The Mother on Auroville
© Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust, Pondicherry, India
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Administrative Notes
(This section is composed of some of the oral answers of The Mother as well as those notes presented to The Mother for consideration which were approved. She has signed most of these with 'Blessings' or 'yes'. The entries appear in chronological order.)
(About industries)
Each case is a special one and must be considered separately. No categories.
11.4.1966
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(About setting up a workshop)
At present it is preferable to undertake only what is indispensable immediately, and to leave the future to take care of itself.
23.6.1966
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(The Mother was asked about the external arrangements for the birth of an Auroville child.
About the people to be present she said, “Only the doctor and the father”, and added:)
The most important thing is to be quiet, in a peaceful atmosphere, so that the Force can work without disturbance.
+1967
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According to my experience it was unwise from the beginning to distribute application-forms for employment, for only less capable people use them. Men who are capable and have experience have no need at all to ask for work, they always have more than they can handle.
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It would be more interesting to have an information office where those who are interested in the idea of Auroville could come to find out what work is to be done and what personnel is needed.
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To be at the head of the Liaison Office, one must feel absolutely equal towards each and every nation. A complete sincerity is required in this attitude!
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Q: To raise funds for Auromodel, what shall we do?
The more you chase funds the less you get. What you should do is to inform people about Auroville. That is important.
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The Mother does not agree to any new committees for Auroville
She says:
“No more committees,
No more useless talk.”
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Admission to Auroville is subject to approval by The Mother.
There will be a trial period of one year. This period can be made longer or shorter.
People living in Auroville should not provide hospitality there to others who have not been accepted to live there.
Those who have been accepted should lead an Aurovilian life the main principles of which have been clearly indicated by The Mother.
Everyone should work at least five hours every day including Sundays. Working for oneself is not working for the community. Each member of the community should have an activity that corresponds to the needs of Auroville.
Drugs are forbidden in Auroville.
When Auroville is a city there will be several kitchens providing different types of food. But even now individuals should not cook for themselves. It is better to organise kitchens for groups.
Those who live in Auroville should aspire for the new life.
The Mother will decide whether a member of the community can become an Aurovilian—which implies having the Auroville consciousness. Until then he is not an Aurovilian.
20.2.1971
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Whenever a woman is about to have a child at the Auroville Maternity Home, The Mother should be informed.
The children born in Auroville are naturally Aurovilians and Auroville will be responsible for them. But if the parents take the children away from Auroville with them, Auroville's responsibility comes to an end.
3.4.1971
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For the smooth running of Auroville all individual questions about the life of Auroville should be presented to The Mothr by Shyam Sunder and nobody else.
5.4.1971
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All construction projects should be submitted to the Construction Service before being sanctioned by The Mother.
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Auromodel will be developed as a first attempt at community life in Auroville. At the centre of Auroville we shall build huts for twenty to thrity people who will participate in the construction of the Matrimandir and in its organisation.
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Nothing should be built in Auroville, not even temporary huts, without the agreement of the Construction Service of Auroville.
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Auroville is in the construction stage and disciplined workers are needed.
Those who do not want or are not able to follow a discipline should not be here at present.
Good will, sincerity and discipline are indispensable qualities for those who want to be Aurovilians.
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In this country cleanliness is indispensable to avoid typhoid.
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Smoking must not become a public menace.
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Those who cannot do without smoking may do it in a room expressly set aside for the purpose.
1971
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Aspiration is a place to work for Auroville. Those who do not work should make room for the workers who are needed.
22.7.1971
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The building of the Matrimandir now requires the support of all men of good will, both inside and outside Auroville.
The help of specialised and qualified contractors, backed and supported by the enthusiasm and faith of the Aurovilians, is necessary for its rapid construction.
10.10.1971
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About the fire at the Aspiration Workshop, The Mother said that her protection was not effective because the atmosphere there was very bad. There was no harmony, sincerity, faith, or trust in the Divine; everyone was working for his own satisfaction and not with an aspiration for the Divine.
The blow is hard but it is a lesson that must be put to use. They must start again, start again with the true attitude of working for the transformation.
12.3.1972
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(On the note recording The Mother's remarks:
“Children below 15 years will see only educational films. Care should be taken in selecting films to be shown in Auroville.” – She wrote:
All that encourages the lower movements and actions must be avoided.
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The Mother has clearly indicated that from now on, for various reasons, above all, reasons of safety, construction of thatched houses should not be undertaken.
Consequently, future constructions, even temporary ones, should not include bamboo or thatch and should receive the technical approval of Aurofuture/State House.
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…while putting things in order, be very careful not to offend the people from the Tamil village. It has been very difficult for us to win their confidence and nothing should be done which could make them lose this new-born confidence which is of a capital importance.
Take with you someone who knows and speaks Tamil fluently so that you can talk with them and explain things to them.
They are your brothers in spirit—this should never be forgotten.
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The Mother has advised that all requests to the various Auroville associations abroad, for money, books, any objects or equipment should be centralised by Shyam Sunder who will organise the distribution of the requests and establish an order of priority according to the needs of Auroville.
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We are always too attracted by animals, and it is more interesting to look to the future than towards the past.
As far as I am concerned, a zoo does not interest me. We already tend to be too attached to animality rather than supermentality.
31.8.1972
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I understand that you do not like us to have dogs and cats in our houses. Is that right?
The Mother does not at all approve of any kind of religious ceremony in connection with any religious festival.
28.10.1972
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When asked about recruiting people for Auroville The Mother said:
We don't want any recruitment.
Oct. 1972
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