as they
wished. The Mother and French writer Paul Richard met Sri Aurobindo in 1914 and
proposed that they bring out a monthly review; but after the outbreak of World
War I, they were obliged to leave India, and Sri Aurobindo had to do almost all
of the work on the review himself, helped a little by the young men who were
living with him.
In April 1920 the Mother returned to Pondicherry, and
soon the community began to take the form of an ashram, more because
the sadhaks desired to entrust their whole inner and outer life to
the Mother than from any intention or plan of hers or of Sri Aurobindo. After
the ashram was given formal shape in 1926, it experienced a period of rapid
growth, increasing from around 24 in the beginning of 1927 to more than 150 in
1934. The membership leveled off in 1934 owing to a lack of suitable
housing. During these years there was a regular routine.
At 6:00 every morning the Mother appeared on the ashram
balcony to initiate the day with her blessings. Sadhaks would have
woken very early and completed a good portion of the day’s work including
meditation and then assembled under the balcony to receive her blessings. As
the ashram grew, many departments came up and were looked after by
the sadhaks as part of their sadhana: the offices, library,
dining room, book/photograph printing, workshops, sports / playground, art
gallery, dispensary/nursing home, farms, dairies, flower gardens, guest houses,
laundry, bakery, etc.
The heads of the departments met the Mother in the
morning and took her blessings and orders. She would meet the sadhaks
individually again at 10 am and, in the evening at 5:30 pm, she would conduct
meditation and meet the sadhaks. In addition, four times a year Sri Aurobindo
and the Mother used to give public Darshans (spiritual gatherings where the guru bestows
blessings) to thousands of devotees gathered to receive grace.
Present
Status
Once confined to a few buildings in one corner of
Pondicherry, the Ashram’s growth has caused it to expand physically in all
directions. Today Ashramites live and work in more than 400 buildings spread
throughout the town. The central focus of the community is one group of houses
including those in which Sri Aurobindo and the Mother dwelt for most of their
lives in Pondicherry. This interconnected block of houses — called “the Ashram
main-building”, or more usually just “the Ashram” — surrounds a tree-shaded
courtyard, at the centre of which lies the flower-covered “Samadhi”.
This white marble shrine holds, in two separate
chambers, the physical remains of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. Today,
Pondicherry has become an important destination for spiritual seekers as well
as tourists. Thousands of visitors from all over the world come to the ashram. The
visiting hours for the visitors are from 8 am to 12 noon and then again from 2
pm to 6 pm.
Aims
& Ideals
The Ashram, according to Sri Aurobindo, has been created
with another object than that ordinarily common to such institutions, not for
the renunciation of the world but as a centre and a field of practice for the
evolution of another kind and form of life which would in the final end be
moved by a higher spiritual consciousness and embody a greater life of the
spirit. The practice of Integral Yoga, Sri Aurobindo explained, does not
proceed through any set mental teaching or prescribed forms of meditation,
mantras or others, but by aspiration, by a self-concentration inwards or
upwards, by self-opening to an Influence, to the Divine Power above us and its
workings, to the Divine Presence in the heart, and by the rejection of all that
is foreign to these things.
There are many things belonging to older systems that
are necessary on the way — an opening of the mind to a greater wideness and to
the sense of the Self and the Infinite, an emergence into what has been called
the cosmic consciousness, mastery over the desires and passions; an outward
asceticism is not essential, but the conquest of desire and attachment and a
control over the body and its needs, greeds and instincts are indispensable.
There is a combination of the principles of the old systems, the way of
knowledge through the mind’s discernment between Reality and the appearance,
the heart’s way of devotion, love and surrender and the way of works turning
the will away from motives of self-interest to the Truth and the service of a
greater Reality than the ego.
For the whole being has to be trained so that it can
respond and be transformed when it is possible for that greater Light and Force
to work in the nature. The complete method of Integral Yoga aims to transform
human life into a divine life. In Sri Aurobindo's yoga, the highest aim is the
state of being one with the Divine, without the renunciation of life in the
world. For such a fulfillment of the consciousness, the urge for perfection
must not be confined to a few individuals. There must be a general spiritual
awakening and aspiration in mankind as well as a dynamic re-creating of
individual manhood in the spiritual type. This would lead eventually to
the emergence of a new type of being, the gnostic being, which would be the
hope of a more harmonious evolutionary order in terrestrial Nature.
Publications
Sri Aurobindo Ashram is the primary publisher of the
works of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. As of January 2015, it keeps some 200
publications in English in print, of which 78 are books by Sri Aurobindo, 44
books by the Mother, 27 compilations from their works, and 47 books by other
authors. These books are printed at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram Press, which has
been in operation since the 1940s. They are distributed by SABDA, the Ashram’s
book distribution service, which has been in operation since the 1950s.
SABDA also carries books relating to Sri Aurobindo, the
Mother, and their yoga brought out by other publishers, making the number of
English books on their list more than 600. The Ashram also publishes books in
17 other European and Indian languages, for a total of more than 550
publications. SABDA carries these and other non-English titles: in all there
are 1678 titles in 23 languages. The photographs of Sri Aurobindo and The
Mother are printed in house and is available from Ashram reception service. Sizes
are available to suit table top to large wall frames.
Collected
Works
The Complete Works of Sri Aurobindo are being issued in
37 volumes, of which 34 have been published. The Collected Works of the Mother
have been issued in 17 volumes.
Periodicals
The Ashram publishes a number of journals relating to
the philosophy and yoga of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. These are currently
printed at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram Press, though several were earlier brought
out in other cities. Some of Sri Aurobindo’s works first appeared in these and
other journals, among them The Advent, a quarterly, which has recently ceased publication.
The most important journals in English are:
1. Bulletin
of Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education (English-French, formerly Bulletin of
Physical Education), quarterly, Pondicherry, since 1949
2. Mother India (English), monthly, Pondicherry, since 1949
The Ashram press also prints several journals published
by other organizations. These include:
·
All India Magazine (English and other languages), monthly,
Pondicherry
·
Bartika (Bengali), quarterly, Calcutta, since 1942
·
Srinvantu, quarterly, Calcutta, since 1956
·
World Union (English), monthly, Pondicherry
Rules,
Governance & Relations with Local Community
During the early years of the community Sri Aurobindo
and the Mother imposed very few rules on the sadhaks, because they wished
them to learn to direct their lives by looking for the divine guidance within.
After 1926, written rules were circulated. The main rules were an absolute
prohibition of alcohol, drugs, sex and politics. There were also a number of guidelines
for the smooth functioning of the collective life of the community. These rules
were collected in Rules and Regulations of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, copies of
which are given to all members.
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust was established in 1955
to administer the community and its assets. The trust board consists of five
Trustees, the first of whom were chosen by the Mother herself. After her
passing in 1973, the trustees have chosen replacements by consensus. The main
ashram departments are overseen by department heads who report to the Trustees.
The Ashram, a public charitable trust, is open to all.
No distinctions of nationality, religion, caste, gender, or age are observed.
Members come from every part of India and many foreign countries. A large number
of devotees from Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu visit the Ashram every day, and
support the activities of the Ashram in various ways. Many say that they have
benefited from the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. However, some
feel that there is little mingling of ashramites and local people. According to
a senior Ashram official, the practice of silence observed by the Ashramites
may have been misunderstood as rude behavior.
Sexual
Harassment Policy and Allegations
In compliance with the Central Government's Sexual
Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act,
2013, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust constituted an Internal Complaints
Committee in April 2014. In 2001, a female member was expelled from the ashram
for violating a mandatory rule. Thereafter she filed charges of sexual
harassment against various members. These charges were dismissed by committees
and government agencies, all of which found the charges false. The then
chairperson of the National Commission for Women added that there appeared
to be malicious planning behind the complaints.
Visit to
the Samadhi
You can go to the Samadhi for pranam and meditation from
8.00 a.m. to noon and from 2.00 to 6.00 p.m. After 6.00 p.m. a visitor’s pass
is required to enter. Passes can be issued if you are staying in an Ashram
Guest House or by Bureau Central.
Collective
Meditations
On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday there is a
collective meditation around the samadhi from 7.25 to 7.50 p.m. All those with
a visitor pass are welcome to join. On Thursday and Sunday, a collective
meditation is held in the Ashram Playground between 7.45 and 8.15 p.m. This is
open only to members of the Ashram and those visitors staying in the Ashram
guest houses who have been given Playground passes. These must be shown at the
gate.
Exhibition
and Video Programmes at Bureau Central
The exhibition is an introduction to the life and yoga
of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother through their own writings. It also offers a
glimpse into the Ashram and its activities. Every day, except Sundays, there is
a video presentation on one of several topics. The video programmes present the
life and work of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, the Ashram, flowers and their
spiritual significances, etc.
Conducted
Tours
Autocare Services operates two tours every weekday: at
8.15 a.m., to see the Ashram and some of its departments, and at 1.30 p.m., to
visit Auroville (Matrimandir Viewing Point).
Ashram
Bookstores
Visitors can purchase the works of Sri Aurobindo and the
Mother, books written about them or their vision, philosophy, and system of
yoga, as wells as photographs, gift cards, CDs and DVDs, etc. The Service
Branch of the Publication Department is located inside the Ashram compound in
the reception area near the Samadhi. The Kripa Branch is located diagonally across
the road.
The
Ashram Library
The Library has a large collection of books and
periodicals available for reading on site.
Cultural
Programmes
The notice board inside the Ashram main building
announces cultural programmes in such fields as music, dance, art, poetry, and
theatre. These are open to visitors. Some special programmes may require entry
passes, but that would be indicated on the notice board.
Important
Dates & Activities
·
01 January
New Year’s Day
·
21 February
The Mother's birthday (Darshan day)
·
24 April
The Mother's final arrival in Pondicherry (Darshan day)
·
15 August
Sri Aurobindo's birthday (Darshan day)
·
17 November
The Mother's Mahasamadhi
·
20 November
The Mother's body laid to rest
·
24 November
Siddhi Day (Darshan day)
·
01 & 02 December
Anniversary of the Ashram School
·
05 December
Sri Aurobindo's Mahasamadhi
·
09 December
Sri Aurobindo's body laid to rest
Accommodation
There are a few guest
houses run by the Ashram where visitors can
stay for a short while. As the Ashram attracts many visitors throughout the
year, you should make reservations in advance and especially during the Special
Days in the Ashram. Should you arrive at the Ashram without a confirmed
booking, you can go to the Bureau Central, which allots rooms according to
requirements, provided accommodation is available. There are some
Ashram-related guest houses as well as many hotels and lodges in Pondicherry,
but there too one should try to reserve accommodation in advance. Travel sites
on the internet list descriptions and contact information.
Name of Guest House
|
Checkout Time
|
FRO Auth.
|
Park Guest House
1, Goubert Avenue (Beach Road)
Pondicherry – 605001
Phone: +91 413 2224644
/ 2233644
Email: parkgh@sriaurobindoashram.org
Working Hours: 7am - 10pm
|
12.00 p.m.
|
Yes
|
Cottage Guest House
3, Ranga Pillai Street
Pondicherry – 605001
Phone: +91 413 2233610
Working Hours: 8 - 12noon, 2 -
4pm (Sunday) 8.30 - 9.30am
|
12.00 p.m.
|
Yes
|
New Guest House
64, Rue Romain Rolland,
Pondicherry – 605001
Phone: +91 413 2221553
/ 2233634
Email: newguesthouse@gmail.com
Working Hours: 6.30 am - 10 pm
|
12.00 p.m.
|
|
Contact
Aurobindo Ashram,
Puducherry – 605 001
Phone: +91 413 233 604
Email: bureaucentral@sriaurobindoashram.org
Web: www.sriaurobindoashram.org
Connectivity
The Ashram is located very close to the famous Manakula
Vinayagar Temple and Raj Niwas. The Ashram is located at about 200 meters from Aurobindo
Ashram Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Puducherry Main Bus Stand, 2 Kms from Puducherry
Railway Station, 6 Kms from Puducherry Airport and 150 Kms from Chennai
Airport. The Ashram is situated on Pondicherry Bus Stand to JIPMER (Gorimedu)
Bus Route. Tourists can get down at Aurobindo Ashram Bus Stop. The Ashram is
located at a walkable distance from this Bus Stop. Taxis and Autos are also
available to reach this Ashram from any part of Puducherry. Nearest Railway
Station is located at Puducherry. Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry and
Chennai.
Location
