After 10 days of being in Pondicherry, we finally visited one of the most popular spiritual destinations nearby, Auroville. It has been described as the Divine’s answer to man’s aspiration for perfection. It symbolises Union with the Divine manifesting in a progressive human unity.

The Matrimandir, the main hall of concentration within Auroville is a golden sphere next to a huge and ancient Banyan tree. It is the symbol of the Universal Mother; kind and generous, according to Sri Aurobindo’s teaching. We were invited to enter the hall with the innocence of a child willing to surrender all our woes at Her feet and to receive Her unconditional love. Sounded perfect!

When viewing the Matrimandir’s structure and its immediate surroundings, the first impression it evoked was the image of a New Consciousness breaking forth from Matter. Inside I experienced deep silence. The light partially bouncing off the huge crystal in the centre of the hall was intriguing, captivating and inspiring. I left there feeling very much at peace with the world and myself. My faith in the potential for humans to be immensely creative was reaffirmed.

This quote by Sri Aurobindo caught my eye:

“None can reach Heaven who has not passed through Hell.”