City without politics, religion and nationality

• A city without politics, religion and nationality

Auroville, or "city of dawn" - an international city in southern India, developing under the auspices of UNESCO. Located in Tamil Nadu near the town of Pondicherry. At the request of the city's founders, he has become an experiment to create an international community of people who live outside of politics and religious preferences.

"Somewhere on earth should be a place to which no nation could not claim a right. Where are all the people who have a sincere aspiration, could live freely as citizens of the world, following only one leadership: the leadership of the Supreme Truth "(from the movie" Auroville - the dream of the Divine ").

It seems a fairy tale of the Indiana Jones films, the ancient oriental legend - than anything but the truth. But Auroville does exist.

In 1968, on the day of foundation of the city, representatives of hundreds of countries came to Auroville and brought with them from their native land edges. Black earth piled into the marble urns and buried them near the Matrimandir. Now it is a common gathering place. "Matrimandir" is translated as "Mother Temple" and symbolizes a way of life, which is designed to free people from the constraints of their political, financial and social. He goes back to the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa - an Indian man and a French woman: they ran the ashram, which later became the city of Auroville (Ashram - a place where people live, engaged in intense spiritual practice - Ed...).

Photograph: Anna Shonharting.

Matrimandir is located in the heart of Auroville. This building with a golden dome, where people get together and meditate. In the center, right under the dome - a huge crystal ball. Bright light in the first moments of blinding - during the daylight bowl surrounded by streams of sunlight.

The city was equipped for 50 thousand people. Now the number of permanent residents has two thousand. Most came from India, but there are people from France, Germany, Israel, America, Russia and many other countries. They live in houses located in a spiral that unfolds from the city center, from the Matrimandir. Everyone does his own thing. City tries to support themselves: there are fields, factories, bakeries, a dining room, a solar-powered, schools, cinemas, music school and even local newspapers.

All important decisions are taken in special study groups and approved by the general vote. The mayor or other single governing body does not.

Become a resident of Auroville and everyone can. The probationary period for beginners lasts for a year, after which the citizens can refuse to accept the "rookie". If you are going to move to this city, you should buy himself a house in which you live. He will remain your property at all times, as long as you live in the city. All residents who work in Auroville, receive a monthly salary of about 90 euros. There are a lot of young families. In addition to farmers and engineers, the city has no shortage of artists, architects, scientists and doctors. Residents are sure that they are part of a larger experiment, which will benefit all mankind.

are no cars here, with the exception of taxis that take people from the "outside world". The city occupies a small area, and many move on mopeds. Life in Auroville is quite varied, but not simple. Every day have to fight with himself, with his complexes and fears - there are no distractions, not be able to avoid people. Many of those who moved here in pairs, after a while leave. Even a novice who does not know anyone in the city, after a while will know everyone who lives here. In Auroville there is absolutely no communication barriers: the locals are very open and incredibly quiet.