Mandala
Namu
Mandala was the experience I didn't know I needed. It nurtured my soul not through pretty words and a fancy curriculum, but through simple yet precise invitation for silence, in a space which held me with such grace that I was given the opportunity to see myself, and more. As I write this while sitting in the bench of a busy bus terminal, I can still feel the silence and peace embedded in me during the Mandala retreat.
Yudi
“The world dissolved in front of my eyes, and ever since Mandala, my life hasn’t been the same. I couldn’t quite fall back into the old ways of grasping at myself. I feel free, blissful, completely open, and so abundant.
Mandala was the craziest, most out-of-this-world magical retreat, where we were soaked in unconditional love. I loved everyone at mandala. And Chandra spoke the truth.
It was so healing, and I realized that we are all madly in love with the whole world.”
Shanks
In an experience I had in 2000, I was allowed to glimpse for just a moment what I can loosely point to as singularity. 23 years later at the Mandala, I was introduced to J Krishnamurti who I feel time and again is pointing to what I had witnessed in that instant.
The Mandala has imparted practices and knowledge, so I may continue to open myself to this higher intelligence. My body and the nature from which it is born.
After the Mandala the shift I have started to experience time and again is my changing relationship to time. With each shift there is a shedding of the attachment to time and hence result. Become is slowly yielding to be.
The goal for me is not to transform. The desire is to be. Allowing the desire to take root in action can be transformative from time to time. To be more specific, for example, there is the unexpected appearance of ability in cognitive and physical areas from time to time. There is a sudden brimming of feeling in the chest when relating to someone, quite often, accompanied by a desire to listen rather than to speak. I don't dispense advice like I used to, (while that's more a change than transformation, I feel a distinct shift in how much more gently I treat my students, guiding them more the back rather than leading them from the front.
There are breakdowns however. There is hubris. There is self importance, great spiritual ego. Assuming moral high ground rather than accept the pain of feeling disrespected by someone. There is an inner pressure sometimes to stick to the path. Fortunately for me nature has a way of destroying my paths when I lay them out with great expectation.
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Yejin
I decided to experience the Mandala program out of curiosity. I took advantage of the fact that I did not have to work during that period to visit India for the first time. Some standout moments included riding an electric bike and trying idlis and coconut chutney. I also climbed a tree for the first time, that was a pivotal moment for me.
Thank you
Megha
"This 42 days are planting a seed in the direction of your own well being, your own grow, coming back home to yourself "
"To know yourself, your trueself, i totally recommand this program.
Driti Wadwa
I came to Auroville with the purpose to learn more about myself and go deeper into my creative journey as a visual artist. My days volunteering at YouthLink are very valuable to me and have taught me how to come back to myself as an artist. I came in as a graphic designer but I’m leaving as a karma yogi. Learning how to overcome the voice of the ego, and let the voice of the collective take over. Resulting in outputs that I am surprised by.
It has been beyond beautiful. It has also taught me about self discipline and how to be on time (sometimes :p).
Harinie MK
I started working with YouthLink in a particular context. I am studying in France, and I had to do an intership of 2 months and that’s how I joined them.
My experience working with YouthLink was truly transformative. In a profesional way they bought me a lots of knowlege and abundant opportunities to enhance my skills. They also provided me with a safe place to make mistakes and learn from them. The vibrant, spontaneous, and thoughtful working atmosphere was a joy to be a part of.
Annie
Working at YouthLink provided me with the foundation to expand my short trip and transform Auroville into a place I can now call home. The team's remarkable bond, both within and outside of work, is truly commendable and serves as a great source of inspiration. Regardless of the diverse fields in which we worked, everyone supported each other wholeheartedly, always ready to offer guidance and assistance. During my brief time there, I had the privilege of participating in a captivating event organized by YouthLink for Children's Day (treasure hunt). This event became my most cherished memory as I not only enjoyed organizing it, but also experienced the joyous atmosphere alongside the children who participated and my YouthLink colleagues. Through this experience, I formed friendships that endure to this day, and I wouldn't trade it for anything else.
Three years of working in YouthLink taught me more than any learning institute ever did. It empowered me to experiment, organize, seek knowledge, question, contemplate—and most importantly, to learn. The experience demanded deep self-motivation and discipline, which sparked a quiet confidence in my own abilities and continually challenged me to bring out my best. YouthLink didn’t just teach me about life; it taught me how to live a life rooted in curiosity, growth, and constant learning. All while surrounded by likeminded peers.
Gwjwn
YouthLink has truly been a life University for me.
It became a hub for learning across every dimension — from soft skills - connecting with my inner self, to hard skills - the practical tools we use to follow our passions or build a livelihood.
It taught me the art of community building — how to live compassionately with all beings, make decisions collectively, and nurture kindness within ourselves and the spaces we share. I learned how to reach out and connect with the world beyond, how to represent not just myself but the values, stories, and vision of the community.
For me, it will forever be a foundation, a home, and a symbol of transformative growth.