Om Namo Bhagavade Sivanandaya
Established in 1949 by Sri Swami Sivananda
The years, 2024 and 2025 are milestone years in the history of Divine Life Society of South Africa, as the Society's Centenary Celebrations are given prominence amongst its multifarious programmes and activities. One of the Centenary Celebrations' highlights, was the Sivananda Book Festival and Health Workshop held on Sunday 28 April 2024 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, Durban. The concept of a "Book Festival" and "Health Workshop" has universal appeal, and the spiritual dimension to these two unique events, added colour, aesthetic appeal, decorum and grandeur to the Centenary Celebrations. Sri Swami Sivananda, being a medical doctor, and Pujya Swami Sahajananda, both advocated good health for spiritual growth, and the importance of spiritual literature for moral, emotional and spiritual growth and development.
Despite the cold weather, hundreds of devotees, well-wishers, donors, members of the public and sister organisations attended the function which commenced with registration at 7.30am and Ganga Arati thereafter.
The Day of Descent of Divine Grace was celebrated on Friday 1 March 2024 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm followed by Satsang, which comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, The Song of Salutations and a reading from "Conversations with Gurudev" from Guidance in Daily Life which was written by Pujya Swamiji and published in 1998.
The following utterance by Pujya Swamiji in November 2007 aptly captures the significance of this occasion, "Since the 1st of March I am enjoying 24 hours unbroken peace of mind. Previously there used to be a sharp pain inside, but now there is nothing".