Auroville: The Greatest Visionary Feat of Humanity Ever

Amidst the global scape of human achievements and ambitious projects, remains a singular entity emblematic of visionary endeavor and spiritual receptivity: Auroville. Conceived by Mirra Alfassa, known as the Mother by Sri Aurobindo, Auroville stands as a beacon of fusion between the infinite and finite, the timeless realm of spirituality and the tangible reality of human creation.

Origins and Vision

The concept of Auroville was first sparked by Mirra Alfassa, who envisioned a city born from the collective consciousness of humanity. Much like the ancient city of Akhenaten, Auroville aims to transcend traditional boundaries, becoming a place that belongs to humanity, not any particular leader or deity. The Mother pondered on Akhenaten's city in Upper Egypt, noting, 'Akhenaten’s attempt was premature for the human mind was not yet ready for it. It had however to be undertaken in order to ensure the continuity of its existence on the mental plane.' Auroville thus represents this continuity but on a broader scale, focusing not only on mental realization but also physical and spiritual embodiment.

The Charter and Mission

The Charter of Auroville defines its mission with clarity and depth, emphasizing education, progress, unity, and forward-thinking. It states:

Auroville belongs to nobody in particular. Auroville belongs to humanity as a whole. But to live in Auroville one must be a willing servitor of the Divine Consciousness.

Auroville envisions itself as the bridge between the past and the future, harnessing both external and internal discoveries to shape a future where human unity is not only a philosophical ideal but a living reality. Christopher Isherwood once wrote: 'Auroville is the fire of the earth rather of the earth’s soul as well as India’s soul.' This fire symbolizes the transformative and creative energy that drives Auroville forward, transcending economic and political systems and moving towards a new kind of social order that looks beyond 'isms' like capitalism and communism.

Symbolism and Poetry

Thoughts and expressions about Auroville often evoke a deep sense of awe and wonder through poetry and symbolism. For instance, the poem by Roger Harris captures the essence of Auroville in several verses:

These poetic lines reflect the dual nature of Auroville, embodying both transformation and revolution, while also acknowledging the challenges and uncertainties that such a aspiration entails.

Evolution and Progress

While Auroville has been a dream for decades, its realization is a testament to human perseverance and aspiration. The early years saw land excavation for the foundation of the Matrimandir, one of the most symbolic and recognizable landmarks of Auroville. Despite ongoing challenges, the journey towards Auroville’s envisioned destiny continues.

Conclusion: Toward an Unrealized City

As painted by the Mother and Sri Aurobindo, Auroville must evolve into a perfect world, "beginning with a model town and ending with a perfect world." While its development may have followed a slower path than initially envisioned, the absolute certainty of its realization remains unwavering. Despite hinderances, Auroville manifests the timeless desire for a better, more unified human existence, symbolized in Roger Harris' verse as "toward an unknown earth / That in our hearts does rest / And slowly comes to birth / Breaking slowly forth."