The most beautiful Sat-Chit-Ananda Temple in Fernwood, Newcastle was the venue for the Society’s 18th programme in the Sivananda Centenary Celebrations’ series of events. The Sivananda Centenary Celebrations’ Tour saw Satsangs in Kimberley, Port Shepstone, Howick and Newcastle, in addition to Branch Satsangs. The programme in Newcastle on Sunday, 10 November 2024 comprised a Havan at 8.30am, Ganga Arati at 9.30am and Satsang at 10am. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans and Bhajans by both Divine Life Society of South Africa and the Sat-Chit-Ananda Temple Society, a message from the Society, a Ramayana Recital, a talk on Swami Sivananda’s cardinal teachings, guided meditation, and the benefits of Mantra chanting.

Sri Krishen Singh, Founder Trustee of the Mandir, in his welcome address, paid glowing tributes to Sri Swami Sivananda, Pujya Swami Sahajananda and the Society. He acknowledged the contributions of the Society to the Mandir during its formative stages, as Divine Life Society of South Africa supported the Mandir financially. The Society also provided infrastructure assistance with the Mandir’s domes, tiling and the Siva-Ganga pool. The Society therefore has a cordial and long-standing relationship with the Mandir.

The message from the Society traced the life and teachings of Sri Swami Sivananda, the illustrious work done by Pujya Swami Sahajananda in promoting and preserving Hindu values, and our glorious Hindu Dharma in South Africa. In respect of Pujya Swamiji’s contributions, the message read, “The story of the Divine Life Society of South Africa is inextricably bound to the life of Sri Swami Sahajananda of South Africa, affectionately known as Pujya Swamiji, who breathed life into every facet of the Society’s work in the 58 years during which he was Spiritual Head. He grew the organisation to 7 Ashrams and 18 Branches/Prayer Groups countrywide. Today we have an 8th Ashram in Buccleuch, Sandton, Gauteng. In 1956, on Swami Sahajananda’s arrival at Swami Sivananda’s Ashram in Rishikesh, he met the Divine Master on his way to the office that morning. Joyously welcoming him, the Master said ‘Oh! You are doing the work of Avataras’”. 

The following excerpt from the message gives an insight into the association between the Mandir and the Society, “Divine Life society of South Africa and Sat-Chit-Ananda Temple Society have a very close and long-standing relationship. We know that at the very sacred spot where our Ganga Mata resides in this Mandir, is where Pujya Swamiji sat when he visited this Mandir about 2 decades ago. We feel a great sense of gratitude to the officials of the Mandir for the sincerity with which they administer the operations at this Mandir, and for having consecrated a Ganga Rani Shrine here in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal. Your work in upholding and propagating our glorious Hindu Dharma is most praiseworthy. We pray that Sat-Chit-Ananda Temple Society grows from strength to strength in all its activities”. 

The guided meditation gave the congregation insights into techniques in meditation, its benefits and a practical guide to its practice. This was complemented by glimpses into benefits of Mantra chanting, namely: physiological benefits, raising vibrations, meditative aid, focus and concentration, stress and anxiety relief, as well as spiritual benefits - when one connects with the Divine or higher self, and increases spiritual growth and self-transformation. Techniques of Mantra chanting and how to choose a Mantra, were also discussed. The following well-known Mantras were alluded to: Om Namah Shivaya, Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram Om, Om Namo Narayana, the Maha Mantra, Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and Gayatri Mantra, to name just a few, with the intention that members of the public begin the practice of Mantra chanting.   

A talk on Sri Swami Sivananda’s cardinal teachings focused on Sadhana, meditation, prayer, benefits of Satsang and the power of prayer. On prayer, Sri Swami Sivananda said, “Prayer elevates the mind. It fills the mind with purity. It is associated with the praise of God. It keeps the mind in tune with God. Prayer can reach a realm where reason dares not enter. It can take you to the Spiritual Realm or Kingdom of God. It frees the devotee from the fear of death. It brings him nearer to God and makes him feel his essential, immortal and blissful nature”.

A summary of the Master’s views on the benefits of Satsang are:

• Satsang with Mahatmas, Sadhus and the Guru plays a tremendous part in the attainment of quick spiritual progress.
• It is the easiest and quickest means to change the minds of worldly persons towards the spiritual path and to thoroughly overhaul the vicious, wrong Samskaras. 
• Satsang elevates the mind and fills it with Sattva or purity, and is the greatest of all purifiers and illuminators of man. 
• Without Satsang, this mind which is filled with worldly impurities cannot be turned towards God. 
• Satsang removes the darkness of ignorance and fills the mind with Vairagya or non-attachment or dispassion for worldly enjoyments. Satsang is the sun that dispels the cloud of ignorance. It forces one to lead a life divine and have strong conviction in the existence of God. 
• The company of a saint remarkably hastens the growth of Sattvic virtues in the aspirant, and gives him strength to awaken the dormant powers, and to eradicate undesirable negative qualities and various defects. 
• Satsang helps in the attainment of Moksha. 
• Satsang is a formidable and impregnable fortress to protect the young aspirants from the temptations and the attacks of Maya. 
• There is nothing so inspiring, elevating, solacing and delightful as Satsang. 

Divine Life Society of South Africa extends congratulations to, and thanks the Mandir’s officials, its committee and devotees on a well-organised and an excellent Centenary Celebrations' function. We acknowledge with profound gratitude their hard work, diligence, dedication and commitment to ensuring that the message of our Sanatana Dharma and Divine Life go out to the community of Newcastle and surrounding towns. The extent that the Mandir went to in organising the function, bearing all costs, arranging all aspects of the Havan, Satsang, Ganga Arati, cooking, catering, décor, other services and community involvement, are hallmarks of efficiency and dedication to duty. The attention to detail, smooth execution of tasks and items, dignity with which devotees and members of the public conducted themselves, and the sanctified atmosphere of the Mandir, are really praiseworthy.  The celebration was immensely spiritual and uplifting. 

The distribution of our Master’s literature and teachings in Newcastle is helping to spread the message of Divine Life and our glorious Hindu Dharma, which we all need in this Kali Yoga. The bookstall with Swami Sivananda’s books, CDs with Kirtans, Bhajans and Mantras, picture frames and memorabilia, attracted interest.  

The Centenary Celebrations’ Tour function at the Sat-Chit-Ananda Temple was inspiring, soulful and spiritually elevating. We also express heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the Mandir, its officials and the community of Newcastle for their hospitality, warmth, dedication, unwavering support and sincerity. The temple's serene atmosphere, beautiful murtis, sacred precincts, and timeless teachings provide a profound sense of peace and connection to the Divine. The visit for many felt like a journey inward, offering comfort, inspiration, spiritual sustenance and food for the soul. We are especially grateful to the officials of the Mandir, whose dedication ensures that the teachings, traditions and values of our glorious Hindu Dharma flourish. May the Mandir continue to be a source of light, spirituality, and unity for all who seek it.