| PUJYA SWAMI SAHAJANANDA'S 4TH MAHASAMADHI ANNIVERSARY | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s 4th Mahasamadhi Anniversary was observed on 10 December 2011 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. To mark this most auspicious occasion, a day-long programme was drawn up to pay homage to Pujya Swamiji, so that devotees could spend the maximum amount of time within the holy precincts of Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills—Pujya Swamiji’s home for more than four decades. The day began at Sahaja Kutir at 4.52am with Agnihotra, homa and meditation, and was attended by over 100 devotees. The vibrant chanting of the Mantras, the sweet fragrance emanating from the Agnihotra kunds and the purity of the morning must have all surely left a deep impression on those who were present. At 6am, about 250 devotees assembled at Ganga Rani for a session that included Ganga Arati, Invocation, slokas from the Ramayana, guided meditation with the words of Pujya Swamiji, chanting, etc. All then went for Darshan at Sahaja Kutir, Pujya Swamiji’s sacred room and Sahajananda Diamond Jubilee Centre. The session after breakfast included audio messages by Sri Gurudev and Pujya Swamiji, recorded Bhajans by Pujya Swamiji, readings and an interactive session where devotees shared experiences of Sri Gurudev and Pujya Swamiji’s Grace manifesting. Perhaps the highlight of the day was an excellent rendition by the Spiritual Darlings during this slot. They sang two of Pujya Swamiji’s favourite songs for children, “Thou Art my Life” and “In the Chambers of my Heart”. The sweet outpourings from the little ones stole the hearts of all and had many in tears. Two close devotees then shared highly inspiring and touching experiences of interactions with Pujya Swamiji, which rekindled the flames of Guru Bhakti within the hearts of all present. It is quite evident from the experiences related, that although Pujya Swamiji’s physical presence is no longer with us, the blessings of the Divine Master and Pujya Swamiji continue to guide and protect devotees. The slot from 1pm to 2pm included the farewell audio message that Sri Gurudev delivered in 1956 when Pujya Swamiji had received Sannyas initiation and was about to return to South Africa. Amongst other things, Sri Gurudev said, “He is styled as King, Spiritual King of South Africa, Durban. He is also called the Africa Chota Guru. Such a Yogi is now going from here and he will thrill the whole of Africa, and again he will come.” Other items included a touching play, written and enacted by the youth boys, depicting a day in the life of Pujya Swamiji, as well as a DVD presentation covering Pujya Swamiji’s service activities for the underprivileged. At 2pm, there was an “Open Day” of Sivananda Printing Press, where devotees had the opportunity of touring the press where Pujya Swamiji spent the majority of his time in printing the Master’s literature. About 700 devotees attended the soul-elevating evening Satsang, which brought to conclusion a day that can only be described as a spiritual feast, soaked in the fond remembrance of Pujya Swamiji. At Satsang, some of the letters written by the Divine Master to Pujya Swamiji were read out, accompanied by a video presentation. These most inspiring letters truly show how the Master guided Pujya Swamiji and his Mission in this county. A new edition of the Divine Master's book, "Sure Ways for Success in Life and God-realisation" was released. This most inspiring book, last printed by Pujya Swamiji in 1970, has transformed the lives of many over the years, and cases have been documented where this book has also saved peoples lives. Devotees were urged to distribute this book to as many people as possible, as it will be sure to have a positive impact on their lives. This unique book is truly a monumental work and should be treasured not only by an earnest aspirant treading the path of Yoga, but also by one who is merely interested in developing the personality and “earning capacity”. The book is unique as Sri Swami Sivananda speaks to us openly, candidly and fearlessly. Every page is full of practical hints for the removal of difficulties and pitfalls on the spiritual path. There is a growing demand, for clear and easily understandable information on Yoga, especially Raja Yoga. The present work fulfils that demand. As Satsang concluded, the blessings of Ganga Mata graced the function as a gentle shower of rain descended upon the Ashram. We express our heartfelt gratitude to the Divine Master and Pujya Swamiji for a truly spiritually uplifting day, which saw about 2 000 devotees visiting the Ashram at various parts of the day to pay homage to Pujya Swamiji. May the blessings of the Divine Master and Pujya Swamiji be upon all!
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