Om Namo Bhagavade Sivanandaya
Established in 1949 by Sri Swami Sivananda
Our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, sent three letters to Sri V Srinivasan (later Sri Swami Sahajananda) to start a branch of Divine Life Society in this country. These were sent on 18 October 1949, 11 November 1949 and 5 June 1951. Therefore, one of the 75th Anniversaries of Divine Life Society of South Africa was celebrated on Monday, 11 November 2024 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. The programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, an extract from a DVD entitled Wisdom of Sivananda, an audio message by Pujya Swami Sahajananda, Spiritual Head of the Society, and the reading of two letters relevant to the occasion, sent by Sri Swami Sivananda to Pujya Swamiji (Pujya Swami Sahajananda).
The Divine Master’s letters containing direct instructions to Pujya Swami Sahajananda were meticulously preserved by Pujya Swamiji. These letters have now, post Pujya Swamiji’s Mahasamadhi in December 2007, been published by the Society in a series entitled Priceless Jewels. Excerpts of the two letters read at the Satsang, are reproduced below. The first reading bears Sri Gurudev’s instruction to Pujya Swamiji to open a branch of Divine Life Society in South Africa.
“11th November, 1949
Sri V. Srinivasan
DURBAN
Beloved Atman.
Salutations and adorations. Om Namo Narayana.
Thy kind letter of 13 October.
Lust and pride are the root of all human ills. They are the enemies of peace and are the parents of all the host of evils. Get up in the morning and meditate on the havoc that these bring about in man’s life. These two alone cause man’s subjections to the wheel of Samsara.
If you bring yourself up to feeling that they drain out your vitality – physical and mental – and that for your own good, you should eradicate them, then conquest of these two foes will be an easy affair. Resort to His Lotus Feet. He will help you.
May God help you!
Thy Own Self,
Sivananda
Handwritten
Kindly open the branch of Divine Life Society at once.
Do some silent work.
Sivananda”
Excerpts of the letter dated 21 September 1955 appear below:
“Kindly take great care of all the workers of the Durban Centre. They are all Dynamic Yogis, who have lost their body-consciousness. I wish all glory, Divine Wisdom, Good health and long life to all of them. One day I will be able to meet them all….
Your visit to Ananda Kutir in January 1st week is the happiest news to me and all the inmates of the Ashram. Cordial greetings. You have selected the finest period - winter - very pleasant for silent Sadhana. This will be a wonderful period in your life - all Bliss and Inspiration….
Yes, when you return to South Africa, you may take Swami Chidanandaji. I will give you some Movie films of the Ashram activities and songs and messages to the people of Africa through recording Tapes. That will be a great help to you for future work”.
Pujya Swami Sahajananda, in his audio message on the centenary birthday celebrations of Sri Swami Sivananda, paid glowing tributes to the Master’s compassion, benevolence and all-pervading presence in all aspects of the Society’s operations. Addressing the Master in the first person, Pujya Swamiji alluded to the Master’s complete control of Pujya Swamiji’s life, work and spiritual journey. He said that he had no intention to begin an Ashram, handle money and be a Spiritual Head. However, the Master willed otherwise, as is evident in his profound words to Pujya Swamiji, “Don’t reject and don’t long for anything”, and that if you take care of his Mission, then he will take care of you. Referring to the Master’s all-pervading nature, Pujya Swamiji said, “who can resist your will, none can!.....you created the Ashram….all praise and all blame should go to him”. In respect of starting an Ashram, Pujya Swamiji said that Sri Gurudev realised God and then began an Ashram. However, in Pujya Swamiji’s case, the Master willed that Pujya Swamiji begins an Ashram and then aspire for God-realisation. The talk was pregnant with Pujya Swamiji’s unconditional loyalty to the master, as his spiritual aspirations were willed by Gurudev.
Sri Swami Sivananda’s message on the glory of Karma Yoga, played on the DVD entitled, Wisdom of Sivananda Volume 2, brought forth the profound message of unconditional service in the form of Karma Yoga. This message was apt, for Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s entire life was devoted to Karma Yoga, as encapsulated in the Master’s cryptic instruction to him, “Learn to type and to make tea”. One of the cornerstones and hallmarks of Divine Life Society of South Africa during its existence over the 75 years, is unconditional service, irrespective of religion – one of Sri Swami Sivananda’s cardinal doctrines.
Divine Life Society of South Africa celebrated its 75th Anniversary in 2024. What do the next 75 years bode for the Society? If we follow the instructions and guidance of Pujya Swamiji, the Society is sure to rise to greater heights. The tenacity, resilience, unconditional Guru Bhakti of Pujya Swami Sahajananda, his leonine and iron courage, his grit, steadfast will, and his sheer passion and determination to spread the Master’s teachings in South Africa and beyond, will see the Society on its continued trajectory – to serve, love, give, purify, meditate and realise.
As the 75th year draws to a close, may we all resolve to continue Pujya Swamiji’s legacies in South Africa and beyond, with the teachings of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda as the compass.
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:
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.
Sivanandashram, Stanger was the venue for the Society’s Centenary Celebrations on Sunday, 27 October 2024, hosted by the Stanger Branch. The Branch also celebrated its 67th Anniversary. Havan commenced at 8am, followed by Ganga Arati at 9.30am. The Satsang programme that commenced at 10am, comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a Ramayan Recital, a message from the Society, a children’s item, a presentation by the youth girls on Sri Swami Sivananda’s cardinal teachings, and a play on Sri Swami Sivananda’s health tonics.
Devotees, well-wishers, donors and members of the public gathered in their numbers for the Havan. The chants of Mantras charged the prayer hall and the Ashram precincts on this beautiful Sunday morning. A larger gathering was present at the Satsang, with overflow areas being the adjacent halls and marquees.
The message from the Society focused on the lives and legacies of Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda. Excerpts from the message are recounted below. “One hundred years ago on 1st June 1924, Dr Kuppuswamy was ordained as a monk and a Sannyasin on the banks of the sacred Ganges. Thus, Sri Swami Sivananda Saraswati was born. His teachings spread across India and the world, and in 1949, the South African chapter of Divine Life Society was formed by Swami Sivananda with Swami Sahajananda as the Secretary.