Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, was the venue of the Satsang held to celebrate the 77th Anniversary of Divine Life Society of South Africa and the 21st Anniversary of Sivananda Ghat. The Satsang programme for the evening, which comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, readings and Pujya Swamiji’s audio message, was preceded by Ganga Arati at 5.30pm.
Sri Swami Sivananda, founder of the Divine Life Society, sent three letters to Sri V Srinivasan (Sri Swami Sahajananda) to start a branch in this country. The first letter was sent on 18 October 1949, the second on 11 November 1949 and the third on 5 June 1951. Divine Life Society of South Africa thus celebrates its anniversary on these 3 days.
Excerpts of the letter written by Sri Gurudev dated 5 June 1951, are reproduced below.
“Thy Kind packets of booklets. Words cannot adequately describe the sincerity of your devotion and your ardent zeal and enthusiasm to disseminate spiritual knowledge. Keep the Divine flame within you growing strong daily. May it guide the rest toward eternal bliss.
”An interesting feature in the spiritual path is that the world looks frightening to the aspirant at the outset; but, once he takes to chanting His Name and does total surrender unto Him, everything appears as His Lila. Having installed Him firmly in your heart, what is there to worry you? March boldly with majestic steps towards Him. There He stands to give you a warm welcome and to bless you with Peace, Joy and Immortality”.
In the postscript, Sri Swami Sivananda, in his personal handwriting, said, “Kindly send a copy of your photo, postcard size in black and white. Kindly open a branch of DLS in South Africa and do some silent work. The pamphlet is simply thrilling”.
Sivananda Ghat was officially opened by Pujya Swami Sahajananda on 5 June 2005. The Sivananda Ghat was inspired by Sri Swami Sivananda, who initiated the All Souls’ Day Prayer in Rishikesh, India. After a morning class the Master suddenly confronted the Ashramites with a suggestion, "From now onward the first of every month will be observed at the Ashram as 'All Souls' Day'. We should offer special prayer for the peace of all departed souls. In this modernised, materialistic world, Dharma has long ago been lost. Many religions have come into being in India itself that vehemently condemn the practice of ancestor-worship, Tarpana and Shraddha. The departed souls are in great grief. They naturally look to us to help them. We must do this”.
In respect of the programme, the Master explained, "In the morning we should arrange for consecrated food-offerings for the departed souls. There will be a special worship in the temple. We can have poor-feeding and feeding of the Sadhus also. In the evening there will be a special Ganga worship, when lights will be floated in the Ganga in the names of the departed souls. There should be special illumination in the temple”.
Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message was a dialogue with the Master in the first person. He focused on the themes of dispassion, loyalty and obedience. When Pujya Swamiji (then V. Srinivasan) was first leaving for India, he shed tears for his friends he was leaving behind. He recounted his first meeting with Sri Gurudev and his experiences at the Ashram. The Master told him to learn to type and to make tea - which cryptically meant to spread the Master’s teachings and to serve. The Master was taciturn initially but mellowed later on, and was full of compassion and love. Pujya Swamiji told the Master, “I have no qualifications. I rather go back”, to which Sri Gurudev replied, “They will come”. Sri Gurudev later wrote to Pujya Swamiji asking him to open a Divine Life Society Branch in South Africa and to do some silent work. Pujya Swamiji recalled that on a walk and upon his return to the FOSA settlement, the thought crossed his mind, “Gurudev, you are forming the Divine Life Society Branch. If it succeeds it is all your will. If it fails, it’s also your will”.
As we celebrate the 77th Anniversary of Divine Life Society of South Africa and the 21st Anniversary of Sivananda Ghat, we offer our deepest gratitude to Sri Swami Sivananda and to Pujya Swami Sahajananda for their visionary leadership, tireless service and spiritual inspiration. Through their unwavering dedication, countless devotees have been guided on the spiritual path, selfless service, prayer, Sadhana and spiritual discipline. These sacred milestones remind us that the greatest tribute we can offer is not merely remembrance, but active participation in the Divine Mission. Let us honour Sri Gurudev’s and Pujya Swamiji’s illustrious legacies by attending all Satsangs, Yoga Camps and all Ashram functions regularly, deepening our Sadhana and spiritual practices, serving humanity with compassion, and upholding their timeless ideals of love, purity and selfless service for generations to come. We owe it to the Divine Master and Pujya Swamiji.
May Divine Life Society of South Africa grow from strength to strength for posterity.
