The most auspicious Ram Navami was celebrated at all Sivanandashrams of the Society. This report focuses on the celebrations at both Sivananda International Cultural Centre (SICC) and Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. 

Hundreds of devotees, well-wishers and donors gathered at SICC for the celebration which was held jointly with our Sivananda Day Satsang. Ganga Arati commenced at 8.30am followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans and Bhajans glorifying Lord Rama, a reading, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message and a Ramayan recital.

In the Ram Navami message, Sri Swami Sivananda, referring to the magnanimous personality of Lord Rama, said, “Deep and unfathomable like the ocean, firm and steadfast like the Himalayas, valiant like Vishnu, He was the joy of Kaushalya. Though fierce like fire on the battlefield, He was calm like the cool breeze of the Mandara Hills, patient like Mother Earth, bounteous like Kubera the God of Wealth, and righteous like Dharma, the Lord of Justice Himself. In pain or grief of His people, His heart swiftly sympathised with the sufferer. In the festive scenes which held them in joy, He, like a father shared their joy. By His honour and heroism, as well as by His gentleness and love for his subjects, He endeared himself to the heart of His people”. 

The Master exhorts us, when he said, “Establish the Rama Rajya in yourself; when each individual thus converts himself into a walking, talking and moving Ram Rajya, then the entire world will be converted into one huge Rama Rajya. The essentials of Rama Rajya have been wonderfully laid before you in the Ramayana. Truth, purity, an indomitable will to conquer evil, an unshakable faith in and adherence to Dharma, obedience, forbearance, sympathy and love, these constitute Lord Rama. With the birth of these in you, be sure that Lord Rama has enthroned Himself in your heart. Ramayana is replete with lessons which every aspirant should learn and assimilate”. 

The Master’s advice to women is that they should emulate the example of Mother Sita. He said, “Every woman should get before herself the ideal of Sita to perfection. Pativrata Dharma is the only Dharma for a woman. She need not perform austerities or observe other Vratas. She need not practise Yoga or engage herself in worship of the Lord. If a woman sticks to this one Pativrata Dharma, she gets Mukti easily. Her might then becomes unchallengeable. Even gods will bow to her, and the elements will obey her commands. O fashionable woman, O immodest lady, turn away from the path which leads to ruin; follow Sita's example. You will be ever remembered, even as Sita is”. 

Pujya Swamiji’s audio message, in response to questions to Pujya Swamiji, focused on the double consciousness of saints and Avatars. He said, “Deep inside they know who they are, but they play on the human stage also….”. He explained that when God comes to this earth, then He is subject to His own laws and acts like a human being, to illustrate to humans the difference between Dharma and Adharma. Lord Rama asked for help of others “but He was all powerful inwardly”. Pujya Swamiji mentioned that even Sri Gurudev said that he worries about certain things, but in essence he is peace and bliss. Pujya Swamiji continued, “We are searching for happiness, unbroken happiness, because you know there is something deep inside, otherwise you won’t be searching for it”. Saints and Avatars have Maya under their control and know everything that is going on. Sri Gurudev would have a quick glance and tell one about oneself. “For all these questions, meditation is the best answer”, said Pujya Swamiji.

The Phoenix Branches of the Society did a beautiful and mellifluous recital of the Ramayana. Vibrant, soulful and inspiring, the Bhakti in the offering was evident. Complemented by the inspiring Kirtans and Bhajans in praise of Lord Rama, the programme was spiritually elevating. 

The evening’s Ram Navami celebration at Sivanandashram commenced with Ganga Arati at 5.30pm and was followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a message from Sri Swami Sivananda and a recital from the Ramayana.

In the message, Glory of the Ramayana by Sri Swami Sivananda, Valmiki once asked Sage Narada, “O Venerable Rishi, please tell me whether there is a perfect man in this world, who is at once virtuous, brave, dutiful, truthful, noble, steadfast in duty and kind to all beings”.  Rishi Narada replied, “There is such a one, a prince of Ikshvaku's line, named Sri Rama. He is virtuous, brave, gentle and wise. He is a great hero. He loves his subjects immensely. He is a protector of Dharma. He is firm and steadfast. He is just and liberal. He is well versed in the Vedas and in the science of arms. He is unique in the possession of virtues and matchless in beauty. He is an obedient son, a kind brother, loving husband, a faithful friend, an ideal king, a merciful enemy, and a lover of all living beings. All people adore Him’”.

In respect of the origin of the Ramayana, Sri Swami Sivananda said, “…Brahma vanished after inspiring the poet with the knowledge of Sri Rama's whole story. Valmiki sat down in meditation and saw every event in Sri Rama's story in detail in his Yogic vision. Then he began to write the Ramayana. The melody of the Ramayana was born from a heart of love and pity for the wounded bird. The Ramayana is a marvellous book which contains the essence of all Vedas and all sacred scriptures. It is a treasure for man. It is a reservoir which contains the nectar of immortality. It delineates the character of a son who renounces the throne, the pleasures of the senses and the world in order to fulfil the words of His father, and lives in the forest for a period of fourteen years. The Ramayana depicts the character of a father who sends even his most beloved son into exile in order to keep up his word. It delineates the character of an ideal, chaste wife, who is devoted to Her husband till the end of Her life, who shares the adversities of Her husband and serves Him untiringly in the forest, and who also regards Her husband as God himself”.

The deeply inspiring Ramayana recital and melodious Kirtans and Bhajans were a fitting offering to Lord Rama during the evening’s Satsang as well.

The take-home message for us all from this Ram Navami is aptly captured by the Master, “Every year Sri Ram Navami celebrations are a boon and a blessing to all. They serve to keep bright and alive the lofty examples, by following which, life on earth becomes fruitful. Attend the celebrations with the right and proper feeling and benefit fully. Resolve from this Rama Navami Day to take a daily dip in the life-redeeming waters of the Ramayana. Read a small portion of the holy scripture every day. You will be constantly inspired. You will derive valuable guidance in your day-to-day life. You will, without fail imbibe in your own being the lofty qualities embodied therein. Within a short time, you will surely find yourself a different person, filled with the divine spirit of truth and purity. Peace, joy and prosperity will then be yours, here and hereafter. May the Grace and blessings of Lord Rama be upon all for their peace, prosperity, good health and spiritual illumination!”

The most recent Centenary Celebrations’ function was held at the Pretoria Chinese School in Wingate, Pretoria East, on Saturday, 29 March 2025. Ganga Arati commenced at 2.50pm followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a children’s item, a play, an address by the Deputy Consul General of India in Johannesburg and a message from the Society. The Centenary Celebrations this year focused on Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s 100th birth anniversary, and Pujya Swamiji as an ideal disciple of Sri Swami Sivananda. Pujya Swami Sahajananda, Spiritual Head of Divine Life Society of South Africa, led the Society with distinction for 58 years, and took Mahasamadhi on 10 December 2007. In obedience to our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, and in the spirit of selfless service to the country, Pujya Swamiji initiated humanitarian projects to alleviate poverty, illiteracy and suffering in this country. Completed projects total approximately 700 to date. South Africa will not be able to repay this spiritual giant for these inestimable contributions which enriched the country greatly. This celebration, and all the other Satsangs and programmes this year, are a miniscule attempt at glorifying the contributions of this illustrious son of South Africa, so that his legacy continues to nourish us all.

The message from the Society captured some of Pujya Swamiji’s multifarious contributions. This is evident in, “Pujya Swamiji dedicated his entire life to promote the work and teachings of Sri Swami Sivananda. He set up Ashrams for our spiritual sustenance, printed and distributed the Master’s books far and wide, and initiated humanitarian projects to give devotees the opportunity to worship God by serving fellow man. His visionary leadership in establishing the Sivananda Sunlit Path Schools’ Programme to assist learners cope with drug addiction and social ills, the Sivananda Ghat, poor feeding programmes for thousands of school children daily, grocery hamper distributions to the needy, our clinics and numerous educational, social and humanitarian initiatives, Monthly Yoga Camps, conduct of monthly Sivananda Day Satsangs, establishment of our beautiful Ashrams, and the administration of our five free sewing schools (wherein over 11 000 learners have graduated thus far), are the various love offerings that were made by this gentle saint at the feet of our Divine Master”.

Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message focused on the power of positive relationships as a way to reach God. In a relationship between husband and wife, each should assist the other to aspire for God. If this is not understood by any one of the spouses, the result is disharmony and a “tug-o-war” for domination. Pujya Swamiji said that we should use the person next to us to go towards God. He quoted the case of Edgar Casey, author of the book, Many Mansions. The author could look into the lives of others, and soon came to realise that the Law of Karma and Reincarnation have a strong bearing on our lives. Hence, we should bear with each other and “settle our debts, and not make fresh Karma”. God doesn’t punish anyone. It is the Law of Karma that has a bearing on our lives. Pujya Swamiji said that we should use misfortunes and calamities to go towards God. We should be in tune with God, by repeating the Divine Name and calling for God. If we call for God and Gurudev in the small things, wonderful things will happen. If we call sincerely, God will give us the strength to overcome difficulties. 

The inspiring and confident presentation of the item, “Sri Gurudev Says”, by our Spiritual Darlings (children), left an indelible impression on listeners. Our Spiritual Darlings reminded us, young and old, of these timeless and profound thoughts. Herewith a few excerpts: “God is my real father, mother, friend and guide; Swami Sivananda was a saint who saw God and taught others also how to see Him; When God is near, why should I fear? God is ever with me and lives in my heart; A good action will bring me happiness and joy, a bad action will bring me pain”. These profound sayings were composed by Pujya Swamiji Sahajananda and reinforces the teachings contained in the Vedas. 

The play, Back to Basics which served as a reminder of Ashram decorum and rules, emphasising also the core teachings of the Master, was brilliantly enacted by young adults and senior devotees. The play focused on the importance of the Ram Bhajans in our Satsangs, rules governing discipline, silence, posture and etiquette during Satsangs and Ganga Arati, and how to overcome depression through constant and regular prayer and surrender to the Divine. The play concluded with a gentle reminder to all devotees to conduct themselves as if our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda are looking at us; because they are indeed always present. Referring to the watchful eye of our Divine Master, Pujya Swamiji said, ‘Even now he is controlling and looking after everything’”.

The beautifully executed dances by Shivohum Fine Arts captivated the attention of many, and added colour and divinity to the function. It goes without saying that the melodious Bhajans and Kirtans added divine lustre to the programme. All in all, a spiritual feast! 

The Deputy Consul General of India in Johannesburg, the Honourable Sri Harish Kumar, in his address paid tribute to Sri Swami Sivananda’s “vision of spirituality”. He also quoted the Master when he (Sri Swami Sivananda) said, “Satsang is the greatest purifier”. He applauded Pujya Swamiji’s multifarious spiritual and humanitarian initiatives, which are a testament to Pujya Swamiji’s legacy. He said that during a visit to the Master’s Ashram in Rishikesh during his youth, he was given one of the Master’s books which had a profound impact on his life. He found resonance in the Master’s dictum that “human life must be a Divine Life”. Referring to Pujya Swamiji’s service activities, he said that these self-help and humanitarian projects are an excellent example of Vasudeva Kutumbakam, meaning that the world is one family, emphasising the concept of unity, harmony and interconnectedness among all living beings. Pujya Swamiji’s contributions have had a significant impact on the world around us. 

We express our deepest appreciation and gratitude to our Pretoria Satsang Organising Committee and devotees for their outstanding efforts, high standards, and meticulous organisation in bringing the message of Divine Life and the teachings of Sri Swami Sivananda and the legacies of Pujya Swami Sahajananda to donors, devotees and well-wishers of Pretoria. In so doing, they have helped in sustaining Sri Gurudev’s and Pujya Swamiji’s legacies. Their dedication, attention to detail and commitment to excellence have truly stood out. Their hard work and dedication are highly inspiring and commendable. It is abundantly clear that they expressed their sincere Guru Bhakti, and gave their entire energies, abilities, commitment and hearts to every aspect of this celebration.

May our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda bless us all.

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