Divine Life Society of South Africa celebrated Sri Ganesha Chaturthi at its Ashrams on Saturday 7, September 2024. At Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a reading, and recital of the Sri Ganesha Arati.

The reading from Hindu Fasts and Festivals by Sri Swami Sivananda aptly captures the essence of Sri Ganesha Chaturthi. Regarding the symbolic form of Lord Ganesha, Sri Swami Sivananda said, “Lord Ganesha is the first God. Riding a mouse (one of nature’s smallest creatures) and having the head of an elephant (the biggest of all animals), denotes that Ganesha is the creator of all creatures. Elephants are very wise animals; this indicates that Lord Ganesha is an embodiment of wisdom. It denotes the process of evolution also - the mouse gradually evolving into an elephant and eventually becoming a man. This is why Ganesha has a human body, an elephant’s head, and a mouse as His vehicle. This is the philosophy of His symbolic form”.                                                                                

Sri Swami Sivananda explains some of Lord Ganesha’s divine attributes, as follows, “The Vaishnavites also worship Lord Ganesha. They have given Him the name of Tumbikkai Alwar which means ‘the Divinity with the proboscis’ (the trunk of an elephant). Lord Ganesha’s two powers are the Kundalini and the Vallabha or power of love.

“He is very fond of sweet pudding or balls of rice flour with a sweet core. On one of His birthdays, He was proceeding from house to house accepting the offerings of sweet puddings. Having eaten a good number of these, He set out on His mouse at night. Suddenly the mouse stumbled - it had seen a snake and became frightened - with the result that Ganesha fell down. His stomach burst open and all the sweet puddings came out. But Ganesha stuffed them back into His stomach and, catching hold of the snake, tied it around His belly.

“Witnessing this, the moon laughed heartily. This unseemly behaviour of the moon annoyed Ganesha greatly. So, he pulled out one of His tusks and hurled it against the moon, and cursed that no one should look at the moon on the Ganesh Chaturthi day; if anyone does, he will surely earn a bad name, censure or ill-repute. However, if by mistake someone does happen to look at the moon on this day, then the only way he could be freed from the curse would be by repeating or listening to the story of how Lord Krishna cleared His character regarding the Syamantaka Jewel. This story is quoted in the Bhagavatam. Lord Ganesha was pleased to ordain thus. Glory to Lord Ganesha! How kind and merciful He is unto His devotees! 

“Lord Ganesha and His brother, Lord Subramanya once had a dispute as to who was the elder of the two. The matter was referred to Lord Shiva for final decision. The Lord decided that whoever would make a tour of the whole world and come back first to the starting point had the right to be the elder. Subramanya flew off at once on his vehicle, the peacock, to make a circuit of the world. But the wise Ganesha went, in loving worshipfulness, around His divine parents and claimed victory”. Lord Shiva said that He could not give Lord Ganesha the prize as He did not go around the world.  Lord Ganesha’s response was that He had gone around His parents who represent the entire manifested universe. Thus, the dispute was settled in favour of Lord Ganesha, who was thereafter acknowledged as the elder of the two brothers. 

The following lines from the Sri Ganesha Arati are indicative of Lord Ganesha’s nature, compassion and benevolence. “You have a single tusk. You are filled with compassion and You have four hands. You have a beautiful vermillion mark on Your forehead, And You ride on Your vahana (carrier) which is in the form of a mouse”. Regarding Lord Ganesha’s prowess, the verse says, “You bestow vision to the blind, and heal the leper. You bestow children to the barren woman, and wealth to the destitute”.

Sri Swami Sivananda advises that we all take fresh spiritual resolves on Sri Ganesha Chaturthi, and pray to Lord Ganesha for inner spiritual strength to attain success in all our undertakings, material and spiritual, and also aspire for spiritual illumination and liberation.

May Lord Ganesha’s Grace and Blessings be upon us all.

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The nine-day celebration of the auspicious Navaratri, culminated in Vijaya Dasami, which was held on Saturday, 12 October 2024. At Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, Ganga Arati commenced at 4pm, followed by Satsang. The programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a reading on the significance of Vijaya Dasami, and the Tulsi Arati.

The following excerpts from the reading, extracted and summarised from Hindu Fasts & Festivals by Sri Swami Sivananda, give a succinct overview of the festival. “Durga Puja or Navaratri commences on the first and ends on the tenth day of the bright half of Aswayuja (September-October). The tenth day is called Vijaya Dasami or Dussera. In Bengal the image of Devi is worshipped for nine days and then cast into water. Processions with Her image are taken out along the streets of villages and cities. In Sivanandashram, Rishikesh, on Vijaya Dasami all apirants en masse are given initiation of various Mantras, according to the tutelary Deities. Deserving aspirants are initiated into the holy order of Sannyas. Initiation in the study of the alphabet is imparted to the young children, and to the older chidren also! The learning of any science is begun on this highly auspicious Vijaya Dasami day. New students commence their lesssons in music, etc. During the morning Satsang, books which were worshipped on the ninth day are again worshipped, and a chapter from each of the principal scriptures, like the Gita, Brahma Sutras, Upanishads, Ramayana and Srimad Bhagavatam is recited. On Vijaya Dasami,  Kanya Puja is also performed. Nine girls below the age of 10 are worshipped as the embodiments of the Divine Mother. They are fed sumptuously and, amongst other things, presented with new clothes.

“The mother of Durga (that is the wife of the King of the Himalayas) longed to see her daughter. Durga was permitted by Lord Siva to visit her beloved mother for only nine days in the year. The festival of Durga Puja marks this brief visit and ends with the Vijaya Dasami day, when Goddess Durga leaves for her return to Mount Kailas. This is the veiw of some devotees. 

“All who live away from home return during the Puja days. Mothers reunite with their sons and daughters, and wives with their husbands. The potter shows his skill in making images, the painter in drawing pictures, the songster in playing on his instrument, and the priest in reciting the sacred books. The Bengalis save money throughout the year only to spend everything during the Puja days. Cloth is freely distributed to the Brahmins. The women of Bengal welcome the Goddess with a mother’s love, and send away the image on the last day with every ceremony associated with a daughter’s departure to her husband’s home, and with motherly tears in her eyes. This signifies the parting of  Durga from her beloved mother.

“Devi fought with Bhandasura and his forces for nine days and nine nights. This Bhandasura had a wonderful birth and life. When Lord Siva burnt Cupid with the fire of His ‘third eye’, Sri Ganesha playfully moulded a figure out of the ashes, and the Lord breathed life into it. This was the terrible demon, Bhandasura. He engaged himself in great penance and on account of it, obtained a boon from Lord Siva. With the help of that boon, he began harassing the worlds. The Divine Mother fought against him for nine nights - the demons have extraordinary strength during the night - and killed him on the evening of the tenth day, known as the Vijaya Dasami.

“The tenth day - Vijaya Dasami-marks the trium­phant victory of the soul in having attained freedom and liberation while living in this world, through the descent of divine knowledge by the Grace of Goddess Saraswathi. The soul rests in its own Supreme Self or Satchidananda Brahman. This day celebrates victory and the achievement of the goal. The banner of victory flies aloft. Lo! I am He! I am He!

“It was on this day that Arjuna worshipped Devi before starting the battle against the Kauravas on the field of Kurukshetra.

“Sri Rama worshipped Durga at the time of the fight with Ravana, to invoke Her aid in the war. This was on the days preceding Vijaya Dasami. He fought and won through Her Grace”.

The reading aptly pointed out that, at times, religious observances and traditional worship have several meanings. Apart from being the adoration of the Divine, they commemorate stirring events in history and are deeply significant pointers and revealing guides to devotees. On an esoteric level, Dussera can also be interpreted as "Dasa-Hara", which means the cutting of the ten heads of Ravana. Let us therefore resolve to cut the ten internal heads, namely, passion, pride, anger, greed, infatuation, lust, hatred, jealousy, selfishness and crookedness, thus giving credance to the celebration of Dussera.

The Society held its 14th event as part of the Centenary Celebrations on Saturday, 14 September 2024. The Sivananda Tour, comprising a Havan and Satsang, was held in Kimberley, in association with the Kimberley Hindu Seva Samaj, at their Mandir. Havan commenced at 4pm followed by Satsang at 4.45pm. Devotees, well-wishers, donors and members of the public from Johannesburg, Durban, Estcourt, Stanger, Kimberley, Bloemfontein and Vryburg attended the function. This, no doubt, speaks volumes of the importance placed on Satsang and prayer by the community of Kimberley and neighbouring towns, and their reverence, love and affiliation to Sri Swami Sivananda, Pujya Swami Sahajananda, and Divine Life Society of South Africa.

The Mandir’s Pundit performed the Havan with Bhav and decorum, to the chants of sacred and soulful Mantras. Participants in the Havan were from both the Kimberley Hindu Seva Samaj and Divine Life Society of South Africa. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans and Bhajans by both organisations, a welcome address by the Samaj, a message from the Society, a talk on Sri Swami Sivananda’s cardinal teachings on Hinduism, guided meditation and a talk on the benefits of Mantra chanting.

Sri Chandrakant Vala, the Chairperson of the Kimberley Hindu Seva Samaj, in his welcome address paid glowing tribute to Sri Swami Sivananda. He said, “As we reflect on the profound legacy of Swami Sivananda, we are reminded of his boundless compassion, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to the upliftment of humanity. His teachings continue to inspire and guide us on the path of righteousness, selfless service and spiritual enlightenment”.   

The Society’s contributions as well as the purpose of the Sivananda Centenary Tour and its expected outcomes, are again captured in Sri Chandrakant Vala’s message, when he said, “The Divine Life Society, founded by Swami Sivananda, has been a beacon of hope and a source of spiritual nourishment for countless souls around the world. Over the past 100 years, it has grown from a humble beginning to a global movement, spreading the message of love, peace, and unity. Today, as we continue to celebrate this centenary milestone, we also honour the tireless efforts of all the devotees, volunteers, and leaders who have contributed to the growth and success of Divine Life Society. Your dedication and commitment have kept the flame of Swami Sivananda’s vision burning brightly. 

“Let us take this opportunity to re-dedicate ourselves to the principles and values that Swami Sivananda espoused. Let us strive to live a life of purity, humility, and selflessness, and continue to serve humanity with love and compassion. As we together embark on the next century of the Divine Life Society, let us carry forward the torch of wisdom and spirituality, illuminating the lives of those around us and spreading the light of divine knowledge. 

“Thank you for being here today and for your unwavering support and devotion. Together, let us make this celebration a memorable and inspiring event”. 

The message from the Society gave a brief overview of the Society’s history and Centenary Celebrations, Sri Swami Sivananda’s teachings and legacies, and the sterling work of our illustrious Sri Swami Sahajananda, Spiritual Head of the Society. The activities of the Society were also highlighted, as many came in touch with Divine Life Society of South Africa for the first time. The message also encouraged all to take advantage of weekly Satsangs and prayer services in their areas, so as to preserve our glorious Hindu Dharma, and that it is our foremost duty to pass on our glorious Hindu Dharma from one generation to the next. The importance of Mantra chanting and recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa, were also emphasised.

The talk on “Sri Swami Sivananda on Hinduism, importance of Sadhana, Meditation, Prayer and benefits of Satsang”, was intended to provide glimpses of Sri Swami Sivananda’s views on our glorious Sanatana Dharma and some of its practices, so that we can all intensify our spiritual practices.  Sri Swami Sivananda’s clarion call to all Hindus is direct and unambiguous. He said, “Become true Hindus. Let the flame of true love fire your soul. Stand up. Gird up the loins. The hostile forces are ready to absorb you. Strengthen yourself. Unite”. He further advised, “Chant the Divine Name in the Temple, at home, at your workplace, while driving and at all times. O man, take refuge in the Divine Name. God and His Name are inseparable. Sing the Lord’s Name incessantly. Remember the Name of the Lord with every incoming and outgoing breath. In this age, repetition of the Divine Name is the easiest, quickest, safest and surest way to reach God and attain immortality and perennial joy. Glory to the Lord! Glory to His Name! Glory to Hinduism!” 

The talk on the benefits of Mantra chanting gave the congregation hints on which Mantras to chant, how to chant, and benefits of Mantra chanting. The guided meditation was intended to assist us in creating mental and physical harmony, so as to be at peace and in tune with the world. Meditation takes us to God, enhances focus, concentration and intellect, increases feelings of compassion, empathy and kindness, supports personal and spiritual growth, and reduces stress. Meditation is an important aspect of spiritual practice. 

We thank the Kimberley Hindu Seva Samaj and the community of Kimberley and neighbouring towns, for a well-organised celebration. We acknowledge with profound gratitude their hard work, diligence, dedication and commitment to ensuring that the message of our Sanatana Dharma and Divine Life go out to the community of Kimberley and surrounding towns. The high standard of organisation, attention to detail, smooth execution of tasks and items, dignity with which devotees and members of the public conducted themselves, and the sanctified atmosphere of the Mandir, are really praiseworthy.  

The Society’s booklet with Kirtans and Bhajans, given to all Satsangees as a gift from Divine Life Society of South Africa, was received with gratitude. This booklet will enable one to sing the melodious Kirtans and Bhajans, and have Satsangs at home. The distribution of Sri Swami Sivananda’s literature and teachings in Kimberley and surrounding areas, is helping to spread the message of Divine Life and our glorious Hindu Dharma in the Northern Cape. 

We wish the Kimberley Hindu Seva Samaj every success in continuing to promote our glorious Hindu Dharma.

Over 250 devotees, donors, well-wishers, members of the public and representatives of sister organisations attended Divine Life Society of South Africa’s first Centenary Celebrations’ Sivananda Tour held in Howick.  Havan commenced at 9am and Satsang was from 10am to 12.30pm. A complimentary copy of the booklet Glory of Hinduism, and a recently published booklet with a selection of Kirtans and Bhajans, were distributed.

Senior male devotees and community members participated in the Havan conducted by three of the Society’s pundits. The soulful and mellifluous chants of sacred Mantras, created a deeply spiritual ambience in the peaceful and quiet suburb of Howick West. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans and Bhajans sung by both Divine Life Society of South Africa and the All-Souls’ Seva Association of Howick, a Ramayana recital, a message from the Society, a talk on “Sri Swami Sivananda on Hinduism, the importance of Sadhana, meditation, prayer and benefits of Satsang”, a group dance, guided meditation and an overview of the benefits of Mantra chanting.

The message from the Society provided an insight into the life, legacy and teachings of Sri Swami Sivananda, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s enormous work in promoting Hinduism in South Africa, and the work of Divine Life Society of South Africa and its service activities over the past 75 years. The message also encouraged all to engage in spiritual practices, and to attend Satsangs in their areas, so that we may be equipped to face the challenges of life and understand the fundamental tenets of Hinduism or Sanathan Dharma. The talk also gave pertinent advice on the importance of repeating the Divine Name and Mantra chanting. This is evident in, “In the midst of the very hectic lives that we lead, we encourage you to choose any one Mantra that you may have an affinity for, and chant it day and night. A short Mantra like Om Sri Ram Jay Ram Jaya Jaya Ram Om, or Om Namasivaya may be repeated. Children can be taught this Mantra as well. It should be chanted before going to bed and on awakening. Learn the Om Tryambakam Mantra and teach it to your children. It is a powerful Mantra that will protect you from danger. We also encourage you to recite the Sri Hanuman Chalisa which has tremendous power and benefits”. 

The talk, “Sri Swami Sivananda on Hinduism, importance of Sadhana, meditation, prayer and benefits of Satsang”, encapsulated some of the Master’s important cardinal teachings. The following gems from the talk give credence to this statement. In respect of Hinduism, Sri N. Ananthanarayanan, in the book, From Man to Godman, said, “By teaching and by personal example, he made it plain that there was no easy road to Moksha or liberation, no short-cut to God. The laborious way was the only way. It was the way of service and love, of abstraction and meditation, of dispassion and discrimination”.   On Sadhana, the Master said, “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. The company of evil-minded persons is the worst of all the external thorns. Therefore, shun evil company ruthlessly”. He gives the following advice on meditation, “Meditation is keeping up an unceasing flow of God-consciousness. All worldly thoughts are shut out from the mind. It is filled or saturated with divine thoughts, divine glory and the Divine Presence…... It helps meditation a great deal and makes the approach to God easier”. Some of the benefits of meditation according to Sri Swami Sivananda are: it takes us to God, enhances focus, concentration and intellect, increases feelings of compassion, empathy and kindness, supports personal and spiritual growth, and reduces stress. Meditation is an important aspect of spiritual practice. 

In the continuation of the Master’s cardinal teachings, Sri Swami Sivananda said the following on prayer, “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 emphasizes that the power of prayer is indescribable and that, “Sincere devotees only realise its usefulness and splendour….. Do not argue about the efficacy of prayer. You will be deluded”. Apt to the occasion and relevant to all in the congregation was the advice the Master gave on the benefits of Satsang. Sri Swami Sivananda explained that Satsang is the easiest and quickest means to change the minds of worldly persons towards the spiritual path and take us towards God; that Satsang elevates the mind and fills it with Sattva or purity, and forces one to lead a divine life. Satsang is the greatest of all purifiers and illuminators of man. 

The beautifully choreographed Shiva Tandav Dance by the spiritual darlings of our Estcourt Branch was executed with devotion, grace, precision and elegance. The session on guided meditation gave on overview of meditation techniques and the importance of meditation in spiritual practices. The information on Mantra chanting was intended to encourage the congregation to choose a Mantra and repeat it constantly for peace, protection and spiritual growth and in daily life. 

The All-Souls’ Seva Association is complimented on an excellent Centenary Celebrations' function. The Society acknowledges with deep gratitude their work, diligence, dedication and commitment in ensuring that the messages of Sri Swami Sivananda, Divine Life and our glorious Hindu Dharma go out to the community of Howick.   The extent that the organisers went to in organising the function, bearing the cost of services, getting sponsorships, arranging all aspects of the Havan, Satsang, cooking, catering, hall décor, medical services and community involvement, are hallmarks of true commitment and cooperation. May Sri Gurudev and Pujya Swamiji bless the organisers and the community of Howick abundantly.

We pray that the Divine Grace and blessings of Sri Swami Sivananda, Pujya Swami Sahajananda and Ganga Mata be upon all for their good health, long life, peace, happiness, prosperity and protection.