Sivananda International Cultural Centre (SICC) was the venue for the Sivananda Conference as part of the Society’s Centenary Celebrations, celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of Sri Swami Sahajananda, the Society’s Spiritual Head. The three programmes for the day (6am – 3pm) comprised a Havan, talks, guest artistes, branch items, plays, dance items, Kirtans, Bhajans, Ganga Arati, Akhanda Chanting and musical items.
In the morning Sadhana programme from 6am to 8am, scores of devotees, patrons, donors and well-wishers attended the sacred Havan. Prof Vimolan Mudaly presented a well-researched talk entitled Sri Swami Sahajananda - an ideal Disciple, wherein he extolled the Guru Bhakti, loyalty and yeoman service of Sri Swami Sahajananda. Some of the excerpts of his talk that attest to these qualities follow. “To become a good disciple, you must think, feel, and sense like the Master. Swami Sahajananda became one with Gurudev. Gurudev’s other Swami disciples were fortunate to have lived alongside Gurudev in Rishikesh. The teachings were face-to-face and immediate. Pujya Swamiji was thousands of kilometres away, yet the channels that Swamiji opened for Gurudev’s Grace to flow were immeasurable. Gurudev’s direct disciples describe the baptism of fire that they had to undergo to learn from Gurudev. But Swamiji had to learn through his own rigorous Tapasya and surrender. Pujya Swamiji demonstrated that distance has no bearing on a Master and a disciple. It is the divine connection between the heart that matters”. The presentation also alluded to Sri Swami Sivananda’s message in one of his letters to Pujya Swamiji when he said, “I shall work through you. You are the Chota Guru of South Africa”. In another letter, Sri Gurudev wrote, “I dwell with you in your heart and also in the new Sahaja Kutir”. Sri Gurudev also sent many messages via those who visited Rishikesh, one being, “Tell Swami Sahajananda that I am working through him”. The powerful message was an invaluable testament to this gentle spiritual giant - Sri Swami Sahajananda.
Divya and Moganathan Chetty rendered soulful Kirtans and Bhajans during the morning Sadhana programme also. Divya Chetty, a 14-year-old musical prodigy, bursting with talent and enthusiasm, under the expert guidance of her father, Moganathan Chetty - a seasoned tabla and mridangam player, made a beautiful offering.
For some visitors, taking Mother Ganga’s Darshan during Ganga Arati, was a first-time experience. The Satsang programme comprised Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message, Kirtans, Bhajans, a message from the Society, readings, and a play entitled Home Sadhana by the Tongaat Branch.
The message from the Society aptly captured the Master’s love for Pujya Swamiji and Pujya Swamiji’s unconditional loyalty to the Master. Some of the excerpts that allude to this, are: “At the heart of Pujya Swamiji’s teachings, as inspired by our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, lies the doctrine of selfless service or Karma Yoga. He emphasised that true spiritual progress is measured not by mystical experiences or esoteric knowledge, but by our willingness to serve others without expectation of reward. He encouraged us to see the Divine in every being, and to serve humanity with humility and devotion”.
Referring to some of the Master’s and Pujya Swamiji’s salient teachings, the message read, “Both Sri Gurudev and Pujya Swamiji stressed that faith is the light that guides us through darkness. Swami Sivananda encouraged unwavering faith in the Divine, in oneself, and on the spiritual path. Surrender does not mean weakness. It is the strength to let go of the ego and allow the higher power to guide us. Gurudev advised that faith can move mountains, and that sincere prayer never goes unanswered. Pujya Swamiji epitomised obedience, faith and self-surrender to the Guru. Pujya Swamiji also advocated the continuous chanting of the Divine Name - any Mantra that you may have an affinity for, and an inner life of meditation and silence amidst all the noise and distraction of the world”.
Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message focused on dispassion, surrender and faith. He used the example of Sri Swami Sivananda’s dispassion. When the Master returned home from Malaya (now Malaysia), he disappeared without going inside his house. Also, when on his way to Rishikesh on foot, a tongawala threw some coins at him, the Master didn’t even look at these. He survived on berries even though he led a lavish life in Malaya. Pujya Swamiji asked, “How lukewarm is our own dispassion?” Referring to Sadhana and spiritual life, he said, “We take spiritual life lightly”, and that we take things for granted. He advised devotees to make acquaintance with the Master within. He also alluded to our sense of fear and how weak many of us are. He advised that we should surrender to God and the Guru completely. When one calls for the Guru, he will respond. It is important that when one is leaving the body, one’s mind should be on God. Pujya Swamiji’s potent advice is a sure panacea for ardent seekers in this age.
The first reading, ABC of Good Conduct by Sri Swami Sivananda, from the book, Great Men and Women, is a poem comprising instructive sentences, each arranged in alphabetical order. Three of these are listed herewith: Adapt, adjust, accommodate; Be good, do good, be kind, be compassionate; Control anger by forgiveness and love”. The second reading was a message by Sri Swami Sivananda on the occasion of Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s birthday, and was given ex-tempore on 15 July 1962. “Salutations and adorations to the Almighty Lord. I am conducting prayers and Kirtan for the health, long life, peace and illumination of Sri Swami Sivananda-Sahajanandaji on this auspicious Guru Purnima Day. Swami Sahajananda is an exemplary soul. He is a true replica of the Divine qualities mentioned in the sixteenth chapter of Srimad Bhagavad Gita. Simplicity, humility and one-pointed devotion to the Guru. All these combined in equal proportion - this is what Swami Sahajanandaji is. He is my voice in South Africa. I guide all aspirants through him in South Africa. Faith and devotion shown to him, are faith and devotion shown to me. To love him and serve him is to love me and serve me. By his exemplary life, he has made a dynamic spiritual awakening in the hearts of thousands of devotees in South Africa. He is what an aspirant, in its true sense, ought to be. He is blessed, blessed and thrice blessed. May Lord bless him with health, long life, peace and Kaivalya! May Lord bless you all”.
An insightful play, Home Sadhana, was enacted by female devotees of the Tongaat Branch, in the hope that devotees may follow the noble footsteps of the colossal spiritual being - Pujya Swami Sahajananda. Pujya Swamiji introduced home Sadhana to inspire families to create spiritual vibrations in the home. The play highlighted some distractions to Sadhana, namely, the harmful effects of excessive television viewing, abuse of cellular phones, listening to disco music and other common vices. Aspects of home Sadhana that were focused upon were: chanting the Divine Name, Likhit Japa, Dining Room Kirtans and benefits of singing Kirtans and Bhajans.
The third session from 1pm to 3pm comprised an array of items. The Stanger Branch presented a play, entitled Sri Swami Sahajananda – His life and legacies. Pujya Swamiji’s numerous and visionary initiatives like the school-building project and poor feeding initiative, his emphasis on Sadhana, Likhit Japa, Japa Yoga and Mantra chanting, were emphasised. The well-enacted play aptly conveyed Pujya Swamiji’s enormous contributions to our country and to our spiritual and material well-being, for which we are eternally grateful.
A Kolattam dance performed with distinction by devotees of the Tongaat Branch, is a vibrant and rhythmic folk dance from South India, and a traditional art form that combines music, movement, and devotion. The offering was a combination of love and Guru Bhakti.
The Manormani Dance Academy presented two beautiful dance items. The Academy had been invited to render dance items by Pujya Swami Sahajananda for our major celebrations and official openings of schools in rural areas. When Pujya Swamiji began the Sivananda Dance Academy, the Academy’s principal, Smt Manormani Moodley was given the responsibility to co-ordinate it. The Manormani Dance Academy’s offerings were beautifully and professionally executed with grace and finesse.
Prof Suvira Ramlall addressed the congregation on the topic, Sri Swami Sahajananda’s legacies – How can we repay Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda? The following excerpts from the talk attest to this topic. “…yet here we are, blessed beyond measure to have the Satsang of not one but two such ‘rare great Mahatmas’ and belonging to the Divine Life family. We will never know how many hundreds of lifetimes of divine aspiration brought us to the feet of the best spiritual coach, mentor, preceptor and guide. For this we are beholden to an eternal debt of gratitude”.
The speaker quoted Jagadguru Shankaracharya, who stated: “Until you surrender to a Guru, you cannot be liberated from the material energy”. She explained, “It is Divine Grace when God brings the soul in contact with a true Guru. Secular education can be purchased simply by paying fees. But the transfer of spiritual knowledge can only be revealed in the heart of the disciple by the Guru’s Grace, when the disciple develops humility, and when the Guru is pleased with the service attitude of the disciple. Shakti-Sanchara is a hidden mystic science, during which a certain spiritual vibration and power of the Satguru is transferred to the mind of the disciple whom he considers fit. The Guru can transform the disciple by a look, a touch, a thought or a word, or by mere willing. However, the Guru’s blessings have to be earned by pleasing the Guru and carrying out his spiritual instructions implicitly.
“For the bountiful spiritual wealth showered upon us, what can we offer on the most sacred occasions of a 100th birth anniversary, which by no coincidence, falls on a Thursday and on the all-auspicious Guru Purnima? ….By offering Guru Dakshina, which the Bhagavad Gita describes as a symbol of gratitude, respect, and devotion to the Guru.
“In the Guru Gita, Guru Dakshina is described as a heartfelt offering of gratitude and respect, not just a monetary gift, to the Guru (teacher). Its true essence lies in the sincerity and devotion with which the offering is made; the best Guru Dakshina is a disciple's earnest effort to practise the teachings and strive towards spiritual realisation”.
The presenter quoted Sri Swami Chidananda who said that the eradication of the ego is a great Guru Dakshina we can also offer. She further alluded to Paramahansa Yogananda, who, describing the Guru-disciple relationship as the most sacred of all relationships, added that the Guru does not need our thanks, however heartfelt it may be. Instead, when we offer thanks, the way for our own spiritual growth and supply opens in our consciousness. She also emphasised the importance of total and unconditional obedience to the Guru. In respect of service as an offering to the Guru, she explained, “Gurudev placed service even higher than prayer, meditation and Yoga, declaring that work is worship. On Swami Sivananda’s Sannyas Anniversary on 1st June 2001, Swami Sahajananda delivered a talk entitled How can we repay our debt of gratitude to our Divine Master? He listed eleven ways, including the daily studying of our Divine Master’s literature, meditation and attending Satsangs and Yoga Camps, etc. But he also told us what the best gifts are: “….selfless service, obedience and complete surrender to Gurudev.” Swami Sivananda exemplified loving, selfless service to humanity during and beyond his lifetime….and service is well within the capability of every one of us”.
The potent concluding remarks of the talk have relevance to us all, “…. you and I stand on the shoulders of two spiritual giants, and the best way to honour their legacy is to live the Divine Life….…. break open the yale-lock of your heart, offer body, mind, heart and soul, absolutely, without any reserve at their lotus feet. In the words of Swami Vivekananda: “arise, awake and stop not until the goal is reached”. How can we express our gratitude to Swami Sivananda and Swami Sahajananda? By taking care of their mission, by simply giving the hands to work in GRATEFUL AND OBEDIENT SERVICE, and the mind to God: by CHANTING RAM NAM… Swamiji will lead the way”.
Our youth girls’ play, entitled, City of Benightedness, by Sri Swami Sivananda, highlighted the folly of a disciple who chose the material world of comfort and luxury with serious consequences, leading to his downfall. The disciple abandoned his Guru and life of Sadhana, and chose the life of luxury. When he was almost to be hanged, he remembered his Guru’s wise advice. The play, rich in meaning and advice to ardent devotees, was performed around 25 years ago in many parts of the country, and was very dear to Pujya Swami Sahajananda.
Guest artistes, Sri Raj and Smt Usha Maharaj from “Sangita Vandana” renderd devotional items. These accomplished artistes made a fitting offering of soulful and mellifluous Kirtans and Bhajans on this special occasion.
With heartfelt reverence, deep gratitude and bounden humility, we offer our humble gratitude to Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda whose lives of renunciation and service have been beacons of light for countless souls in South Africa and beyond. Their boundless compassion and tireless service have blessed us with not only spiritual wisdom and divine guidance, but also with material support that has uplifted and sustained many. In their presence, we have found peace; through their teachings and examples, we have gained purpose; and by their generosity, we have experienced the Grace of the Divine. May Sri Gurudev’s and Pujya Swamiji’s noble examples continue to inspire us on the path of selflessness, service, devotion and truth.
As Pujya Swamiji’s birth centenary is being joyfully celebrated, we remember and honour his incomparable legacy with hearts overflowing with gratitude. May his life continue to inspire us to serve with love, purity, and extending the same compassion he offered so generously to humanity.
