The theme on this auspicious occasion was the Glory of the Divine Name. It is a fitting tribute to Pujya Swamiji who was kept the Divine Name constantly on his lips. In keeping with this theme the congregation was inspired by Pujya Swamiji's melodious chanting of the Sri Ram Jay Ram Jay Jay Ram Mantra and joined in the chanting.
Our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda dedicated an entire book to the power of the Divine Name. In a message that was read that evening the Master wrote, "Whenever your mind is disturbed by worries, anxieties, fears, troubles and antagonistic worldly influences, sit in the room and repeat the Name of the Lord for at least half an hour. You will at once find a change in yourself. Practise this and feel the soothing spiritual influence. Take complete refuge in the Divine Name. Its power will soon manifest itself and guide your life to peace and eternal bliss. Its power will soon manifest itself and guide your life to peace and eternal bliss. Take refuge in His Name. All troubles, miseries, pains and sorrows will come to an end. With me, there is one remedy for all ills—the Name of the Lord. Forget not His Name. The Divine Name burns all sins. I hand you the Name of the Lord, which is the master-key for success in life and God-realisation. At all times and places and in all conditions repeat His Name. Repeat the Divine Name at all times with faith and devotion and see the miraculous results in your life.
To celebrate this important day, the Sivananda bookstore arranged a beautiful gift package that included booklets on the Glory of Divine Name, all attractively bound in ribbon. These packages made an ideal gift for any occasion. To mark this occasion, Divine Life Magazine, 107 was also released.
Today, we offer our obeisance and gratitude to Pujya Swamiji for inspiring and teaching by example and for rendering such valuable service which shaped the lives of thousands of people in South Africa and abroad.
