DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA | OM NAMO BHAGAVADE SIVANANDAYA

Sri Swami Sivananda

A devotee once asked the Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda: “If the Soul is immortal, why does Swamiji celebrate his birthday, which relates to the body?”

The Master replied: “I do not celebrate my birthday. It is the devotees who do it. Celebration of such birthdays is equal to worship of Para Brahman. Worship of the Guru is worship of Para Brahman. The devotee takes delight in celebrating the birthday, and they are uplifted and benefited. A spiritual wave is created year after year when the birthday is celebrated, and more and more people get a chance of knowing the existence of Divine Life Society and my teachings. The celebration of the birthday is an annual reminder to aspirants of the purpose of their life. It is a fillip to their spiritual practices. The pious, receptive attitude prevalent of such an occasion draws forth the Grace of Guru and God upon the devotees. The thoughts of peace, devotion, love, etc., sent out by the innumerable devotees that assemble together to celebrate the birthday go a long way to promote peace, harmony and spiritual well-being in the country.”

In keeping with the spirit of the above words, the Divine Master’s 124th Birth Anniversary was observed on a grand scale on two days, so that devotees could revel in the divine splendour, glory and Grace of one of the greatest Saints of modern times, Sri Swami Sivananda.

On Sunday, 4th September 2011, the Sivananda Day Satsang that took place at Sivananda International Cultural Centre, Sivananda Nagar, La Mercy, was a day-long spiritual feast. The programme commenced with Ganga Arati at 8.30am followed by Satsang at the Stadium. More than 1 200 devotees, well wishers and patrons of the Society attended the function, which comprised melodious Bhajans & Kirtans, messages from the Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda, a presentation of choral singing by the Sivananda Technical College, KwaMashu, and spectacular drill items as part of the Sivananda Gymnastic Drill Programme. The drill programme comprised participants, ranging from the age of 5 to 75, in their various groups as well as the mass drill done to the melodious Ram Bhajans.

In the afternoon, a cultural feast awaited the congregation, with devotees from various branches of the Society presenting highly polished items as an offering to our Divine Master. These included melodious Bhajans & Kirtans, dances, inspiring talks and readings, sketches and plays including a superb musical play by the Spiritual Darlings of the Pietermaritzburg branch that captured the hearts of all and had many shedding tears of devotion. It was evident that all items were presented in the true spirit of Guru Bhakti. They were well crafted with a high level of finesse, creativity, stage effects, costumes, music and perfection, all of which highlight the commitment and loyalty of the devotees. The cultural programme concluded at 4pm bringing to an end a day that can truly be described as a spiritual feast.

On Thursday, 8 September, being the actual Birth Anniversary of Sri Swami Sivananda, all proceedings took place at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. Akhanda chanting commenced at 4am and continued until 4pm. At 6am, about 250 devotees gathered for Ganga Arati, invocation and Darshan at Sahaja Kutir.

In the evening, over 1 000 devotees from all over the country attended an extremely soul-elevating Satsang to commemorate the sacred occasion. A written message by Pujya Swamiji, Song of Salutations by the Spiritual Darlings, a beautiful Dance presentation by Nateshwar Dance Academy, melodious Bhajans & Kirtans and a video footage of the Divine Master all combined to make the occasion a true “spiritual wave”, leaving devotees feeling highly elevated and uplifted.

On this sacred occasion we offer our deepest gratitude to our Divine Master for giving us the best facilities in the world for our spiritual growth. May his blessing be upon all!

PICTURES OF 4 SEPTEMBER 2011 AT SICC