Residence in Sri Aurobindo
Sadhana Peetham
The main purpose of Sri Aurobindo Sadhana
Peetham is to provide a place for the practice of Sri Aurobindo's
Yoga which aims at an entire and integral transformation of the
ego-centered human nature into the Divine nature. A commitment to
live in the Ashram requires constant and intensive soul-searching.
"There is in the Ashram no exterior
discipline and no visible test. But the inner test is severe and
constant, one must be very sincere in the aspiration to surmount
all egoism and to conquer all vanity in order to be able to stay
here. A complete surrender is not outwardly exacted but it is indispensable
for those wish to stick on, and many things come to test the sincerity
of this surrender. However, the Grace and the help are always there
for those who aspire for them and their power is limitless when
received with faith and confidence."
The basic rules of Sri
Aurobindo Sadhana Peetham are those which were laid down by Sri
Aurobindo and The Mother for the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry,
India:
"The rules are
very few so that each one can enjoy the freedom needed for his development;
but a few things are strictly forbidden; they are 1) politics, 2)
smoking, 3) alcoholic drink (including all intoxicants and narcotics),
and 4) sex enjoyment."
Since our collaborative
endeavor to sustain a place for sadhana currently requires a great
deal of sacrifice on the part of every member, aspiring members
should understand that the Ashram does not provide for the achievement
of personal ambitions, plans, or lavish comforts. However, the Ashram
does attempt to accommodate the yogic needs of those who sincerely
wish to join, insofar as these needs do not unduly hinder its primary
mission, to manifest the ideal which The Mother held - to create
"a small world where people would be able to live without
having to be preoccupied by problems of food and lodging and clothing
and the imperious necessities of life, to see if all the energies
freed by this certainty of an assured material living, would spontaneously
be turned towards the divine life and inner realization."
Membership in Sri Aurobindo
Sadhana Peetham is conferred at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Members are residents of the Ashram by choice and are free to leave
the community at any time of their choosing, or at the behest of
the Board. There are three levels of membership: trial members,
new members, and full members.
Trial Members
The newly arrived resident
is considered a trial member for at least three months or until
effectively integrated into the life of the community. Trial members
are provided with room and board, incidental necessities, and a
form of work in the Ashram. They are asked to observe and take an
active part in the collective life, and volunteer eight hours per
day to collective work with Sundays free. Trial members are encouraged
to make a strong commitment to study the teachings of Sri Aurobindo
and The Mother, especially as they pertain to sadhana, personal
conduct, and collective life. Trial members should appreciate that
they may not be acquainted with the "big picture" and
are asked to refrain from grumbling and criticism when priorities
are not followed according to their expectations. This attitude
will also help in the surrender of ego and of works which is expected
of aspiring sadhaks.
New Members
After the trial period,
there is a meeting of the person with the board and if there is
general agreement, the person is accepted as a new member. (Otherwise,
it may be concluded that the period of trial membership should be
extended or that it would be best for the trial member to depart
at this time.) The period as a new member lasts at least one year,
and is indefinite, depending on the person. Generally during this
time one would be given work with more responsibilities. New members
are encouraged to actively assist in the ongoing operations of the
Ashram. New members are required to fill out and sign the Membership
Agreement.
Full Members
After a year of new
membership, at some point, the member may feel a kind of certainty
in their commitment and dedication to the Ashram life and work.
This would usually be felt also by the other members. At this point,
the person would be considered for full membership, which requires
a unanimous vote by the board. Full members have a considered voice
in the affairs of the Ashram. Full members are afforded opportunities
for spiritual pilgrimage to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry,
India. Full members are encouraged to read the articles and bylaws
of Sri Aurobindo Sadhana Peetham and may also be invited by the
Board of Directors to serve on the Board.
For further information
call (209) 339-1342, ext. 5.
