European pavilion tree planted

In the afternoon of February 21, a festive ceremony of the European pavilion groups took place attended by 160 people. In a beautiful atmosphere – concentrated and charged with the aspiration for freedom, peace and unity on the European continent and for the world at large, but also light and cheerful with impromptu musical performances – a tree was planted to mark the beginning of further development in the European area of Auroville’s International Zone. Soil from 44 European countries and soil from the Samadhi was mixed with the Auroville soil with the sincere wish that it may nourish the tree and also our own dedication and joy of togetherness. As a companion to the tree (Alstonia Scholars), a stone sculpture was close by, a combination of white marble pieces from Matrimandir, originally hailing from Italy, and a shell limestone which is common all over Europe. The central marble piece carries the Mother’s name, Mirra, in Sanskrit, a symbol with great protective power, as once described by Her. Protection is very much needed, for the International Zone and for Auroville’s overall integrity, so it is hoped that this little ceremony will have positive repercussions in the future!