What one person experienced in following the call to remould life in the multicultural environment of Auroville, and the trust and fraternity that can result.
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Written May 2023
My name is Tanja. I am originally from Germany, and I have been living in Auroville since 2007.
I came to Auroville in search of a community with a spiritual teaching and a sadhana that would enable me to remold my life into an expression of what I had discovered to be my soul. This was the only thing important to me, and I had already searched in vain all over Europe for such a place — for such a gathering of people with the same aim.
On the day of my arrival, I experienced an elevation of consciousness, and many things suddenly became clear to me. On the following day, while attending an Indian classical music concert, I fell into a trance and woke up inwardly, receiving something like an initiation into the yogic sciences, which touched me deeply. Although I visited only for four days, from that moment I was absolutely sure, without a doubt, that I had found my place. Within six months, I freed myself from all obligations and belongings in Germany, said goodbye to family and friends, and moved to Auroville for good. I have been here for 18 years now and, until last year, had never returned to my home country for more than a short summer holiday.
I feel absolutely at home in Auroville and in India and very connected to its people. I am eternally grateful to India, which has preserved its spiritual heritage not only in its traditions but also on an energetic level. This has given me many spiritual experiences and helped me progress on my path — something that would not have been possible elsewhere.
Soon after I arrived in Auroville, I began a five-year Master’s program in Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy, through which I was able to study the path of the Integral Yoga in depth. At the same time, I worked as an architect, since this was my profession, but within a year discovered that this work was not conducive to my growth and sadhana. In Auroville, I had the opportunity to explore many professions and found that teaching children suited my nature the most.
Alongside my work in various schools in Auroville, I am always involved in many projects and groups, which is the true marvel of Auroville. Whenever I feel a new impulse to contribute something to Auroville, I soon encounter others with the same idea, and we form a group to work on it. I have also benefited greatly from the diversity of cultures in Auroville and the fact that none dominates. This has shown me not only the unique contribution of my own culture but also those aspects that were superfluous and could be dropped. I feel that people are becoming more naturally themselves here – more authentic and true- one among many citizens of the world.
My aspiration for Auroville is that it may be allowed to keep growing and progressing in its unique way — a way of equality, trust, and fraternity — where each person can follow their own inner guidance and grow in their own time without being forced into obedience or controlled from outside. A place where residents can speak freely, share their opinions, and participate joyfully in the making of the City the Earth needs: Auroville.
By Tanja Rost