The Society celebrated the most auspicious Sri Krishna Janmashtami at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, as well as at all Sivanandashrams on Monday, 26 August 2024. At Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm followed by Satsang which concluded at midnight. The programme included Kirtans, Bhajans, readings, an audio message by Pujya Swami Sahajananda, a DVD entitled, Wisdom of Sivananda, guest artistes, readings on the significance of Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s Bhajans on Lord Krishna, Bhagavad Gita recitals and the cradle Bhajan, Jaya Nandalala. The evening’s Satsang was indeed spiritually elevating and a veritable spiritual feast.

Sri Krishna Janmashtami, one of the greatest of Hindu festivals, is the birthday of Lord Krishna, the eighth Divine Incarnation of Lord Vishnu.  Sri Swami Sivananda in the book, Hindu Fasts and Festivals states, “Lord Krishna appeared when the moon entered the house of Vrishabha at the constellation of the star Rohini, on Wednesday, the 8th day of the second fortnight of the month of Sravana. According to the Barshaspatyamana, this corresponds to the month of Bhadrapada Krishnapaksha, in the year of Visvavasu, 5172 years ago (from 1945) which means 3227 B.C”. Calculations in 1945 indicated that the year of Lord Krishna’s birth was 3227 B.C. As at 2024, Sri Krishna’s appearance calculates to 5251 years ago.

Describing Lord Krishna’s appearance, Sri Swami Sivananda, in the book, Hindu Fasts and Festivals, says, “Though Lord Krishna appeared in a human body, He had a divine body, which was not composed of the five elements. He did not take birth in the usual sense of the term. He did not die. He merely appeared and disappeared through His Yoga Maya, as He has said in the Gita. This is a secret known only to His devotees and to Yogis and sages”.

Explaining the nature of the Lord and the reasons for His appearance, Sri Swami Sivananda continues, “Sri Krishna played various roles during His stay in the world. He was the charioteer of Arjuna. He was an excellent statesman. He was a master musician; He gave lessons even to Narada in the art of playing the veena. The music of His flute thrilled the hearts of His devotees and the Gopis. He was a cowherd in Gokul and Brindavan. He exhibited miraculous powers even as a child. He killed many demons. He revealed His Cosmic Form to His mother, Yashoda. He performed the Rasa Lila, the secret of which can only be understood by devotees like Narada, Gauranga, Radha and the Gopis. He taught the supreme truths of Yoga, Bhakti and Vedanta to Arjuna and Uddhava. He mastered the sixty-four fine arts in sixty-four days. For all these reasons, He is regarded as a full and complete manifes­tation of God.

“Incarnations of God appear for special reasons and under special circumstances. Whenever there is the prevalence of much unrighteousness, and confusion and disorder set in on account of unrighteousness and hamper the well-ordered progress of mankind, whenever the balance of human society is upset by ruthless and cruel beings, whenever irreligion is prevalent on a large scale, whenever the foundations of social organisations are undermined, then the Lord Himself incarnates in order to re-establish righteous­ness and restore peace”.

In the reading, “Uddhava’s Departure”, in response to Uddhava’s question about devotional methods, Lord Krishna gave him an elaborate account of those practices which are open to all. The Lord said, “There are many ways in which I may be worshipped, O Uddhava, but the safe rule is to offer everything to Me as I have already told you. But if you still wish to offer something particular, remember that whatever is offered with love I will gladly accept. Be it a leaf, a flower, some fruit or even water, if offered with love I will be immensely pleased. The best Puja is that which is done without any desires, for then I Myself will decide what is best for the devotee. At the end of the Puja, if you renounce the sense of doer-ship and offer your very soul to Me then the Puja will purify you”.

When Uddhava, who shared a close bond with the Lord, had to depart for Badrinath, expressed immense sadness as he had to be separated from the Lord. The Lord, understanding his predicament, said, “Dearer to Me than My sons, dearer to Me than My consorts are you, O Uddhava, for you are the shining example of the Jnana-Bhakta. You have fettered Me to yourself with the bonds of your intense love, yet the time has now come for our bodies to part for they are made of the five elements and must return to them. So go, my faithful friend, and do as I have instructed you”. Such indeed is the love of an ardent devotee for the Lord. 

This theme is again exemplified in the play reading, “Krishna’s Jewels” written by Sri Swami Sivananda. Kala the robber obtained the Lord’s Darshan and vision because of his intense desire to see the Lord, although his intention was to rob the Lord and Balarama of their jewels. 

Pujya Swami Sahajananda in his audio message on Mantra chanting, explained its potency and the value of the repetition of the Divine Name. Regularity and consistency are essential. Pujya Swamiji said that all saints are unanimous in one thing, that is to take the Divine Name, to chant one’s Mantra, and that the Divine Name is the easiest, quickest and surest way to approach God in this Kali Yuga. He explained further that as the aspirant progresses in Sadhana, one may see images and hear sounds. However, one should be steadfast in Sadhana and repeat the Divine Name continuously. He quoted Lord Krishna, saying, “He attains Me easily who remembers Me constantly”.  Pujya Swamiji said that there is no difference between God and His Name, and that “the moment you repeat His Name you are in contact with God”.  Explaining the power of the Mantra, Pujya Swamiji said that every word and every Mantra has vibrations, just as each has a form. We cannot see the vibration of the Mantra with our physical eyes, but we can do so with our inner eyes. He continued to explain, “People have got Siddhis in these Mantras. And this power that is in the Mantra is locked up in it, like the tree is locked in the seed”. Pujya Swamiji gives clear guidelines on the practice of Sadhana and meditation, and how to surmount difficulties in Sadhana. He advises that one should not give up on Sadhana nor change one’s Mantra irrespective of the physical conditions and challenges, for Mantra chanting “forms deep Samskaras in the mind”. Pujya Swamiji himself experienced challenges in his early spiritual practices, when he sat on the floor between beds and shoes and practised his Sadhana. 

The DVD “Wisdom of Sivananda” focused on the divinity of the soul, immortality of the Atman and the need for a life of divinity. One should surrender and offer everything to God, unconditionally. We should take refuge in the Lord alone and He will liberate us. The message was followed by the melodious “Song of Bliss” by Sri Gurudev. 

Guest artiste, Rory Booth, a senior student of the Kala Darshan Institute of Indian Classical Music and Dance under the tutelage of Guru Shri Manesh Maharaj, presented two dance items dedicated to Lord Krishna. His excellent performances, dexterity of movements, grace and elegance, enthralled all. Sri Shenese Naicker, an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer, made her offering to the Lord with beauty, grace, dexterity and Bhav. The offering by Raegan Nagan, a young Carnatic singer, brought to the fore the intricacies of the beautiful and melodic art form of Carnatic singing and music. The inspiring and soul-stirring recitation of Bhagavad Gita Slokas with meanings by our Rishikumaris, Kirtans and Bhajans, a video on Lord Krishna, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s beautifully recorded songs on Lord Krishna, and the cradle Bhajan, Jaya Nandala, complemented the evening’s celebration, and satiated the spiritual appetite of devotees on this auspicious occasion. 

May the Grace and blessings of Lord Krishna and our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, be upon us always.

Divine Life Society of South Africa had its 10th Centenary Celebrations’ programme on Saturday, 10 August 2024. Our Shallcross Branch hosted the Celebrations at the Everest Primary School in Shallcross. Hundreds of devotees, donors, well-wishers and members of the public attended the spiritually elevating Havan and Satsang. 

The day’s programme comprised a Havan at 8am, Ganga Arati at 9.30am and Satsang at 10am. 

The soulful chants of sacred Mantras during the Havan by the Ashram’s priests reverberated and created a beautiful ambience befitting the occasion. Ganga Arati, conducted possibly for the first time in Shallcross, was a unique and novel experience for many. Indeed, Pujya Swami Sahajananda has brought the sacred Mother Ganga to South Africa, into our cities and towns, into our homes, and now even into one of our schools. A marvel of a concept indeed!

The Satsang Programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a message from the Society, a children’s item, entitled, “Sri Gurudev Says”, a conversation on Sri Swami Sivananda’s cardinal teachings, an address by the principal of the school and a dance. The Song of Salutations, a tribute to Sri Swami Sivananda, was done with decorum and sincerity by the Spiritual Darlings, whose innocence, eloquence and Bhav were overwhelming.

The message from the Society focused on the glory of Hinduism, Sri Swami Sivananda’s life of ascetism and renunciation, his contributions to the world, and Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s enormous contributions to South Africa in the fields of religion, poverty alleviation, nation-building and education. The message also stressed the importance of Satsang, Mantra chanting and moral and spiritual values. The principal of Everest Primary School, Mr Anash Singh, expressed profound appreciation and gratitude to the Society for its contributions to the school, through renovations and infrastructure upgrades. He emphasised the need for a spiritual lifestyle, and expressed the hope that his school will benefit from the strong spiritual vibrations of the Satsang and the weekly Satsangs held by the Shallcross Branch at his school. Meena Mothilall, a Radio Hindvani personality, recited Slokas of the Ramayana. The beautiful chants and the English translations, were done with dignity and decorum. Evident also, was participation in the chants by the congregation. Tuhina Asharam, a Bharathanatyam dancer, gave a beautiful dance offering (Jathiswaram) on this auspicious occasion.

The Shallcross Branch mothers brought forth some of the teachings of Sri Swami Sivananda, in the item, “Take a Packet of Grace Home Today”. Some of the topics covered were Sadhana, meditation, prayer and Satsang. The Master explained that Sadhana is any spiritual practice, and advised that we be serious about our Sadhana for maximum benefit. Let us choose our own methods, be it chanting of the Divine Name, attending Satsangs, meditation, Japa or Karma Yoga. He says, “Stern self-discipline is absolutely essential…. The spiritual path is rugged, thorny, and precipitous. The thorns must be weeded out with patience and perseverance. Some of the thorns are internal; some are external. Lust, greed, wrath, delusion and vanity are internal thorns”.

In respect of meditation, Sri Swami Sivananda says that through meditation, the mind is focused, purified and strengthened. “All worldly thoughts are shut out from the mind. It is filled or saturated with divine thoughts, divine glory and the Divine Presence….It makes the approach to God easier”. Some of the benefits of meditation are: it takes us to God, enhances focus and concentration, increases feelings of compassion, empathy and kindness, supports personal and spiritual growth and reduces stress. The Master says that meditation is an absolute necessity in spiritual practices. On prayer, Sri Swami Sivananda says, “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”. He explained further that the power of Prayer is indescribable. “Sincere devotees only realise its usefulness and splendour….. Do not argue about the efficacy of Prayer. You will be deluded.” He says that we should pray and wait, and the rewards are sure to come. The Master explained that Satsang is the association with holy company seeking spiritual growth. Satsang is about being in the company of those who support and inspire one’s spiritual journey, helping one to connect with one’s inner Self. The following is a summary of the benefits of Satsang, according to Sri Swami Sivananda:

•    It is the easiest and quickest means to take us towards God.

•    Satsang elevates the mind and fills it with Sattva or purity.

•    It forces one to lead a divine life. 

•    The company of a saint or holy people helps eradicate undesirable negative qualities and defects. 

•    Satsang is the greatest of all purifiers of man. We should all regularly engage in Satsang for spiritual sustenance, protection, peace and prosperity.

An array of stalls graced the fore-court of the school. Book stalls, stalls displaying Centenary Celebrations’ memorabilia, souvenirs and gifts, and a Sunlit Path Schools’ stall, with free literature providing coping strategies for social ills such as drug addiction, alcoholism, suicidal tendencies and related ills, were also available. The beautifully decorated gardens of the school with Sri Swami Sivananda’s quotations and pictures, were informative, educational, and an impressive sight to behold.

Many stalwarts of the Society hail from the Shallcross Branch. We are confident that its members, through their dedication and Guru Bhakti, will be a beacon of hope for many seeking solace, peace and contentment through prayer, through their weekly Satsang and the Society’s programmes.  

We thank all officials and devotees, donors, well-wishers and devotees of our Shallcross Branch, and wish them every success in bringing the message of Divine Life to the people of Shallcross, and pray that Sri Gurudev’s and Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s Grace and blessings be upon them. May the Shallcross Branch continue to propagate the life, teachings and legacies of Sri Gurudev and Pujya Swamiji for years to come.

The 61st Mahasamadhi of Sri Swami Sivananda according to the Sanskrit calendar was observed at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, on Monday, 29 July 2024. Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a reading and an audio message by Sri Swami Sahajananda. Amongst the singers was Smt Mahenthri Pillay, a long-standing devotee, now resident in Abu Dhabi.

Sri N. Anathanarayanan, author of From Man to Godman, captured intimate glimpses of Sri Gurudev’s last days. He said, “At about 9pm, an electric massage was administered. The machine made a croaking noise. The Master commented, ‘You see, frog is crying’! People around were grieved over the Master's health, but could not help letting out a smile at his remark. Just then a close disciple of the Master came in. He was bare above the waist, and his bulging stomach showed to prominence. The Master saw him and exclaimed jocularly, ‘Oh! Put the machine on his belly’! His mood turned a little serious, however, when the doctors began to apply the electric massage to his face. Overtired as he was, he said, ‘Enough, enough’! The attitude of the Master at that moment revealed extreme dispassion. He wanted nothing. After all, what could all the doctors in the world do when the call had come to him? … He lay on his bed totally relaxed like a child, tapping the pillow with the fingers of his right hand. Or he moved his right palm lightly over his stomach in gentle circles. He had nothing to accomplish now; his work was over”.

On the morning of 14 July 1963, close devotees were at the Master’s bedside. As sick as he was, the Master was concerned that all inmates should take their meals, indicative of his love unto the last moments.

In the Master’s conversation with Colonel Puri who examinedhim on the morning of 14 July 1963, the doctor assured the Master that he will be well, to which the Master replied, “Yes, I must. I have many things to do.” This is prophetic, as the Master’s teachings and legacies live on decades after his Mahasamadhi. Indeed, he continues to do his work even to this day.

The Master’s last moments, as captured by Ananthanarayanan, leave one with a sense of desolation. He said, “After the doctor had left, and before he could take his own food, the Master developed fever and began to shiver. The breathing hardened. He took two or three spoonsful of Horlicks, and at about 3pm asked for water. As was the usual practice, the disciples wanted to give him barley water or jeera water, but he wished to have Ganges water, pure and simple. The water was brought. The Master, who had experienced difficulty in taking the smallest quantity of solid or liquid, gulped down half a glassful of Ganges water without apparent trouble-and with that the Being that was Swami Sivananda laid aside its mortal vesture. It was now 11.15pm”.

In Pujya Swamiji’s audio message, he addressed the Master in the first person, saying that the Master’s physical manifestation is filled with divinity, indicative in, “The whole world is really your form”. Pujya Swamiji recounted the Master’s boyhood antics and his love for sport and adventure. He continued, “Shuddhananda Bharatiar said that you are born with the vision of God. You are not born like ordinary people. You are born sage and Siddha”. The Master would run out with his plate of food when he heard the cry of a beggar, indicative of the Master’s compassion and love for the destitute and forlorn. He prostrated at his fencing tutor and garlanded him, when his orthodox parents told him not associate with the low caste tutor. Pujya Swamiji’s concluding remark, “Even from the very early days, God shone through you”, sums up the Master’s munificence.

Sri Gurudev’s words of advice to disciples who survive after their Guru’s passing, is an apt conclusion to this report and pertinent to us all. He said, “A true disciple is one who serves his Guru till the end of his life. If the disciple survives after the Guru leaves his mortal body, he should lead the remaining portion of his life in accordance with his Guru’s teaching and live to preach them to others by practising them himself”.

The majority of us, young and old have had no physical contact with Sri Swami Sivananda. Yet, we marvel at his teachings, relish his spiritual legacy and follow his teachings steadfastly. Is it of wonder, therefore, that generations to come will continue to be inspired by this spiritual dynamo, this silent yet eloquent personality – Sri Swami Sivananda? May we be true disciples who will serve our Master till the end of our lives, and lead the remaining portion of our lives in accordance with our Guru’s teachings, and live to preach them to others, by practising them ourselves.

 

Divine Life Society of South Africa launched the 41-Day recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa, 11 times daily, on Tuesday, 30 July 2024. The recital will end on the most auspicious 137th Birth Anniversary of Sri Swami Sivananda on Sunday 8 September 2024 at Sivananda International Cultural Centre (SICC), La Mercy. The final recital will be at 6am on 8 September 2024, followed by a Havan. Ganga Arati will be at 8am, followed by a march-past on the stadium at 9.10am and Satsang at 9.45am.

The recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa was strongly recommended by beloved Pujya Swami Sahajananda, who encouraged all to recite the Sri Hanuman Chalisa for protection, safety, welfare and peace in the world. Sri Swami Sivananda, in his book, Essence of Ramayana paid glowing tributes to Sri Hanuman, as is evident in, “Hanuman ranks first amongst the heroes of the world. His heroic deeds, wonderful exploits and marvellous feats of strength and bravery cannot be adequately described. His sense of duty was extremely laudable. He had great skill in all military tactics and methods of warfare. His crossing the sea of thirty miles in one leap and lifting the crest of a mountain in the palm of the hand, his carrying of the brothers on his shoulders from the nether world to Lanka are all astounding, superhuman feats which baffle human description.

“He conquered innumerable difficulties which cropped up in his way through his courage, patience and undaunted spirit. He made untiring search to find Sita. At the time of danger, he exhibited marvellous courage and presence of mind. He was steady and firm in his actions. He was always successful in his attempts. Failure was not known to him. He gave up his life in the service of the Lord. He had not a tinge of selfishness in his actions. All his actions were offerings unto Lord Rama. No one reached the peak in Dasya Bhava like Sri Hanuman. He was a rare jewel among devotees, the supreme head among Pundits, the king among celibates and the commander among heroes and warriors”.

The Satsang on 30 July 2024 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, commenced with Ganga Arati at 5.30pm. Devotees who pledged to participate in the recital, attended the Satsang. Signed pledges were offered at the shrine on this day. The Satsang Programme comprised Invocation, a reading of the rules for the 41-Day recital, and the recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa 11 times. The rules which appear in the Divine Life Society of South Africa Prayer Book, are enumerated below and are useful to anyone who wishes to do this Vrat.

1. The Sri Hanuman Chalisa should be repeated regularly for 41 days, either in the morning or in the evening.
2. Have a bath and wear clean clothes.
3. Sit in any comfortable posture in front of a picture of Sri Hanuman.
4. Keep some fruit as Prasad in a little tray.
5. Keep 11 flowers in another small tray.
6. First commence repeating some Guru Mantras.
7. After the repetition of the Guru Mantras, commence the Sri Hanuman Chalisa from “Sri Guru Charana Sarojaraja…”
8. Complete the repetition till the end, until “Hridaya Basahu Sura Bhoop Sita Ram”. This is one repetition.
9. On completion of the repetition once, offer one flower to Sri Hanuman.
10. Do the repetition 11 times at each sitting. Each time a repetition is completed, offer one flower. In this way offer all the 11 flowers.
11. After the completion 11 times at one sitting, repeat some Shanti Mantras, prostrate and get up.
12. The fruit can be distributed to all as Prasad.
13. While sitting in the posture, do not change it or look around. Keep the eyes closed and concentrate on the picture of Sri Hanuman, or concentrate on his picture with eyes open.
14. On completion of the Mantra 11 times for 41 days, perform Havan with the help of a qualified pundit, and do some Puja in a Hanuman temple with the guidance of a priest.
15. You can also do poor feeding or some charity on completion of the Yajna.
16. Women undergoing the monthly cleansing process should not repeat the Mantra during this period.

The glory of Sri Hanuman, His prowess and indomitable presence will last for millennia. The words of Sri Swami Sivananda resonate with Sri Hanuman’s majestical prowess. Sri Gurudev said, “The world has not yet seen and will not see in future also a mighty hero like Sri Hanuman. During His life He worked wonders and exhibited superhuman feats of strength and valour. He has left behind Him a Name which, as long as the world lasts, will continue wielding a great influence over the minds of millions of people.

“Where Hanuman is, there are Sri Rama and Sri Sita and wherever Sri Rama and Sri Sita are praised and their deeds recited, there Hanuman is”.

Let us all be inspired through the Bhav of Sri Hanuman, and may His devotion to Sri Rama be a strong catalyst for us to increase our devotion, Bhakti and love for God.