The Pietermaritzburg Branch hosted the Society’s Centenary Celebrations and Sri Hanuman Jayanti jointly at Sivanandashram, Northdale, Pietermaritzburg. The day’s programme commenced with the 108 recitals of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa at 5am and concluded after midday. Ganga Arati commenced at 3pm followed by Satsang. The Centenary Celebrations at the Pietermaritzburg Branch focused on Pujya Swamiji’s 100th birth anniversary, his life and legacies, as this year marks Pujya Swamiji’s 100th birthday, having been born on 10 July 1924.

The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, Sri Gurudev’s audio message, a message from the Society, a dance, the Sivananda Arati and a children’s item.

The message from the Society focused on the life and legacies of Pujya Swamiji, and how we can sustain Pujya Swamiji’s vision and work. This is evident in, “Today we are all beneficiaries of this great spiritual wealth. All that is required of us is faith, obedience, loyalty, devotion, and keen aspiration for spiritual progress. How do we honour a great being like Swami Sahajananda? One of the ways is to obey him and follow the path he chalked out for us; to have faith that what he chose for us was for our best interest. Swamiji stated that perfect obedience is the same as perfect self-surrender, and that obedience is greater than reverence. Let us obey some simple rules to improve our lives. Pujya Swamiji stated, “Obedience is the most important law of life. It has to be practised not only in spiritual institutions, but also at home, on the road while driving, and at one’s place of work. Health rules also have to be observed. Check yourself carefully every day and see where you are faltering. Our Divine Master’s books will be your guide”. 

Referring to our roles and responsibilities, the message stated, “Pujya Swamiji has said that if we cannot be obedient as adults, how can we expect our children to obey us? It is not enough to be associated with a saint or with an Ashram. We must all become ambassadors of our Master by living a Divine Life, with wholesome values and putting God first. We must be sincere. In putting God first, let us all attempt to repeat the Divine Name as often as possible. Take up any Mantra that appeals to us, like Om Nama Sivaya, or the Om Sri Ram Jay Ram Jay Jay Ram Mantra, and make a habit of repeating the Mantra as often as possible. Our saints have told us how the Mantra offers protection, and brings innumerable other benefits in our lives. Pujya Swamiji lived a life of faith and self-surrender, and coincidentally this is the title of the first book that Swamiji had written in 1996. We invite all to obtain a copy of this booklet from our bookstall. It is filled with great power. Pujya Swamiji said that the knowledge came directly from Sri Gurudev within, as he typed the booklet onto the computer without any draft. It is sure to inspire and uplift all readers in this age that is plagued by the challenges of Kali Yuga”. 

Sri Swami Sivananda’s farewell audio message after Pujya Swamiji’s Sannyas initiation, on 10 April 1956, paid glowing tributes to Pujya Swamiji. (As this message has been replicated in several other reports, snippets are herewith quoted). Sri Gurudev, in reference to Pujya Swamiji, said, “Swami Sahajananda is styled as the spiritual king of South Africa, Durban. He is also called the African Chota Guru. He does not want anything. He is a silent worker. He is a man of renunciation, Vairagya and meditation. He is a very good organiser. He has organised some 20 branches of the Divine Life Society in South Africa…. He is established in Sahaja Avastha…. He does not forget Brahman when he is working. He has got double consciousness. He is resting in his Satchidananda Swarupa and he is utilising his mind and Indriyas (senses) for the good of humanity. He likes Sahaja Avastha. He is in Sahaja Avastha. In the scriptures you will find that any man who attempts to practise Yoga is also a Yogi and a Yogarudha,… So, he who is attempting to be established in Sahaja Avastha is also a Sahaja Avastha Yogi…;. He is a thinker. He has in Durban a small press for the dissemination of knowledge, and the Path to God-Realisation is his magazine, running for three or four years……He will now go with redoubled energy, charged with Himalayan vibrations and Mother Ganga’s Grace, and will work like a lion, Vedanta Kesari, Yoga Kesari…..His devotion to teacher is unique. He has a pure heart. Such a Yogi is now going from here and he will thrill the whole of Africa, and again he will come. He has the spirit of renunciation. He has given his whole property to me. Just see his noble qualities, devotion, discipline, Shanti and humility”.

The Master’s high praise for Pujya Swamiji’s Yogic discipline is evident in his reference to Pujya Swamiji as a Yogabhrashta, and that his heart is full of renunciation, Vairagya and meditation, which are the key to open the chambers of the heart, the Atmic store.

The children’s musical item was a tribute to Sri Swami Sahajananda, describing him as the epitome of loyalty, obedience and devotion.  The song, “By the Grace of Vayudev” compared Pujya Swamiji’s devotion to Sri Gurudev, synonymous to Sri Hanuman’s devotion to Lord Rama. The words, “If loyalty, obedience and devotion were the hallmarks of this sage, then Param Pujya Sri Swamiji, is the Hanuman of this age”, reminded us of the importance of especially loyalty and obedience to the spiritual instructions of Pujya Swamiji. The line, “By the Grace of Vayudev, Anjani Ma gave birth to the greatest servant who walked upon this earth”, resonates with deep meaning. The item described Pujya Swamiji as the “Hanuman of this age”, a fitting tribute to one of the greatest Karma Yogis amongst spiritual giants in this country. The item also recounted the love Pujya Swamiji had for Sri Gurudev and Mother Ganga. The song, “From the Feet of Maha Vishnu”, compared Pujya Swamiji’s ‘arduous toil to lure Mother Ganga to grace our African soils, and to that of Bhagirath who pleaded to Lord Vishnu to permit Mother Ganga to leave the heavens and come to earth. 

The Pietermaritzburg Branch is commended on their fine standard of organisation, dedication and Guru Bhakti in organising this Centenary Celebrations’ function in honour of Pujya Swamiji. The devotees’ quiet sense of dignity, aspiration for excellence and attention to detail in all aspects of the organisation, are worthy of commendation. We express deep appreciation and gratitude to the Branch.

May Our Divine Master and Pujya Swamiji bless all abundantly.

The 69th Sannyas Anniversary of Pujya Swamiji was observed at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, with a morning Sadhana programme from 6am to 6.25am, after which devotees took Darshan at Sahaja Kutir, Pujya Swamiji’s kutir and the Sivananda Sahajananda Diamond Jubilee Hall. Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised Pujya Swamiji’s audio message, Kirtans, Bhajans and reading of Sri Gurudev’s farewell message after Pujya Swamiji was initiated into the holy order of Sannyas on 10 April 1956.

Pujya Swamiji, in his audio message, focused on the theme of fear. He said that he had immense fear, and explained as follows, “…the day I took Sannyas, I could suddenly feel that I was courageous”, because Gurudev showered this Grace upon Pujya Swamiji.  He said that through complete surrender to God and that “through spiritual practices, you can overcome everything and turn your life upside down”. When we turn to God, marvelous things happen. We should welcome problems and face them courageously. “If you see God in all names and forms, then everything can be overcome”. If one’s surrender is incomplete, the desired results will not be achieved. He used the analogy of the devotee who called for God, but when God went to help him, the devotee had a stone in his hand. The message provided hope and direction to us all, especially now when the challenges of the modern world afflict us repeatedly, and we begin to lose hope, become despondent and disillusioned.

Sri Swami Sivananda’s glowing farewell message on the occasion of Pujya Swamiji’s Sannyas initiation 69 years ago, is resplendent with praise and admiration for Pujya Swamiji. The Master said, “Swami Sahajananda is styled as the spiritual king of South Africa, Durban. He is also called the African Chota Guru. He does not want anything. He is a silent worker. He is a man of renunciation, Vairagya and meditation. He is a very good organiser. He has organised some 20 branches of the Divine Life Society in South Africa”. Referring to Pujya Swamiji’s spiritual merits, Sri Gurudev said, “There is Savikalpa Samadhi, and then comes Nirvikalpa Samadhi, and then comes Sahaja Avastha. He is established in Sahaja Avastha. He does not forget Brahman when he is working. He has got double consciousness. He is resting in his Satchidananda Swarupa and he is utilising his mind and Indriyas (senses) for the good of humanity”.

The Master’s eulogy in the following words was prophetic, as Pujya Swamiji ignited in South Africa, a spiritual flame that grows daily and has touched millions of lives by way of spiritual growth, humanitarian initiatives and poverty alleviation programmes. The Master said, “Swami Sahajananda is spiritual king of Durban, a great organiser, a great supporter, a pillar of the Divine Life Society”. This is again resonant in, “He is a thinker. He has in Durban a small press for the dissemination of knowledge, and the Path to God-Realisation is his magazine, running for three or four years. What more can you expect from a small boy Swami? He has done everything. He will now go with redoubled energy, charged with Himalayan vibrations and Mother Ganga’s Grace and will work like a lion, Vedanta Kesari, Yoga Kesari. All these titles a man deserves when he becomes a Yogi. When a man becomes God, any number of titles are not enough. His devotion to teacher is unique. He has a pure heart. Such a Yogi is now going from here and he will thrill the whole of Africa, and again he will come. He has the spirit of renunciation. He has given his whole property to me. Just see his noble qualities, devotion, discipline, Shanti and humility”.

The Master’s high praise for Pujya Swamiji’s Yogic discipline is evident in, “He is a young Yogi; a Yogabhrashta. He was a Swami in his previous birth, so at such a young age his heart is full of renunciation, Vairagya and meditation, which are the key to open the chambers of the heart, the Atmic store. It is not so easy to get renunciation and Vairagya. That man lives in vain who has got no Vairagya, no renunciation, no spirit of selfless service. God has given you in this birth a little wisdom. Yoga and Vedanta are complimentary.

“There is no wisdom without Yoga. There is no wisdom without Bhakti. All are complementary. Vedanta without Bhakti is dry, and Bhakti without wisdom is not complete or perfect. So let us pray for the health, and long life of this small Yogi full of strength”.

Indeed, Pujya Swamiji has touched the hearts and souls of many, as is evident in Sri Swami Sivananda’s description of Pujya Swamiji, “One who can transform the materialistic intellect of the whole of South Africa; what tremendous influence, what tremendous purity, what tremendous Yogic power, what tremendous meditation, his spiritual aura, selfless aura!”

We have observed many, many Sannyas Anniversaries of Pujya Swami Sahajananda. What implications do these spiritual observances have for us? We can glean lessons from Sri Gurudev’s message, his teachings, and Pujya Swamiji’s life and legacies, and translate these into practical realities of truth, service, spiritual aspirations and attempts at leading a divine life. Sri Santhanagopal, in his tribute, “An Unforgettable Saint”, lends credence to this view, when he said, “Swamiji’s disciples adore him. They pour their affection, regard, and money in great abundance. Swamiji can easily afford to build great Ashrams of opulence, grandeur and luxury, like many Ashrams in India and abroad. Swamiji’s Ashrams are simple and functional and absolutely clean and neat. There is never any extravagance or show. One can easily see divinity in the place and the people and in their actions, all unobtrusively guided by this incredible saint who does everything in the name of his Divine Master.

“I am afraid to salute him. Because I know that he would immediately prostrate towards me. If the rains fall, if the flowers bloom, if the birds sing, if children smile in happiness and in innocence, I know why.

“It is because there are persons like Swami Sahajananda living amongst us, for our own sake”.

The most auspicious Ram Navami was celebrated at all Sivanandashrams of the Society. This report focuses on the celebrations at both Sivananda International Cultural Centre (SICC) and Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. 

Hundreds of devotees, well-wishers and donors gathered at SICC for the celebration which was held jointly with our Sivananda Day Satsang. Ganga Arati commenced at 8.30am followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans and Bhajans glorifying Lord Rama, a reading, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message and a Ramayan recital.

In the Ram Navami message, Sri Swami Sivananda, referring to the magnanimous personality of Lord Rama, said, “Deep and unfathomable like the ocean, firm and steadfast like the Himalayas, valiant like Vishnu, He was the joy of Kaushalya. Though fierce like fire on the battlefield, He was calm like the cool breeze of the Mandara Hills, patient like Mother Earth, bounteous like Kubera the God of Wealth, and righteous like Dharma, the Lord of Justice Himself. In pain or grief of His people, His heart swiftly sympathised with the sufferer. In the festive scenes which held them in joy, He, like a father shared their joy. By His honour and heroism, as well as by His gentleness and love for his subjects, He endeared himself to the heart of His people”. 

The Master exhorts us, when he said, “Establish the Rama Rajya in yourself; when each individual thus converts himself into a walking, talking and moving Ram Rajya, then the entire world will be converted into one huge Rama Rajya. The essentials of Rama Rajya have been wonderfully laid before you in the Ramayana. Truth, purity, an indomitable will to conquer evil, an unshakable faith in and adherence to Dharma, obedience, forbearance, sympathy and love, these constitute Lord Rama. With the birth of these in you, be sure that Lord Rama has enthroned Himself in your heart. Ramayana is replete with lessons which every aspirant should learn and assimilate”. 

The Master’s advice to women is that they should emulate the example of Mother Sita. He said, “Every woman should get before herself the ideal of Sita to perfection. Pativrata Dharma is the only Dharma for a woman. She need not perform austerities or observe other Vratas. She need not practise Yoga or engage herself in worship of the Lord. If a woman sticks to this one Pativrata Dharma, she gets Mukti easily. Her might then becomes unchallengeable. Even gods will bow to her, and the elements will obey her commands. O fashionable woman, O immodest lady, turn away from the path which leads to ruin; follow Sita's example. You will be ever remembered, even as Sita is”. 

Pujya Swamiji’s audio message, in response to questions to Pujya Swamiji, focused on the double consciousness of saints and Avatars. He said, “Deep inside they know who they are, but they play on the human stage also….”. He explained that when God comes to this earth, then He is subject to His own laws and acts like a human being, to illustrate to humans the difference between Dharma and Adharma. Lord Rama asked for help of others “but He was all powerful inwardly”. Pujya Swamiji mentioned that even Sri Gurudev said that he worries about certain things, but in essence he is peace and bliss. Pujya Swamiji continued, “We are searching for happiness, unbroken happiness, because you know there is something deep inside, otherwise you won’t be searching for it”. Saints and Avatars have Maya under their control and know everything that is going on. Sri Gurudev would have a quick glance and tell one about oneself. “For all these questions, meditation is the best answer”, said Pujya Swamiji.

The Phoenix Branches of the Society did a beautiful and mellifluous recital of the Ramayana. Vibrant, soulful and inspiring, the Bhakti in the offering was evident. Complemented by the inspiring Kirtans and Bhajans in praise of Lord Rama, the programme was spiritually elevating. 

The evening’s Ram Navami celebration at Sivanandashram commenced with Ganga Arati at 5.30pm and was followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a message from Sri Swami Sivananda and a recital from the Ramayana.

In the message, Glory of the Ramayana by Sri Swami Sivananda, Valmiki once asked Sage Narada, “O Venerable Rishi, please tell me whether there is a perfect man in this world, who is at once virtuous, brave, dutiful, truthful, noble, steadfast in duty and kind to all beings”.  Rishi Narada replied, “There is such a one, a prince of Ikshvaku's line, named Sri Rama. He is virtuous, brave, gentle and wise. He is a great hero. He loves his subjects immensely. He is a protector of Dharma. He is firm and steadfast. He is just and liberal. He is well versed in the Vedas and in the science of arms. He is unique in the possession of virtues and matchless in beauty. He is an obedient son, a kind brother, loving husband, a faithful friend, an ideal king, a merciful enemy, and a lover of all living beings. All people adore Him’”.

In respect of the origin of the Ramayana, Sri Swami Sivananda said, “…Brahma vanished after inspiring the poet with the knowledge of Sri Rama's whole story. Valmiki sat down in meditation and saw every event in Sri Rama's story in detail in his Yogic vision. Then he began to write the Ramayana. The melody of the Ramayana was born from a heart of love and pity for the wounded bird. The Ramayana is a marvellous book which contains the essence of all Vedas and all sacred scriptures. It is a treasure for man. It is a reservoir which contains the nectar of immortality. It delineates the character of a son who renounces the throne, the pleasures of the senses and the world in order to fulfil the words of His father, and lives in the forest for a period of fourteen years. The Ramayana depicts the character of a father who sends even his most beloved son into exile in order to keep up his word. It delineates the character of an ideal, chaste wife, who is devoted to Her husband till the end of Her life, who shares the adversities of Her husband and serves Him untiringly in the forest, and who also regards Her husband as God himself”.

The deeply inspiring Ramayana recital and melodious Kirtans and Bhajans were a fitting offering to Lord Rama during the evening’s Satsang as well.

The take-home message for us all from this Ram Navami is aptly captured by the Master, “Every year Sri Ram Navami celebrations are a boon and a blessing to all. They serve to keep bright and alive the lofty examples, by following which, life on earth becomes fruitful. Attend the celebrations with the right and proper feeling and benefit fully. Resolve from this Rama Navami Day to take a daily dip in the life-redeeming waters of the Ramayana. Read a small portion of the holy scripture every day. You will be constantly inspired. You will derive valuable guidance in your day-to-day life. You will, without fail imbibe in your own being the lofty qualities embodied therein. Within a short time, you will surely find yourself a different person, filled with the divine spirit of truth and purity. Peace, joy and prosperity will then be yours, here and hereafter. May the Grace and blessings of Lord Rama be upon all for their peace, prosperity, good health and spiritual illumination!”