The Sri Aurobindo Ashram was founded by Sri Aurobindo on the 24 November 1926 (Siddhi Day). At the time there no more than 24 disciples in the Ashram (Das 1976 pp.233-4).

In December of that year, Sri Aurobindo decided to withdraw from public view, and appointed his co-worker Mirra Richard, thensceforth known as The Mother in charge of the ashram.

The early ashram

In the early history of the ashram there was a regular routine. At 6:15 every morning The Mother appeared on the ashram balcony to initiate the day with her blessings. Sadhaks (spiritual aspirants), who got up at 3AM, finished their own meditations and a good portion of the day’s work, and then assembled

As the ashram grew, many departments sprang up: the office, library, dining room, press, workshops, playground, art gallery, dispensary, farms, dairies, flower gardens, guest houses, legal department, audit department, and many others, too. The heads of the departments met The Mother in the morning and took her blessings and orders. Again at 10 a.m. she used to meet all the sadhaks individually. Once again, in the evening at 5:30 PM, she conducted meditation and met each sadhak once more.

In addition, four times a year she used to give public Darshans (a spiritual gathering where the guru bestows blessings) at which a few thousand devotees gathered and received her Grace.

The ashram today

Today, the ashram is a large institution with locations in cities all over the world in addition to dominating the downtown area of Pondicherry. It provides many charitable benefits to the area, including free medical facilities and a publishing house.

See also

• Auroville

References

• Das, Nolima ed., (1978) Glimpses of the Mother's Life vol.1, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry
• Karmayogi (date?) Life and Teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, Mere Cie, Inc.