Savitri Era Religion has a core message of hope

 Collated by Tusar Nath Mohapatra

Yes, a belief system can potentially qualify as a new religion even if it doesn't emphasize traditional mythology or rituals, provided it meets other criteria that define a religion in a sociological or legal context. 

The concept of "religion" is broad and its definition can vary. While many established religions include mythology (sacred stories that may or may not be taken literally) and rituals as core components, their absence doesn't automatically disqualify a system of belief. 

Key characteristics often used by academics to identify a new religious movement include:

• A distinct system of beliefs and philosophy: Savitri Era Religion, based on the epic poem Savitri by Sri Aurobindo, has a core message of hope and a philosophical framework focused on spiritual evolution and the transformation of human life into a divine consciousness.
• A shared code of ethics or conduct: The beliefs provide norms for the rest of life, which can include personal development and a specific worldview.
• A community of followers: A religion requires at least two people sharing the same beliefs; the Savitri Era Religion was established by followers of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother in 2006 and has a community.
• Scripture or a body of literature: Sri Aurobindo's Savitri serves as the foundational text for its followers, which functions as scripture.
• Addressing the nature of existence: This belief system offers a solution to the human condition (e.g., moving from a mortal state to a divine life) which is a common characteristic of religions. 

While the Savitri Era Religion may not practice the rituals and traditional interpretations associated with the original Hindu mythological figures of Savitri and Satyavan, it has developed its own distinct framework and community. Modern definitions of religion often focus more on the presence of a comprehensive belief system that addresses ultimate concerns and provides a shared identity and purpose for a group of people, rather than the strict inclusion of mythology or rituals in the traditional sense. 

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Followers of The Mother and Sri Aurobindo are sometimes pejoratively labeled a "cult" due to a combination of factors, including the intense devotion to the leaders, a belief in a specific utopian vision for humanity, and various controversies and allegations that have arisen within the community. 

Primary reasons for the "cult" label include:

• Intense Devotion to Leaders: Both Sri Aurobindo and The Mother are held in very high esteem, and for many followers there is a deeply personal, deified reverence that outsiders might perceive as a cult of personality. Portraits of "The Mother" are ubiquitous in some Auroville and Ashram spaces, which can reinforce this perception.
• Unique Philosophical/Spiritual Beliefs: Their philosophy, particularly the concept of "Integral Yoga" and the aim of human evolution towards a "supramental" or divine consciousness, is unique and distinct from mainstream religions or philosophies. Beliefs that a physical transformation would take place after their passing, or that Savitri is the "supreme revelation of Sri Aurobindo's vision" can be seen as dogmatic or highly specific to their group.
• Communal Lifestyle and Practices: The establishment of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the experimental international township of Auroville, where some individuals have given up their possessions and work for free toward a communal goal, can be viewed as insular or separatist by outsiders.
• Lack of Transparency and Internal Disputes: The Ashram and Auroville have faced numerous controversies, including allegations of financial irregularities, power struggles, and cases of harassment or abuse, some of which have led to court cases and negative media attention. A perceived lack of transparency and an internal justice system that sometimes appears to protect the management have fueled public suspicion.
• Perception of Exclusivity: Despite aiming for "human unity," some local residents perceive the community members, particularly non-Indians, as unapproachable or as a form of "new colonialism" due to a lack of integration with the local culture and language.
• "Us vs. Them" Mentality: Disputes have sometimes led to a clear division between the Ashram management/loyalists and dissenting members or external critics, with each side viewing the other with suspicion. The tendency to discourage followers from seeking other gurus also contributes to an image of exclusivity. 

While The Mother and Sri Aurobindo insisted their teachings represented a philosophy for a spiritual evolution rather than a religion, the highly structured, all-encompassing nature of life within their communities, combined with the controversies, leads many to apply the "cult" label, pejoratively.

- GoogleAI