Insight Seminars

Introduction Programs

Inside India offers a range of professional programs and seminars, with special emphasis on introduction to Auroville for guests.

Experience Auroville

Many visitors find Auroville an intense and stimulating experience but find it difficult to get into a deeper understanding. Our programs, which can be booked for individuals or groups, will help to feel the energy of the place and get an overall perspective. They are conducted by Aurovilians and will introduce the different aspects and dimensions of this international community.

Our 3 to 5 day explorations are designed to present the ideals and realities of life in Auroville. In these days presentations are given on the history, spirit and vision of the emerging township. Visits to various places and interaction with people involved in projects provide opportunities to enter into a more direct contact with the diverse aspects of Auroville. For groups, programs in several languages can be arranged.

A special 10-day experience includes several seminar sessions on the spiritual dimension of Auroville. The program intends to give a more in-depth knowledge of the various activities and work areas in the community. It is designed to be especially helpful also for people who have the intention of joining Auroville in the future. We have conducted them many times for groups coming via Auroville International and other organizations. They are also ideal for families with children, since we can make special arrangements for them.

…if time is limited – Guided insights into Auroville and / or Puducherry

Inside India is also organizing guided half and full day tours in Auroville and Puducherry (Pondicherry). These tours can either give a general overview of Puducherry and/or Auroville, or can be customized to suit specific interests. Those escorting the guests reside in Auroville and possess a good knowledge of both Auroville and Puducherry. The tours are offered in several regional and international languages including Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Tamil, French, Spanish, Italian, German, English and Flemish.

Insight Seminars

Besides conducting yoga and study tours, Inside India also organizes lectures and seminars for groups and individual visitors. Our regular Insight Seminar program presents various dimensions of Auroville and offers insights into the spiritual & cultural richness of South India. These seminars have received excellent feedback from the participants.

1. Weekly Interactive Sessions on Auroville

These introduction programs are for people who wish to explore various aspects of Auroville. The interactive seminar sessions are conducted with the intention of expanding and enhancing the knowledge on Auroville. They bring a deeper understanding of the community and enable a more enthusiastic participation in a particular field of interest. The presentations, Monday to Friday, are conducted throughout the year (except the monsoon and summer months) at 10:30 am at the Inside India main building in Auroshilpam and present the following topics:

Mondays: Introduction to the Vision and Concept of Auroville

Tuesdays: Education in Auroville

Wednesdays: Economy and Organization

Thursdays: Eco-Restoration & Green Work

Fridays: Town Planning and Architecture

2. Introduction to the Spiritual Dimension of Auroville

For special groups we have been holding courses on the spiritual background of Auroville for many years. Recently, however, we have been noticing an increasing demand for these programs. Not only groups but also individual guests frequently express their wish to know more about the “deeper level” of the community. This 2-day introductory program is offered for registered guests in Auroville, who wish to know more about the “deeper level” of the community. The seminar includes presentations on Mother and Sri Aurobindo, simple and well-structured introduction to Integral Yoga, Evolution of Consciousness and Yoga of Matter, insight into the Vision and Aims of Auroville and into basic aspects of individual and collective practice. We also focus on practical explorations by sharing moments of silence and inner reflection.

Prior registration is required; the dates are published in the News & Notes and on the Auroville Intranet. For larger groups a separate program can be organized on request.

3. Introduction to the Highlights of Tamil Nadu

Based on one of Inside India's frequently booked South India tours, we present an introduction to the cultural and spiritual richness of Tamil Nadu. Over 2000 years of continuous cultural history finds expression in majestic temple architecture that has been preserved in its original form and reflects a remarkable spiritual and religious tradition. Impressive gopurams (entrance gates), grandiose colonnades, magnificent arcades, and exquisite sculptures bear witness to a rich past. Most of the places are closely connected with a particular aspect of Hindu mythology. Visual impressions are given through a multimedia show. The dates are published in the News & Notes and on the Auroville Intranet.

Places covered: Chidambaram – Gangaikondacholapuram – Swamimalai – Darasuram – Tanjavur – Madurai – Sri Rangam – Tiruvannamalai – Mahabalipuram – Tirukalikundram

4. Insight Seminars for Study and Yoga Tours

Apart from our regular programs, on special request we also offer customized seminars. Insight programs for individuals or groups are not limited in scope and can be organized for various fields of interest. In the Auroville context, we are for instance often asked to provide programs presenting activities such as Social Development, Renewable Energy and Architecture. The participants of many of our yoga tours are frequently interested in Indian spiritual thought, mythology, philosophy and the cultural heritage of India.

For more information please contact:

Insight Seminar at insight@auroville.org.in

An activity of Inside India - Auroville's IATA Travel Agency

Auroshilpam

605 101 Auroville, India

Ph: 0091-413-2622555

E - mail: insideindia@auroville.org.in

http://www.inside-india.com

Or visit our front office:

The Travel Shop

Pillayar Koil Street, Kuilapalayam

605 101 Auroville, India

Ph: +91 - 413-2623030 / 2622078 / 2622604

Opening Timings: 09:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 17:00

E - mail: travelshop@auroville.org.in