The Auroville Economy Charter

Current issue Archive copies Auroville Adventure Auroville Today October 2005

Transforming business - Alan

Between 2nd – 4th September, a seminar was held in Auroville on the topic of ‘New Business and Global Consciousness’. It brought together Aurovilians and some Indian and international businesspeople in what the organizers described as a ‘reflection’ on changing trends in global business.

What are those trends? Marc Gishi, in his keynote address, explained that the last two decades have seen a new business paradigm emerging. Business is now seen to be not only, or even primarily, about making profits. Rather, business has to assume responsibility for making the world a more equitable and more sustainable place. “In this new paradigm,” explained Marc, “profit becomes your efficiency in promoting the common good”.

The World Business Academy , set up by Willis Harman in 1989, began to explore this concept. But this, Marc noted, was only the first step. “The second step is the rediscovery of the spiritual dimension in business activities”.This is all revolutionary, and Marc admits that no more than 3% of businesses today are exploring these avenues. “But those 3% are undoubtedly the forerunners of a huge change as humanity is already subconsciously aware that the traditional path of development is leading to collective suicide.”

For Marc, one of the key questions was what role Indian businesses would play in furthering this new paradigm. However, for the Auroville businesspeople the key question was somewhat different. They wanted the Indian businessmen attending to tell them how Auroville businesses could be improved. These two differing objectives were to coexist rather uncomfortably over the course of the three days.

The first day was taken up by presentations which, in differing degrees, explored the theme of the conference. Pashi Kapoor pointed out that the Auroville Charter provides the basis for the way in which Auroville's economy should function. “We have to learn to become selfless, non-competitive, non-possessive collaborators in a larger dream.” Toine, with his precision-instrument mind, decided to spell it in his ‘Auroville Economy Charter'.

“1. The Auroville economy serves the material needs, which arise from an aspiration towards a change of consciousness.

2. The Auroville economy provides each one with the material means required to be a servitor of the divine consciousness.

3. The Auroville economy respects the value and sustainability of the natural resources of the universe.

4. The Auroville economy creates a self-supporting environment without exchange of money.”

The relation between the economy and business was never clearly enunciated in this seminar, resulting in another blurring of focus. The next Auroville presenters, however, tried to clarify what made Auroville businesses different. “The prime purpose of Auroville business units,” said Alok, “is not to make profits but to express some inner aspiration of the individuals who are managing them.” “We are not owners,” said Paul, “but we have a responsibility to our workers, the community and, above all, to Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.” His partner, Laura, put it more pithily: “Our work is our yoga.”