Letters from our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda to Pujya Swamiji were read, bearing testimony to the keen interest the Master showed regarding the growth and development of the Society. In a letter dated 11 November 1949, the Master wrote, "Lust and pride are the root of all human ills. They are the enemies of peace and are the parents of a host of evils. If you bring yourself up to feeling that they drain 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."
In the audio message, Pujya Swamiji stated that God can do anything He wants if we surrender to Him. "If we face the trouble, it will not appear so great. All strength is locked in your own heart", concluded Pujya Swamiji.
Devotees were also greatly inspired by an excellently prepared DVD which also abounded in educative humour. A devotee confided in the Master regarding all his problems, stating that he was on the brink of suicide. The Master advised him as follows: "Fortune is as fickle as a shadow. You came alone and you will go alone. Rely on your own self. Do not depend on anyone. A life without cares and worries can only be had in God or the Self. Don't worry about the failures and disappointments in life. Pain and sufferings are visible manifestations of God's Grace. You can escape from the problems and difficulties if you lead a life dispassion and restraint. Your present state is due to ignorance. Seek everlasting peace and bliss in the Atma, in your soul." When ladies visited the Ashram from Dehra Dun, the Master sang a melodious song educating them as follows: God is Peace Sita Ram, God is Love Jai Jai Ram. Attain Him Jai Jai Ram, through faith and devotion Sita Ram. Real Beauty Jai Jai Ram is found in the Atma Sita Ram"
A report was also presented from the committee of 11 delegates from DLS of SA who attended the Parliament of the World's Religions held in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA from 15 – 19 October. They expressed their grateful thanks to our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda for the bountiful blessings during the entire trip. "Our team was able to fulfil Pujya Swamiji's divine wish to promote our Master's Name and to distribute our Master's precious literature world-wide. Our Master's literature has gone to the length and breadth of America, Canada and other parts of the world. We are pleased to report that all the books taken to the Parliament were sold to the value of R38 000.00. Our presentations, being well rehearsed, contributed greatly to promoting our Master's Mission. As a team, we found the entire programme exhilarating and rewarding.
In closing this report, kindly permit us to inform readers that in view of the severe drought that prevails in our province and as an offering to our Divine Master, the Society initiated the recitation of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 54 times daily up to 10 December 2015. All devotees were encouraged to conduct Agnihotra and Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra Homa which Pujya Swamiji initiated in DLS. It will help to bring rain. At Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, Homa will take place during our Sunday evening Satsangs. All branches were encouraged to do likewise at their weekly Satsang.
