Explain why does the city of Auroville (in India) claim to be a universal city without money or religion?

Origins and founding vision of Auroville

Auroville, born in 1968, stems from an extraordinary idea put forward by Mirra Alfassa, better known as "The Mother", spiritual partner of the Indian philosopher Sri Aurobindo. Their ambition: to create an alternative, experimental, and communal living space where humanity would transcend the conventional notions of national, religious, or social identity. The founding vision was clear: to build a city open to all peoples, dedicated to the realization of a true human unity, beyond the traditional borders that usually separate humanity. For The Mother, Auroville was to become a large-scale social experiment aimed at collective evolution through peace, harmony, and spiritual awareness without strict dogma. The project was supported from the outset by UNESCO and the Indian government, drawn to this bold attempt to live together differently.

The elimination of money as a social principle

In Auroville, there are no bills or coins in circulation. Here, we prefer exchange, sharing, and mutual aid over traditional payments. The idea is to live differently: everyone contributes in their own way, with their skills or talents, and receives in return what they need, according to their personal necessities. Work is no longer tied to a specific salary, but rather to a logic of solidarity community. Many services, such as medical care, education, or certain food items, are accessible without reaching for one's wallet. This unique way of living aims to go beyond the usual profit logic, promoting a system based primarily on trust and cooperation. In daily life, even though this idealistic project is not always easy to maintain at 100%, the model remains rooted in a genuine desire to build a less materialistic and more supportive society.

A universal spirituality without religious dogmas.

In Auroville, spirituality is experienced outside of any strict religious framework. Here, no imposed rituals are followed, and no single belief is emphasized. The goal is more of a personal quest for the meaning of life, where everyone freely draws from different philosophies to thrive. For example, in the large golden dome called the Matrimandir, people come to meditate as they wish, without symbols or religious representations. The vision behind all this? To encourage a simple and direct spirituality, based on an authentic inner search, rather than on dogmas or traditional religious obligations.

Cultural diversity and human unity in Auroville

Auroville brings together more than fifty nationalities, creating a true human mosaic living side by side. Here, the inhabitants come from everywhere: Europe, Asia, America, and of course from India, all united with the intention of transcending their cultural differences to form a true universal community. There is no question of erasing anyone's particularities or customs; on the contrary, cultural diversity is valued as a wealth. Festivals and cultural events are frequent and allow everyone to express their traditions and share them with others, thus encouraging a spirit of tolerance and openness. For the residents of Auroville, it doesn’t stop at cohabitation: the goal is to build a common human identity that precisely transcends these cultural and national particularities.

The limits and criticisms of the Auroville model.

Auroville may be a fascinating experience, but it is not immune to criticism. Some criticize the city for relying primarily on external donations, making its economic model difficult to implement elsewhere without this support. On-site, there are sometimes complaints about a climate of privilege: it’s not always easy to arrive and stay without certain personal resources. Socially, there are tensions between international residents and local Indians, with palpable cultural and economic disparities. Organizationally, collective decision-making can become complicated, sometimes turning into an ineffective puzzle. Finally, the ideal of universal spirituality without a specific religion is seen by some observers as an artistic blur, making it challenging to establish a lasting consensus among all members.