The Swami Sahajananda Community Centre in Forderville, Estcourt was the venue for the launch of Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s Birth Centenary Celebrations on Sunday, 26 February 2025. The event was hosted by the Society’s Estcourt Branch. The day’s programme commenced at 8am with Havan, followed by breakfast. A special “Lamp Lighting Ceremony” commenced at 9.15am, followed by Ganga Arati at 9.30am and Satsang at 10am. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message, a message from the Society, cultural items, an address by the Mayor of Umtshezi Municipality, the release of a special brochure and a dance item.

The precincts of the Gayatri Mandir and the Sri Swami Sahajananda Community Centre were enveloped in the soulful Mantra chants of the sacred Havan. Representatives of various local Hindu organisations participated in the Havan, which set the tone and created an appropriate ambience for the auspicious launch of Pujya Swamiji’s Birth Centenary Celebrations in Estcourt, the town of Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s birth. Coincidentally, Pujya Swamiji’s 100th birth anniversary this year coincides with the sacred Sri Guru Purnima on 10 July 2025. Indeed, a celestial alignment of great importance and relevance to devotees.

The lighting of 100 diyas (lamps), with the rendition of the Sivananda Arati, was both symbolic and a memorable moment. The audience witnessed, in rapt attention, a unique happening, which signified the presence of divinity, knowledge, wisdom, purity and perfection – all that Pujya Swamiji embodied and personified.

Pujya Swamiji’s audio message gave succinct instructions for self-transformation. He explained that Sri Gurudev taught that we should see divinity in animate and inanimate objects also. Pujya Swamiji said, “However difficult it is, we should try to see God, not only in the forms that are living and moving, but also in inert forms”. He explained that we should see goodness in all and spread positivity, rather than hatred and negativity. If there is hatred and animosity, then it is indicative of something being wrong in one’s Sadhana. We must change our angle of vision for spiritual growth. When one complained to Sri Gurudev, Sri Aurobindo and Sri Swami Yogananda, they all asked the complainant to introspect and make an effort to change. They emphasised self-transformation and did not call in the other person. The message was pregnant with a deep and profound spiritual message for inner reflection, deep self-transformation and Sadhana for spiritual growth.

The message from Divine Life Society of South Africa provided a succinct insight into Pujya Swamiji’s life and legacies, his contributions to the spiritual, social, poverty-alleviation, and educational welfare of all, as well as his humanitarian contributions and initiatives. The focus of the message was on our roles and responsibilities, in order to sustain Pujya Swamiji’s legacies. The following excerpts from the message find resonance in this regard.

“Today, we are all beneficiaries of this immense spiritual legacy if we choose to embrace it. The keys to accessing this wealth are faith, obedience, loyalty, devotion, and a strong desire for spiritual growth. To honour a great soul like Pujya Swamiji, we must practise his teachings, chief amongst which are unconditional self-surrender and obedience. He taught that perfect obedience equates to perfect self-surrender, and that it surpasses mere reverence. By adhering to simple principles in our daily lives, be it at home, on the road, or at work, we can enhance our existence. He emphasised that ‘Obedience is the most important law of life’, urging us to observe health rules, road traffic rules, the rules of establishments and institutions, and to reflect on our daily shortcomings. 

“Our Divine Master's writings will guide us on this journey. Merely associating with a saint or an ashram is insufficient; we must embody the values taught by our Master, namely serve, love, give, purify and meditate, and live a Divine Life prioritising God. Pujya Swamiji exemplified faith and self-surrender, a theme captured in his first book published in 1996. The title is, Faith and Self-Surrender. … Pujya Swamiji revealed that the insights within came directly from Sri Gurudev as he typed the script without drafts. This booklet promises inspiration for all readers amid life's challenges”. 

The Spiritual Darlings’ cultural item, “Pujya Swamiji Says”, comprised enactments of some of Pujya Swamiji’s simple, child-like, yet potent messages that appealed to children and adults. This item was concluded with a musical rendition highlighting the Divine Personality of Pujya Swamiji, the ideal disciple of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda.

We were fortunate that the sacred launch programme took place within the period of the Maha Kumbha Mela. In observance of this, a delightful and symbolic dance traced the origin of Mother Ganga and Her physical route throughout India, and finally to South Africa, brought here by the grace of Sri Gurudev and Pujya Swamiji. Lord Buddha, Sri Swami Sivananda and Paramhansa Sri Ramakrishna too are honoured for they served Ganga Mata as she Graced Bodhgaya, Rishikesh and Calcutta with Her presence. In the dance item, Pujya Swami Sahajananda, who was compared to King Bhagirath by Sri Swami Sivananda in 1955, is acknowledged for bringing Ganga Rani to South Africa. Knowing how Ganga Mata willingly left Her heavenly abode to save the sons of King Sagar, Sri Gurudev and Pujya Swamiji, wanted to save all of us, their own children. They therefore, convinced Ganga Rani to extend Herself from the heavenly Himalayan peaks of Rishikesh to Southern Africa. The dance re-lives Ganga Rani’s journey from heaven, through the various Ashrams in India, to South Africa. Executed in a professional and entertaining manner, the colourful item added to the divinity and sanctity of the occasion.

The Mayor of Umtshezi, the Honourable Mr Lymon Shelembe, in his address, reflected on his association with Pujya Swami Sahajananda, who built the Sivananda Celukuphiwa School in 2002. He indicated that learners took their lessons under trees prior to Pujya Swamiji’s magnanimous gift to the community. The school has subsequently excelled, having created the foundation for several doctors, engineers and teachers. He recalled that when he was seriously ill, Pujya Swamiji sent him Agnihotra ash, to which he attributed his miraculous recovery. The mayor’s reverence and admiration for Pujya Swamiji were overtly evident in his address.

Of great significance in the Satsang programme was the release of our Centenary Brochure, Sri Swami Sivananda’s Ideal Disciple, a 64-page book, encapsulating the life and legacy of Sri Swami Sivananda and Sri Swami Sahajananda. The message read at the release ceremony, was an apt account of Pujya Swamiji’s greatness, humility and unconditional devotion to our Master, Sri Swami Sivananda. The following excerpts of the message pay credence to this theme.

“One of the forms of our Divine Master’s Grace in this country is beloved Pujya Swami Sahajananda. This Grace manifested and continues to manifest at every step of our inner journey. This will become apparent as you go through the pages of the 100th Birth Anniversary Brochure. You will feel the Grace flowing through every word and every act of Pujya Swamiji’s matchless surrender to the Divine Master. One can only turn to our Divine Master and say: ‘Lord, at every step, we thank Thee for Thy Golden Grace of bequeathing beloved Pujya Swamiji to us’. And that is the story of the life of Pujya Swami Sahajananda, that is the story of Divine Life Society of South Africa, and more poignantly, that is the story of the inner journey of all his devotees.

 “Sri Swami Sahajananda’s silent dynamism, magnetic personality and contributions are again evident in Sri Swami Sivananda’s words at Pujya Swamiji’s farewell after his initiation into the holy order of Sannyas on 10 April 1956. The Master said, ‘Swami Sahajananda is styled as the spiritual king of South Africa, Durban. He is also called African Chota Guru. He does not want anything. He is a silent worker. He is a man of renunciation, Vairagya (dispassion) and meditation. He is a very good organiser. He talks little. You have never seen him talking. He thinks much and does much. Such a spiritual Yogi is he. His devotion to his teacher is unique. He has a pure heart. So let us pray for the health of this small Yogi, full of strength. One who can transform the materialistic intellect of the whole of South Africa; what tremendous purity, what tremendous Yogic power, what tremendous meditation and spiritual aura.

 “This publication highlights the life and teachings of Pujya Swamiji, his Guru Bhakti and his total surrender to his Guru, Sri Swami Sivananda. We trust that the articles in this brochure will inspire us to grow in our surrender to the Master and kindle a deep spiritual yearning for the Divine. One can see from the initiatives outlined in the brochure that Pujya Swamiji, as Spiritual Head of Divine Life Society of South Africa, was steadfastly focused on spiritual transformation and realisation, not only for Himself, but also for all devotees and seekers. Every ounce of his energy, every drop of his blood, every thought, every feeling and every sensation, every fibre of his being, went towards the achievement of that goal. We owe him a deep debt of gratitude for this shower of Divine Grace and for making manifest in this country the spiritual writings and vision of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda".

 The launch of Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s Birth Centenary in his home-town of Estcourt was a fitting tribute to this gentle spiritual giant of South Africa. What is the significance of this great occasion for us, you and I?  The following words from the brochure release message find resonance, and are a stark reminder to us all: “That we celebrate Pujya Swamiji’s 100th Birth Anniversary this year, and that we will be celebrating many more of his birthdays in future, makes us reminisce, and take cognisance of our own spiritual growth, our commitment to the Mission, our Guru Bhakti and our responsibility towards sustaining Pujya Swamiji’s legacy beyond his centenary celebrations. We can do these by practising Sri Gurudev’s and Pujya Swamiji’s teachings, by increasing our Sadhana, serving the Society unflinchingly. What else? We should study the messages diligently. Precious spiritual jewels are contained in these messages. After a concentrated study let us dive deep within. All the saints and sages tell us that inside each one of us, there is a wealth beyond measure. Let us find that wealth and emulate Pujya Swamiji by enjoying the stupendous peace of God”

The 17th Mahasamadhi Anniversary (as per the Sanskrit Calendar) of Pujya Swami Sahajananda, was held on Monday, 2 December 2024 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message and readings of two letters from Sri Swami Sivananda to Pujya Swami Sahajananda.  

The esteem that Sri Swami Sivananda held Pujya Swamiji in, is evident in the letters read at the Satsang. Excerpts from the two letters are reproduced below. The following are excerpts from the letter dated 13th August 1956: 
“I am reproducing a few lines from a letter received from Sri Albrecht Lewald of Pretoria:

‘The last few weeks were impressive with Sri Srinivasan’s presence and delivering his unique experiences from India. Sitting and listening to his stories of our spiritual abode and its ‘princeps maximus’ has given us a tremendous zeal. Our young Saint has been so kind in letting me question him on many points, especially meditation and Guru’s importance for the aspirant….Our Pretoria Group was present at the opening of the Hillbrow Branch. Swami Srinivasan spoke with convincing dignity and sincerity. Am admiring and loving my young Gurubhai who strikes me as the saintliest person I have ever met in my life’.

“This is not the first letter. All the letters I get from South Africa, Mombasa, Nairobi, contain pages on your glory and the great impression you have created among the devotees. It is all due to the Grace of the Lord and the purity you have attained through Para Bhakti. When you advance in Sadhana, there is a marvellous, mysterious POWER coming from every bit of your action and word. May you gloriously prosper.

“Kindly help the Johannesburg Branch. Sri Gita Obel and Sri Lorna Retief need your support and help and encouragement. You may send them the surplus books if you have from your stock for the Library. Take great care of your health. Be in close touch with your Divine Father, Sri S.R. Padayachie. May God bless you all.

With Prem and OM,
Thy Own Self,
Sivananda

Be bold and cheerful always!”

In the letter dated 27th August 1958, the Master wrote:
“In this formidable ocean of Samsara you have only one boat to voyage to the other shore of Immortality, the Company of Sages.

Strengthen your resolves. Regularity, tenacity and fixity in Sadhana are essential. Record Sadhana in a Spiritual Diary daily. Renew it every moment and correct your failures.

This ego is your terrible enemy. It wages guerrilla warfare with you. Beware. Beware.

Take delight in the joys of other people, in making them happy.

Intense and concentrated effort is demanded in the self-discipline towards righteousness, and Self-realisation.

Take care of your health, Sahaja. Have abundant rest. Do not overwork. You are an asset for D.L.S. South Africa and the whole world”.

Pujya Swamiji’s audio message was deeply relevant to ardent devotees and to serious aspirants. He urged us to practise Sadhana in earnest. He said, “So you too can utilise every minute in the bus, while you are driving the car, a pause in the work, you repeat the Mantra. Every time you repeat it, an impression is formed in the mind”. Gradually the Mantra will begin repeating itself in one’s mind, indicative that spiritual progress is taking place. Pujya Swamiji emphasised the importance of correct posture in Sadhana. “Initially, pain will be magnified. However, one should try and fix the mind on God, so as to quell the mind. Gradually the body, its aches and pains will be forgotten, that is, a move from the gross to the mental”. Pujya Swamiji was emphatic that repetition of God’s Name is of paramount importance. He said, “No one can stop you from repeating God’s Name”. 

Although no longer in their physical presence, Sri Gurudev’s and Pujya Swamiji’s omnipresence and omnipotence guide the work of the Society and all devotees. 

We pray that our Divine Master’s, Sri Swami Sivananda’s and Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s Grace, guidance and protection are forever upon us, for our spiritual growth and development.

CLICK HERE TO READ DIVINE LIFE MAGAZINE NO.141

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.