Divine Life Society of South Africa had its 10th Centenary Celebrations’ programme on Saturday, 10 August 2024. Our Shallcross Branch hosted the Celebrations at the Everest Primary School in Shallcross. Hundreds of devotees, donors, well-wishers and members of the public attended the spiritually elevating Havan and Satsang.
The day’s programme comprised a Havan at 8am, Ganga Arati at 9.30am and Satsang at 10am.
The soulful chants of sacred Mantras during the Havan by the Ashram’s priests reverberated and created a beautiful ambience befitting the occasion. Ganga Arati, conducted possibly for the first time in Shallcross, was a unique and novel experience for many. Indeed, Pujya Swami Sahajananda has brought the sacred Mother Ganga to South Africa, into our cities and towns, into our homes, and now even into one of our schools. A marvel of a concept indeed!
The Satsang Programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a message from the Society, a children’s item, entitled, “Sri Gurudev Says”, a conversation on Sri Swami Sivananda’s cardinal teachings, an address by the principal of the school and a dance. The Song of Salutations, a tribute to Sri Swami Sivananda, was done with decorum and sincerity by the Spiritual Darlings, whose innocence, eloquence and Bhav were overwhelming.
The message from the Society focused on the glory of Hinduism, Sri Swami Sivananda’s life of ascetism and renunciation, his contributions to the world, and Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s enormous contributions to South Africa in the fields of religion, poverty alleviation, nation-building and education. The message also stressed the importance of Satsang, Mantra chanting and moral and spiritual values. The principal of Everest Primary School, Mr Anash Singh, expressed profound appreciation and gratitude to the Society for its contributions to the school, through renovations and infrastructure upgrades. He emphasised the need for a spiritual lifestyle, and expressed the hope that his school will benefit from the strong spiritual vibrations of the Satsang and the weekly Satsangs held by the Shallcross Branch at his school. Meena Mothilall, a Radio Hindvani personality, recited Slokas of the Ramayana. The beautiful chants and the English translations, were done with dignity and decorum. Evident also, was participation in the chants by the congregation. Tuhina Asharam, a Bharathanatyam dancer, gave a beautiful dance offering (Jathiswaram) on this auspicious occasion.
The Shallcross Branch mothers brought forth some of the teachings of Sri Swami Sivananda, in the item, “Take a Packet of Grace Home Today”. Some of the topics covered were Sadhana, meditation, prayer and Satsang. The Master explained that Sadhana is any spiritual practice, and advised that we be serious about our Sadhana for maximum benefit. Let us choose our own methods, be it chanting of the Divine Name, attending Satsangs, meditation, Japa or Karma Yoga. He says, “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”.
In respect of meditation, Sri Swami Sivananda says that through meditation, the mind is focused, purified and strengthened. “All worldly thoughts are shut out from the mind. It is filled or saturated with divine thoughts, divine glory and the Divine Presence….It makes the approach to God easier”. Some of the benefits of meditation are: it takes us to God, enhances focus and concentration, increases feelings of compassion, empathy and kindness, supports personal and spiritual growth and reduces stress. The Master says that meditation is an absolute necessity in spiritual practices. On prayer, Sri Swami Sivananda says, “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 explained further that the power of Prayer is indescribable. “Sincere devotees only realise its usefulness and splendour….. Do not argue about the efficacy of Prayer. You will be deluded.” He says that we should pray and wait, and the rewards are sure to come. The Master explained that Satsang is the association with holy company seeking spiritual growth. Satsang is about being in the company of those who support and inspire one’s spiritual journey, helping one to connect with one’s inner Self. The following is a summary of the benefits of Satsang, according to Sri Swami Sivananda:
• 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. We should all regularly engage in Satsang for spiritual sustenance, protection, peace and prosperity.
Many stalwarts of the Society hail from the Shallcross Branch. We are confident that its members, through their dedication and Guru Bhakti, will be a beacon of hope for many seeking solace, peace and contentment through prayer, through their weekly Satsang and the Society’s programmes.
