Joining Auroville -To Live and Work in Auroville

(Drafted by Shyam Sunder, approved and signed by Mother on 20th February, 1971)

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 organize 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.

Blessings

Spiritual Practice

• The Mother’s Charter of Auroville, The Dream, and To be a True Aurovilian are the basis of life for an Auroville Resident; applicants should read and commit to their realization.
• Auroville is rooted in the Integral Yoga of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother—a holistic and spiritual path seeking not escape from the world but the divinisation of life itself. Residents strive for transformation of consciousness, individually and collectively, using work, education, and service as Karma Yoga.

Building the City

• Auroville’s gazetted Master Plan is conceived in the form of a Galaxy, reflecting a cohesive urban vision that integrates spiritual, cultural, economic, and ecological dimensions. The Galaxy Plan was created by architect Roger Anger under The Mother’s direct guidance. Residents are expected to participate in this collective work of building the city.
• Respect for Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage—and for the cultures of all nations—is essential.
• All who live within Auroville are bound by the Auroville Residence Criteria (see downloadable PDF below).

Economy & Contribution

• Residents are expected to contribute to the collective in full-time work, kind, and money, engaging in work for the collective through an Auroville unit or service is a must.
• Auroville aims to build an economy of generosity and sharing toward “the city the earth needs.”
• Non-ownership of immovable assets within Auroville is a core collective principle.

Residents are encouraged to cover their own expenses where possible and support the community’s general expenses.

Housing & daily life

• Residents live in the residential asset allocated by the Housing Service and are expected to reside year-round in Auroville.
• In the spirit of sadhana, residents have no house servants and strive to take up all work themselves.

Social conduct, conflicts & the law

• Auroville stands for human unity; discrimination is not acceptable.
• Propagation of religious or sectarian beliefs is not in line with Auroville’s vision.
• Residents abstain from party politics and from politicising Auroville’s internal affairs.
• Internal conflicts are first addressed in a spirit of brotherhood, with help from working groups when needed (notwithstanding cases of violence or abuse).
• Indian law is to be respected; drug use is prohibited both by The Mother’s direction and by law.

“The ideal Aurovilian, eager to become conscious of the Divine Consciousness, takes neither tobacco, nor alcohol, nor drugs.” — The Mother

Reference: 

Download the Auroville Residence Criteria 2024: