We are pleased to report that the Official Opening of our Sivananda Sunlit Path Centre in Rose Heights Road, Arena Park in Chatsworth on Sunday, 10 April attracted people from throughout KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng. Nearly 1300 people attended the function. Divine Life Society selected this day as it was the auspicious 55th Sannyas Day Anniversary of Pujya Swami Sahajananda who initiated this noble project.

Havan being conducted in the Prayer Hall

The day commenced with Havan at 8am in the Prayer Hall which also houses the Peace Centre and Ganga Rani. The Official Opening Satsang took place in the indoor Sports Centre at 10am. Among the dignitaries were the Deputy Mayor of Ethekwini Municipality, Councillor Logie Naidoo, Mr Amichand Rajbansi, representatives from various spiritual organisations, donors and patrons. Inspiring messages were given by our Guest Speakers, Sri Harilal G. Dewa, President of the Vedanta Mission of S.A. and Dr Deena Moodliar, Director of Education.

Dr Moodliar also works extensively in the field of overcoming substance addiction, and has travelled to many countries to deliver lectures on the subject. In his eloquent address, Dr Moodliar said, amongst other things:

“Whilst Swami Sahajananda showed infinite love for the down-trodden, the sick and the poor, he showed special attention to the welfare of the young. Swamiji inaugurated the Sunlit Club and the Sunlit Path Programme to assist children addicted to alcohol and drugs and those who have suicidal tendencies.

“The word ‘path’ implies that we are on a journey. At significant milestones, we reflect on the journey we have covered, celebrate our successes, examine fearlessly our shortcomings and take remedial action as we continue the onward journey. Today, I have an opportunity to reflect on my personal journey. Not all of it, I hasten to add, was sunlit.”

Satsang in the Sports Centre

Relating from personal experience and contact with Pujya Swami Sahajananda, Dr Moodliar showed clearly how he benefited from the “Sunlit Path” experience with Pujya Swamiji about 25 years ago, and was able to re-build his life which was on the brink of destruction.

Dr Moodliar concluded as follows: “This programme, appropriately named by our revered Pujya Swamiji as the Sivananda Sunlit Path, offers our youth, particularly those afflicted by the terrible illness of addiction, an opportunity to emerge from the darkness of addiction and walk in the sunlight again. I pray that this magnificent edifice, situated in this lofty position with its panoramic views, inspired by God and built with a labour of love, will shine as a beacon of hope to the many young people yet to enter its portals. May they, too, experience a life-changing experience, just as I did.”

Sri Niranjan Bridglall, Director of Education, Early Childhood Development was one of the devotees who spent his Sundays and holidays toiling, often in harsh weather conditions, together with many other devotees to make this Centre possible. In his message on the overview of the Sunlit Club activities, Sri Niranjan presented the following message:

"Alphonse de la Martine, the French Philosopher and poet once declared that women were at the beginning of all great things. I am not sure how true this is, but I do know that this is an accurate reflection of the Sunlit Path Programme.

Overflow of Satsang in the Prayer Hall

"In 2006 a mother from Chatsworth wrote to Swami Sahajananda and expressed concern that her son was experimenting with drugs and asked for Swamiji's intervention. Swamiji realized that this was not a unique problem and immediately launched the Sunlit Path, a practical programme that enabled the youth to resist the temptation of drugs and alcohol and provided them with useful tips to overcome depression and suicidal tendencies. The importance of celibacy was highlighted and the youth were encouraged to remain celibate until marriage. The foundation of this programme was based on the premise that God is always at our side and that we should turn to Him in every difficulty.

"The first Sunlit Path programme was hosted jointly by the Divine Life Society and the Saiva Sithantha Sungum in October 2006. Since then many more programmes were held and just over 1 300 young men and women have committed themselves to daily prayer, avoidance of substance abuse and to abstain from sexual relations until marriage.

"It is said, ‘Cometh the hour, cometh the man’. In Pujya Swamiji's case however, it was a case of ‘Cometh the hour cometh the man with the land’. It was around the same time that Sri Guru Dewa, on behalf of the Vedanta Mission, offered this valuable plot of land - on which we are seated today - to Pujya Swamiji. When Pujya Swamiji first set foot on this magnificent site he said four words, "Marvellous! Marvellous! Marvellous! Marvellous!" As Pujya Swamiji uttered those prophetic words, he no doubt had a vision of how this land would be used in the years to come and declared that this would be the headquarters of The Sunlit Path. Only now, on 10 April 2011, as we feast our eyes on this architectural masterpiece, do we realise the vision that Pujya Swamiji had five years ago.

Unveiling of Plaque

"The basic principle of Pujya Swamiji's Sunlit Path programme is prevention rather than cure. Hence this Centre is set up to provide a healthy outlet to youthful energies and includes a library and media centre, facilities to teach vocational skills like sewing, soy milk making and baking. The fully equipped indoor sports facilities cater for soccer, cricket, netball and volleyball. In addition to this there is the beautiful Ganga Rani that provides a sanctuary for quiet contemplation and prayer. These facilities are there, not only to channel the energies of youth in a socially acceptable way, but also teach them to walk on the Sunlit Path, a path that leads to God.

"When someone commented to Pujya Swamiji that there was a crying need for the Sunlit Path and that this was going to make a massive difference to the youth, Swamiji responded by saying that we were not aiming at making a 'massive difference' and that even if only one child was saved, our investment would be worthwhile. Parents, we therefore appeal to you to encourage your children to attend programmes at the Sunlit Path Centre, as the life that could be saved, could be your child's. Youth, do not miss the opportunity of joining the Sunlit Path as the life that Swamiji wants to save could be yours!"

Sketch: "Bunti & Babli"

Sri Guru Deva, our Chief Guest of Honour, delivered a profound message on Vedanta and religion and stated that God is the only Reality. He reiterated that all paths lead to God as long as one sincerely aspires for the Divine. Sri Guru Dewa quoted freely and from the Bhagavad Gita and advised the congregation to read at least two chapters of the Bhagavad Gita daily in pursuit of peace and happiness and if one wishes to unite with the Divine. Sri Guru Dewa congratulated the Society for bringing to completion this beautiful project for the upliftment of the Chatsworth community.

We accord our deepest gratitude to Sri Guru Dewa and the Vedanta Mission for the donation of land to the Society, which made this project possible. Readers will be pleased to hear that the Society has included a building on the Campus for Sri Guru Dewa in appreciation of this donation, which will be utilised for administrative purposes.

The programme also included cultural & religious items by children and youth. The humorous sketch, “Bunti & Babli”, brilliantly enacted by Divine Life Society youth, showed us that turning to God is the permanent solution to all problems.

The plaque was unveiled by Sri Guru Dewa, President of the Vedanta Mission of S.A. and Sri Vidyanand, Board of Management of Divine Life Society of S.A. in the presence of dignitaries.

Spiritual Darlings who are members of the Sunlit Club each received a badge entitled, “God is my Guide” which Pujya Swamiji promised them. Sunlit Club members who have not received these beautiful badges are kindly requested to contact the Society on 031-262 2314.

Sivananda Sewing Centre at the Complex

Although the Centre is now officially opened, it will only be operational with effect from 3 May 2011. Programmes running at the Centre will include the Sunlit Path Programme, which will assist youth and children with problems of drug and alcohol abuse, depression & suicide, etc. The programme, drawn up by Pujya Swami Sahajananda, uses spirituality as a basis for overcoming these problems. Computer and sewing classes to help provide unemployed with skills and earn a living, as well as Soya milk manufacturing and training will also commence from 3 May. An alternate remedies Clinic at the Centre, as well as programmes for youth and senior citizens will also kick-off soon. The Centre is proactive in using natural resources by harnessing and conserving rain water and promoting organic vegetable farming. Courses on organic farming will also be conducted by experts in this field. The Society will also run courses for principals of schools in respect of Management Skills. An important aim of the Centre is to invite schools to spend a day, engaged in various educational and spiritual activities. The indoor sports centre will also be operational from 3 May. Ganga Arati will take place daily. The above-mentioned facilities will be made available to the community free of charge, with the aim of assisting and uplifting the poor and underprivileged of Chatsworth, in accordance with the teachings of the Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda. Any queries related to the Centre can be directed to our Society’s headquarters on 031-262 2314.

On the most auspicious occasion of the Official Opening of Sivananda Sunlit Path Centre, the Society offers its deepest gratitude to our Divine Master and Pujya Swamiji for initiating and nurturing this project from its inception. Our gratitude also to Sri Guru Dewa and the Vedanta Mission for the donation of land; to our patrons, donors and well-wishers throughout South Africa, who have contributed in various ways towards this project. We are deeply indebted to those devotees of Divine Life Society of South Africa who came during Sundays and holidays to assist with building operations. They sacrificed family and social commitments to participate in this work selflessly. May the Lord and our Divine Master bless all with peace, protection, prosperity and spiritual progress!

MESSAGES

"Pujya Swamiji’s vision of providing relief and comfort to the needy has always been the cornerstone of Divine Life Society and his choice of this particular site with an elevated view, surely commands the atmosphere for solace, peace and rehabilitation. "May we be inspired and be a part of this masterpiece, in seeing to it that our youth and children use this Centre to its fullest to overcome their pressing problems of alcohol and drug abuse thus avoiding depression and suicide. "Your deep and abiding interest in continuing with the magnificent work, as children of Gurudev, set down by Sri Swami Sahajananda, is your gateway to success." —Saiva Sithantha Sungum "It is our fervent wish that the Sivananda Sunlit Path Centre will illuminate and enlighten the spiritual lives of the youth and the community at large." —South African Hindu Mahasabha "My family and I were indeed privileged to be present at the Official Opening of the Sivananda Sunlit Path Centre in Chatsworth. We were deeply moved by the inspiring talks, soul-elevating songs and the warm hospitality. This magnificent edifice is definitely a manifestation of our Master’s Grace. "We wish to congratulate the Board of Management, rishikumars, rishikumaris, builders, architects, engineers and everyone else who were instrumental in bringing this beautiful Centre to the Spiritual Darlings of Chatsworth. "Lastly, our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Sri Gurudev and Pujya Swamiji for their love, compassion and guidance towards the upliftment of the youth in our community. Once again, congratulations on a well-organised function." —Greg Kaloo (Christian Devotee)