Meet the Aurovillians, a unique global community rooted in Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy and Integral Yoga, striving for unity, innovation, and sustainable living since 1968.
The Aurovillians are the heart and soul of Auroville, a diverse community made up of individuals from over 60 countries. Together, they embody a shared commitment to Sri Aurobindo’s vision of human evolution through Integral Yoga and a desire to foster unity beyond national, religious, and social divides. This experimental township, founded in 1968, continues to serve as a global model for alternative living, offering a unique blend of spirituality, innovation, and ecological consciousness.
At its core, Auroville’s strength lies in its people—each Aurovillian plays an active role in the community’s daily functioning, from education and agriculture to arts, social work, and sustainable development. With more than 50 years of progress, Auroville is one of the longest-standing intentional communities in the world, where every day is a step towards realizing the Mother’s dream of a universal township. Inside India invites travelers to experience this vibrant community firsthand.
Auroville’s Social Experiment: A Vision of Human Unity
Auroville is a living laboratory where people from around the world work towards a shared human future.
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Aurovillian life is a conscious experiment in human unity and social evolution, where diversity, innovation, and cooperation are key to building a new, inclusive way of life.
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Founded on the principles of human unity, Auroville is a grand experiment in creating a society that transcends borders, religions, and ideologies. Aurovillians, hailing from more than 60 countries, come together with a common purpose: to live in harmony and build a future based on collaboration rather than competition. The community runs on the principles of shared responsibility and self-governance, with individuals contributing to a wide array of social and environmental projects.
From its educational systems to its alternative economy, Auroville is constantly testing new ideas for a more inclusive and sustainable society. Many of its initiatives—such as eco-friendly construction techniques, alternative schooling models, and innovative healthcare—have become global benchmarks for forward-thinking communities. The focus is always on the collective good, pushing beyond individual needs.
Visitors can learn about this social experiment through Inside India’s immersive experiences. Explore how Auroville functions as a society on their community page.
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Integral Yoga: The Foundation of Aurovillian Life
Integral Yoga guides the spiritual and practical lives of Aurovillians, shaping their inner and outer growth.
Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga aims for the holistic development of individuals, integrating spirituality into daily life, and forms the bedrock of the Aurovillian way of living.
At the heart of Auroville’s community life is Integral Yoga, the philosophy developed by Sri Aurobindo. Unlike traditional yoga, Integral Yoga emphasizes the evolution of consciousness by harmonizing the mind, body, and spirit. For Aurovillians, this practice is not limited to meditation or spiritual retreat but extends into everyday life—whether through work, relationships, or service to the community.
Integral Yoga teaches that all of life is a spiritual practice, and Aurovillians seek to embody these principles through self-development, service, and collective harmony. Every aspect of their existence, from running community schools to farming organically, reflects this holistic approach. The community provides regular opportunities for residents and visitors alike to engage with Integral Yoga through workshops, meditation, and discussions.
Inside India offers specialized tours that introduce travelers to the deeper philosophy of Auroville, including practical experiences in Integral Yoga. Learn more about Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy by visiting the Sri Aurobindo Ashram page.
Spirituality and Sustainability: Building a New Future
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In Auroville, spirituality is expressed through concrete actions like ecological restoration, sustainable farming, and community care.
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​Auroville’s spirituality is not confined to personal meditation—it’s about living in harmony with nature, fostering sustainable practices, and nurturing a future where human and environmental well-being thrive together.
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Aurovillian life is an active pursuit of spirituality expressed through conscious engagement with the natural world. Aurovillians work tirelessly to restore the environment, having transformed over 50 years of barren land into thriving ecosystems, teeming with trees, birds, and wildlife. Through practices like organic farming, rainwater harvesting, and renewable energy projects, they embody their spiritual commitment to sustainability.
For the community, sustainability is not just about environmental protection; it’s an integral part of their spiritual path. Aurovillians believe that living in harmony with nature brings about a deeper connection with the self and the divine. Sustainability and spirituality go hand in hand, influencing everything from the design of homes to the way food is grown and shared.
Visitors can explore Auroville’s pioneering work in sustainability through Inside India’s tours, which offer a chance to participate in tree-planting initiatives or visit local organic farms. To understand more about Auroville’s ecological vision, visit Auroville's Ecology page.
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The Aurovillian Commitment: A Life of Service and Learning
Aurovillians live a life of selfless service, constant learning, and collective growth as part of their spiritual journey.
To be an Aurovillian is to embrace a lifelong journey of service, self-improvement, and dedication to creating a harmonious and progressive community based on The Mother’s vision.
The Mother’s vision for Auroville was one of unending growth, where residents would dedicate themselves to the service of humanity and the betterment of the world. To be an Aurovillian is to commit to this path of selfless service and lifelong learning. Each resident is encouraged to work not only for their personal development but for the progress of the community as a whole.
This attitude of self-giving is reflected in every aspect of Auroville’s operations, from education and healthcare to arts and infrastructure. Aurovillians continually engage in new projects, develop new skills, and share their knowledge with one another, fostering a spirit of collective growth.
Auroville offers numerous opportunities for visitors to learn and grow alongside the community through workshops, internships, and immersive experiences organized by Inside India. To
understand what it means to be an Aurovillian, read The Mother’s teachings on Auroville's official site.
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