Om Namo Bhagavade Sivanandaya
Sivananda DLS
Divine Life Society of South Africa
Established in 1949 by Sri Swami Sivananda
News & Reports (185)
Divine Life Society of South Africa will be broadcasting their Satsangs online until further notice. The Society makes a sincere and earnest appeal to all devotees to participate in the Satsangs whilst in the comfort of their homes, so as to imbibe the rich and sacred benefits of Satsang.
There are 2 options to receive the online Satsang links. One is to subscribe to our YouTube channel, and the other is to join our WhatsApp group, where a programme and a link to the pre-recorded audio stream Satsang will be sent out just before Satsang time.
Option 1:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel below:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMy6E2021O6W6cJSAb2fWQQ
Option 2:
Kindly join one of the WhatsApp groups below to receive our Satsang programmes and links. If you have already joined one of our WhatsApp groups, you do not need to join one of the groups listed below.
Group 5
https://chat.whatsapp.com/KsDMV3Ex2vm9DpJ5faMVXS
In celebration of the 71st anniversary of the Society, being the third in the series of three celebrations as outlined on 18 October, we remind ourselves of the dedicated and sincere efforts of the pioneers of the Society who contributed significantly to its growth and development. Their love, devotion, loyalty, obedience and sincerity laid the foundation for the future. Many were the sacrifices that they made and the discomfort they endured in providing us with the best facilities in the world.
Our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, founded the institution in South Africa in 1949. After practising intense austerities and meditation for prolonged periods, often up to sixteen hours daily, the Master attained enlightenment in about six years, and shone as a God-realised sage. He founded the Divine Life Society in Rishikesh in 1936, and was recognised as one of the foremost sages of modern India. His method of disseminating spiritual knowledge via spiritual literature was unique. The deepest wisdom is couched in the simplest and most lucid style. His instructions are universal in their appeal and intensely practical in their application. He wrote over 250 volumes on a variety of subjects encompassing Yoga and spirituality, and attracted thousands of disciples from all corners of the globe through his books.
Divine Life Society of S.A. celebrated the holy Navaratri Festival via online Satsangs from 17 October to 25 October. In all, there were 3 950 views. In the book, Bliss Divine, our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda states, "During Navaratri or the nine nights, devotees adore the Divine Mother and worship Her with great devotion. On the first three nights, Durga or the destructive aspect of the Mother is worshipped. On the succeeding three nights, it is the creative aspect or Lakshmi that is adored. On the last three nights, the knowledge aspect or Saraswati is invoked. The tenth day is the Day of Victory.
The 71st Anniversary of Divine Life Society of South Africa was celebrated via our online Satsang programme on Sunday, 18 October 2020. There were 430 views.
Divine Life Society of South Africa was founded in 1949 by our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda. He was one of the greatest of all modern saints. His teachings which are universal, practical, simple and timeless, have transformed the lives of countless people the world over, who have been searching for peace, happiness, comfort and above all, a higher truth in life. The Society's motto of "Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate and Realise", encapsulates the principles that we as devotees of Divine Life Society of South Africa, try to follow.
The Master had written three letters to Pujya Swami Sahajananda to start the Divine Life Society in South Africa. According to the dates of these letters, the anniversary of the Society is celebrated every year on 5 June, 18 October and 11 November.
During Navaratri (literally meaning "nine nights") Earnest spiritual aspirants of Durga observe a fast or take milk and fruit only on all the nine days, or at least once in each of the three-day periods. Brahmins are fed and prayers are offered for the protection of health and property. Durga Puja is the greatest Hindu Festival in which God is adored as Mother. Hinduism is the only religion in the world which has emphasised to such an extent the motherhood of God. One's relationship with one's mother is the dearest and the sweetest of all human relations, Hence, it is proper to look upon God as mother.
Durga Puja or Navaratri is the most suitable occasion for doing intense Sadhana. These nine days are very sacred to Mother. Plunge yourself in Her worship. Practise intense repition of the Divine Name, having a regular "quota" of repitions per day and the number of hours spent on it. Navaratri is an occasion symbolising the victory of the higher, divine forces over the lower, negative qualities that find their expression in injustice, oppression, aggrandisement, greed, selfishness, hatred and a host of other undivine forces that add to the suffering of man. Perform special worship on Navaratri days.
As a humble offering at the Lotus Feet of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, on the sacred occasion of our Master's 133rd birth anniversary, we release the next issue of our Divine Life Magazine.
This sacred event was celebrated online on Tuesday, 8 September 2020, commencing with Ganga Arati at 5.30pm. The morning session, which commenced at 5am with the final chanting of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa, 11 times, saw the culmination of the 41-day recital. This was followed by Havan which was live-streamed from Sivanandashram, Chatsworth. More than 500 devotees signed the pledge form to undertake the 41-Day chanting of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa. 1881 devotees viewed the Havan ceremony and participated online.
In respect of the birthday of a saint, the Master said: "Few events are more auspicious than the celebration of birth anniversaries of saints." Regarding the celebration of his birthday, the Master explained: "The devotees take delight in celebrating the birthday and 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 pious, receptive attitude prevalent on such an occasion draws forth the Grace of the Guru and God upon the devotees. The thoughts of peace, devotion, love, etc., sent out by the innumerable devotees that assemble to celebrate the birthday, go a long way to promote peace, harmony and spiritual well-being in the country."
On 6 September, a special cultural programme, dedicated to the Master, was screened, depicting his life and teachings. There were 550 views. It featured the day-to-day activities of the Master, with a voice over by Pujya Swami Sahajananda. Our children from grades 4 – 7 also participated in various readings.
Sri Swami Sivananda
(1887 - 1963)
Forthcoming Functions
Publications
"Sure Ways for Success in…
April 30, 2015
Size: 14.8cm x 20cm Soft Cover: Pages: 320 Pages Donation (SA): R50 Foreign: $15 Sure Ways for Success In ...
"Path of Divine Grace, Vo…
April 30, 2015
Size: 14.5cm x 20.5cm Soft Cover: Pages: 244 Pages Donation (SA): R25 Foreign: $10 The eagerly awaited s...
"Path of Divine Grace, Vo…
April 30, 2015
Size: 14.5cm x 20.5cm Soft Cover: Pages: 244 Pages Donation (SA): R25 Foreign: $10 The first of 4 Volume...
"Practice of Karma Yoga…
April 30, 2015
Size: 14.8cm x 21.2cm Soft Cover: 233 pages Donation (SA): R30 Foreign: $12 The nectar-like teachings of...