Om Namo Bhagavade Sivanandaya
Established in 1949 by Sri Swami Sivananda
The most auspicious Guru Purnima was observed by Divine Life Society of South Africa on Friday, 31 July. This day of worship of one's preceptor is a day of pure joy to the sincere spiritual aspirant. Thrilled by the expectation of offering their reverent homage to the beloved Guru, devotees assembled with eagerness and devotion at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills at 6am. After Ganga Arati and a short invocation, they proceeded to Sahaja Kutir, the little abode where Pujya Swamiji meditated for many years. They imbibed the peaceful vibrations from these precincts. Thereafter they went to Pujya Swamiji’s sacred room and to the Sahajananda Diamond Jubilee Centre for Darshan. The monthly Havan also fell on this day and devotees present received the blessings of the Deities and our Divine Master during this sacred ceremony. Special Mantras for rain were also chanted during the Havan ceremony.
“Today is a special day in your lives—a day, when you will embrace change and decide to accept responsibility. Today, you will ignite the process in your minds that will light up the path of your life.” These are the inspiring words of Mr V. Motheeram, Principal of Crossmoor Secondary and educator with 38 years experience.Mr Motheeram was addressing 128 learners in the Chatsworth region who attended the follow-up Sunlit Path workshop organised by Divine Life Society of South Africa at Sivananda Sunlit Path Centre in Rose Heights Road, Arena Park on Friday, 24 July. The following secondary schools attended: Apollo, Arena Park, Montarena, Crossmoor, Southlands, Meadowlands, Wingen Heights and Marklands.
Sivanandashram in Reservoir Hills and the Sivananda International Cultural Centre in La Mercy attracted a large number of devotees, donors, patrons and well-wishers over the weekend, 10 July and 12 July to celebrate birth anniversary of Pujya Swami Sahajananda, Spiritual Head of the Divine Life Society of South Africa. Swamiji was appointed as Spiritual Head of the Society by the Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda in 1949 and served in this capacity for 58 long years till his passing away on 10 December 2007.
The idea of an International Day of Yoga was proposed by Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. On 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June 2015, as the International Yoga Day. The first ever! Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General said "By proclaiming 21 June as the International Day of Yoga, the General Assembly has recognized the holistic benefits of this timeless practice and its inherent compatibility with the principles and values of the United Nations."
Divine Life Society of South Africa will celebrate the 90th Birth Anniversary of Pujya Swami Sahajananda, Spiritual Head of the Society, who was born in Estcourt on 10 July 1925 and attained Mahasamadhi (shed his mortal coil) on Monday, 10 December 2007.