Om Namo Bhagavade Sivanandaya
Sivananda DLS
Divine Life Society of South Africa
Established in 1949 by Sri Swami Sivananda
14 December 2015
Dear Spiritual Darling
Greetings in the Name of the Lord!
We have come to the end of yet another year. We pray that all went well at school/ university. You are looking forward to the summer vacation, no doubt!
“We, the younger generation, were not as fortunate to have been in the presence of such a great Swami as Swami Sahajananda but we will always remember him and be grateful to him for following Gurudev’s instructions by providing us with the best facilities in the world for our spiritual growth. We will not forget Swamiji and we will ensure that his legacy and his work continue for generations to come.” These are the words of the Spiritual Darlings of Sivananda Sunday School of Reservoir Hills at Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s 8th Mahasamadhi Anniversary which was observed on Thursday, 10 December (English Calendar) at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. On Monday, 14 December the function was also observed according to the Sanskrit Calendar at the same venue. It attracted devotees from all parts of the province.
The Society is undertaking its bi-annual grocery hamper distribution to needy families in commemoration of beloved Pujya Swami Sahajananda. The distribution will be facilitated by all our branches and will be done during the period of Pujya Swamiji's Mahasamadhi Day on 10 December when Pujya Swamiji shed his mortal coil. Each hamper is valued at R150.00.
The anniversary of Divine Life Society of S.A. was observed on Sunday, 8 November in conjunction with our Sivananda Day Satsang at SICC. As the actual day of the anniversary (11 November) coincided with Deepavali, it was decided to observe this day on 8 November.
Deepavali Message by Sri Swami Sivananda
Deepavali or Diwali means "a row of lights". It falls on the last two days of the dark half of Kartik (October-November). For some it is a three-day festival. It commences with the Dhan-Teras, on the 13th day of the dark half of Kartik, followed the next day by the Narak Chaudas, the 14th day, and by Deepavali proper on the 15th day.
REPORT ON THE PARLIAMENT OF THE WORLD'S RELIGIONS HELD IN
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, USA FROM 15 – 19 OCTOBER 2015
WHICH WAS ATTENDED BY 10 000 PEOPLE FROM 80 COUNTRIES AND OF 50 FAITHS
INTRODUCTION & GRATITUDE
"The Parliament is an overwhelming event. The experience is unique and could only be truly appreciated through direct experience. It was simply amazing!" wrote our representatives. Whilst it is an ideal platform to promote our Master's teachings worldwide, it provided us with the opportunity to learn about the teachings, ways of worship and dedication of the many inter-faith groups whose warm acceptance of each other was unique and rewarding.
A Glory of Hindu Dharma Campaign will be hosted by the North Coast Branches of Divine Life Society of South Africa on Sunday, 11 October 2015. The function will be held at the KRAYDEB Conference Centre, 2 Mira Way, Everest Heights, Verulam. The program will commence at 6am with Nagar Sankirtan by the Sathya Sai Seva Organisation - North Coast Region, Havan will follow at 7:15am by the Sri Veeraboga Emperumal Temple (Tongaat), Cultural items by various Temple and Hindu Organisations from the North Coast of KZN will take place from 9am, and the main Satsang will commence at 10am. Items on the main Satsang program include: Messages on Hinduism, Bhajans and Kirtans, a play, cultural dance rendition, items by Spiritual Darlings (children), and scriptural recitation. Breakfast and Lunch Prasad will be served.
The Parliament of the World's Religions is the largest summit of interfaith activists around the globe which provides listening, learning and sharing opportunities. This year the world's largest and most historic interfaith gathering will be held at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City in Utah, USA from October 15 to 19. It will be attended by 10,000 delegates from 80 countries and 50 religious and spiritual traditions
Images from the function can be found at the bottom of this page
The 128th Birth Anniversary of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda was held on Tuesday, 8 September at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, drawing a large gathering from all parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
About the Divine Master, Swami Krishnananda, one of the Master’s senior disciples wrote, “The purpose of Sri Gurudev’s coming into this world and the intention behind the coming of any sage and saint, is the waking of the slumbering soul of mankind. Gurudev Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj was an incarnation of this unending, incessant, eternal human aspiration for perfection. His teaching is usually summed up in a pithy statement: “God first, world next, yourself last”. This statement, this little message, this one-sentence teaching perhaps sums up the great gospel of life which brings God to the Earth, into our kitchen, into the very room in which we live, into this vestment of our physical personality”
The Sunlit Path Programme for learners in Isipingo was held at the Isipingo Secondary School Hall on Friday, 21 August 2015 and was attended by 128 learners from the following secondary schools: Isipingo, Reunion, and Strelitzia. Seventy-Five learners voluntarily signed the pledge form to stay away from drugs and other social evils, and adopt a healthy life style.