The most beautiful Sat-Chit-Ananda Temple in Fernwood, Newcastle was the venue for the Society’s 18th programme in the Sivananda Centenary Celebrations’ series of events. The Sivananda Centenary Celebrations’ Tour saw Satsangs in Kimberley, Port Shepstone, Howick and Newcastle, in addition to Branch Satsangs. The programme in Newcastle on Sunday, 10 November 2024 comprised a Havan at 8.30am, Ganga Arati at 9.30am and Satsang at 10am. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans and Bhajans by both Divine Life Society of South Africa and the Sat-Chit-Ananda Temple Society, a message from the Society, a Ramayana Recital, a talk on Swami Sivananda’s cardinal teachings, guided meditation, and the benefits of Mantra chanting.

Sri Krishen Singh, Founder Trustee of the Mandir, in his welcome address, paid glowing tributes to Sri Swami Sivananda, Pujya Swami Sahajananda and the Society. He acknowledged the contributions of the Society to the Mandir during its formative stages, as Divine Life Society of South Africa supported the Mandir financially. The Society also provided infrastructure assistance with the Mandir’s domes, tiling and the Siva-Ganga pool. The Society therefore has a cordial and long-standing relationship with the Mandir.

The message from the Society traced the life and teachings of Sri Swami Sivananda, the illustrious work done by Pujya Swami Sahajananda in promoting and preserving Hindu values, and our glorious Hindu Dharma in South Africa. In respect of Pujya Swamiji’s contributions, the message read, “The story of the Divine Life Society of South Africa is inextricably bound to the life of Sri Swami Sahajananda of South Africa, affectionately known as Pujya Swamiji, who breathed life into every facet of the Society’s work in the 58 years during which he was Spiritual Head. He grew the organisation to 7 Ashrams and 18 Branches/Prayer Groups countrywide. Today we have an 8th Ashram in Buccleuch, Sandton, Gauteng. In 1956, on Swami Sahajananda’s arrival at Swami Sivananda’s Ashram in Rishikesh, he met the Divine Master on his way to the office that morning. Joyously welcoming him, the Master said ‘Oh! You are doing the work of Avataras’”. 

The following excerpt from the message gives an insight into the association between the Mandir and the Society, “Divine Life society of South Africa and Sat-Chit-Ananda Temple Society have a very close and long-standing relationship. We know that at the very sacred spot where our Ganga Mata resides in this Mandir, is where Pujya Swamiji sat when he visited this Mandir about 2 decades ago. We feel a great sense of gratitude to the officials of the Mandir for the sincerity with which they administer the operations at this Mandir, and for having consecrated a Ganga Rani Shrine here in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal. Your work in upholding and propagating our glorious Hindu Dharma is most praiseworthy. We pray that Sat-Chit-Ananda Temple Society grows from strength to strength in all its activities”. 

The guided meditation gave the congregation insights into techniques in meditation, its benefits and a practical guide to its practice. This was complemented by glimpses into benefits of Mantra chanting, namely: physiological benefits, raising vibrations, meditative aid, focus and concentration, stress and anxiety relief, as well as spiritual benefits - when one connects with the Divine or higher self, and increases spiritual growth and self-transformation. Techniques of Mantra chanting and how to choose a Mantra, were also discussed. The following well-known Mantras were alluded to: Om Namah Shivaya, Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram Om, Om Namo Narayana, the Maha Mantra, Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and Gayatri Mantra, to name just a few, with the intention that members of the public begin the practice of Mantra chanting.   

A talk on Sri Swami Sivananda’s cardinal teachings focused on Sadhana, meditation, prayer, benefits of Satsang and the power of prayer. On prayer, Sri Swami Sivananda said, “Prayer elevates the mind. It fills the mind with purity. It is associated with the praise of God. It keeps the mind in tune with God. 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”.

A summary of the Master’s views on the benefits of Satsang are:

• Satsang with Mahatmas, Sadhus and the Guru plays a tremendous part in the attainment of quick spiritual progress.
• It is the easiest and quickest means to change the minds of worldly persons towards the spiritual path and to thoroughly overhaul the vicious, wrong Samskaras. 
• Satsang elevates the mind and fills it with Sattva or purity, and is the greatest of all purifiers and illuminators of man. 
• Without Satsang, this mind which is filled with worldly impurities cannot be turned towards God. 
• Satsang removes the darkness of ignorance and fills the mind with Vairagya or non-attachment or dispassion for worldly enjoyments. Satsang is the sun that dispels the cloud of ignorance. It forces one to lead a life divine and have strong conviction in the existence of God. 
• The company of a saint remarkably hastens the growth of Sattvic virtues in the aspirant, and gives him strength to awaken the dormant powers, and to eradicate undesirable negative qualities and various defects. 
• Satsang helps in the attainment of Moksha. 
• Satsang is a formidable and impregnable fortress to protect the young aspirants from the temptations and the attacks of Maya. 
• There is nothing so inspiring, elevating, solacing and delightful as Satsang. 

Divine Life Society of South Africa extends congratulations to, and thanks the Mandir’s officials, its committee and devotees on a well-organised and an excellent Centenary Celebrations' function. 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 Newcastle and surrounding towns. The extent that the Mandir went to in organising the function, bearing all costs, arranging all aspects of the Havan, Satsang, Ganga Arati, cooking, catering, décor, other services and community involvement, are hallmarks of efficiency and dedication to duty. The 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 celebration was immensely spiritual and uplifting. 

The distribution of our Master’s literature and teachings in Newcastle is helping to spread the message of Divine Life and our glorious Hindu Dharma, which we all need in this Kali Yoga. The bookstall with Swami Sivananda’s books, CDs with Kirtans, Bhajans and Mantras, picture frames and memorabilia, attracted interest.  

The Centenary Celebrations’ Tour function at the Sat-Chit-Ananda Temple was inspiring, soulful and spiritually elevating. We also express heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the Mandir, its officials and the community of Newcastle for their hospitality, warmth, dedication, unwavering support and sincerity. The temple's serene atmosphere, beautiful murtis, sacred precincts, and timeless teachings provide a profound sense of peace and connection to the Divine. The visit for many felt like a journey inward, offering comfort, inspiration, spiritual sustenance and food for the soul. We are especially grateful to the officials of the Mandir, whose dedication ensures that the teachings, traditions and values of our glorious Hindu Dharma flourish. May the Mandir continue to be a source of light, spirituality, and unity for all who seek it.

Sivanandashram, Stanger was the venue for the Society’s Centenary Celebrations on Sunday, 27 October 2024, hosted by the Stanger Branch. The Branch also celebrated its 67th Anniversary. Havan commenced at 8am, followed by Ganga Arati at 9.30am. The Satsang programme that commenced at 10am, comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a Ramayan Recital, a message from the Society, a children’s item, a presentation by the youth girls on Sri Swami Sivananda’s cardinal teachings, and a play on Sri Swami Sivananda’s health tonics. 

Devotees, well-wishers, donors and members of the public gathered in their numbers for the Havan. The chants of Mantras charged the prayer hall and the Ashram precincts on this beautiful Sunday morning. A larger gathering was present at the Satsang, with overflow areas being the adjacent halls and marquees.

The message from the Society focused on the lives and legacies of Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda. Excerpts from the message are recounted below. “One hundred years ago on 1st June 1924, Dr Kuppuswamy was ordained as a monk and a Sannyasin on the banks of the sacred Ganges. Thus, Sri Swami Sivananda Saraswati was born. His teachings spread across India and the world, and in 1949, the South African chapter of Divine Life Society was formed by Swami Sivananda with Swami Sahajananda as the Secretary. 

“Sri Swami Sivananda is an enlightened Sage and Jagat Guru, revered amongst the great modern Saints in Hinduism. The most salient feature of His life is that he authored in excess of 250 books on all aspects of Hinduism, bringing the teachings of the Vedas and Upanishads to the world in the English medium.  His teachings are universal, simple and practical. He wrote for neophytes and scholars, for young and old. His writings are all directed to the same goal, to provide practical instructions to elevate man to the highest state, that of God-realisation, the state that he himself was in, wherein he saw only God in all beings. His disciples have taken the message of Divine Life to all parts of the world”. 

The Society recognised the contributions of the pioneers of the Stanger Branch, past and present officials, and devotees for their unstinting devotion and Guru Bhakti during the past 67 years. 

Referring to Sri Swami Sahajananda’s contributions to the Society, the message read, “The story of Divine Life Society of South Africa is inextricably bound to the life of Sri Swami Sahajananda of South Africa, affectionately known as Pujya Swamiji, who breathed life into every facet of the Society’s work in the 58 years during which he was Spiritual Head. He grew the organisation to 7 Ashrams and 18 Branches/Prayer Groups countrywide. Today we have an 8th Ashram in Sandton, Gauteng. Pujya Swamiji said, ‘We are not tired of reiterating that the formation, growth and present status of Divine Life Society of South Africa is due entirely to the Grace of our Master, Sri Swami Sivananda’. In 1956, on Swami Sahajananda’s arrival at Swami Sivananda’s Ashram in Rishikesh, he met the Divine Master on his way to the office that morning. Joyously welcoming him, the Master said ‘Oh! You are doing the work of Avataras’”.

The children’s item, “Sri Gurudev Says” captured some of Sri Swami Sivananda’s teachings through his sayings. The Spiritual Darlings (children), ranging in age from 6 to 14 years, enunciated the Master’s teachings in a lively and entertaining manner. The play, “Secrets to Good Health” focused on the benefits of health tonics as recommended by Sri Swami Sivananda. The profound message that emanated is that in addition to taking health tonics, one should also readily surrender to the Lord and pray with sincerity, regularity and faith. The youth presented the play in an entertaining and light-hearted manner, thus capturing the attention of the audience and succeeded in communicating its profound message. 

The youth girls eloquently communicated Sri Swami Sivananda’s cardinal teachings, namely: meditation, Satsang, Sadhana, prayer, chanting the Divine Name, Karma Yoga and the glory of Hinduism and its practices. Referring to the topic, “Satsang”, Sri Gurudev advised that listening to spiritual discourses or being in holy company is Satsang. Satsang is about being in an environment or the company of those who support and inspire one’s spiritual journey, thus helping one to connect with one’s inner self. Some of the benefits of Satsang are: 

• It is the easiest and quickest means to take us towards God.
• Satsang elevates the mind and fills it with Sattva or purity. It forces one to lead a divine life. 
• The company of a saint or holy people helps eradicate undesirable, negative qualities and defects. Satsang is the greatest of all purifiers of man. 

The congregation related easily to the topic, “Chanting the Divine Name”. The Master said, “Chant the Divine Name in the temple, at home, at your workplace, while driving and at all times. Choose any Mantra”. He continued, “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”.  

Divine Life Society of South Africa thanks and extends congratulations to Stanger Branch on a well-organised and an excellent Centenary Celebrations' Havan and Satsang. We acknowledge with profound gratitude their hard work, diligence, dedication and commitment in ensuring that the message of our Sanatana Dharma and Divine Life go out to the community of Stanger and surrounding areas. The extent that the Branch went to in organising the function with distinction, and that the Branch has been in existence for 67 years, is highly commendable.

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