The 76th Anniversary of the Society was celebrated on Saturday, 18 October 2025 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. Sri Swami Sivananda wrote three letters to Pujya Swami Sahajananda (then Srinivasan Naidoo) to open a branch of Divine Life Society of South Africa. The anniversary is therefore celebrated on three occasions annually.

Ganga Arati on Saturday, 18 October 2025 commenced at 4pm followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s message and the reading of two letters written by the Master. Sri Swami Sivananda wrote,

“18 October 1949

Sri Srinivasan

Durban

Beloved Immortal Self,

Salutations and adorations. Thy kind letter of the 30th September.

Thank you for the kind donation by the postal order.

I am glad that you are regular in Sadhan. Your pamphlet for free distribution (Twenty Important Spiritual Instructions) is very attractively printed. Print such pamphlets as often as circumstances permit and distribute them among aspirants hungering for God. It is the greatest service and will hasten your progress. I have sent you the Divine Life magazine for September and October. Hope you will be benefited by them. 

May God bless you. 

Thy Own Self 

Sivananda

Handwritten:

Kindly start a branch of Divine Life Society there. 

I recognise you as the Secretary.

Sivananda”.

On 6 March 1961, the Master again wrote to Pujya Swamiji, saying, “The South African branch is making wonderful progress in all spheres, publications, buildings, etc.

“Very shortly there will be another duplicate of the headquarters in every respect. The Will of the Lord is working through you to work out a great plan in the near future”. 

In praise of Pujya Swamiji, the Master continued, “I get glorious accounts of your activities from different quarters very frequently, also visitors from the Ashram in Africa endorse the views conveyed through letters”. In respect of the financial situation at the Ashram, Sri Gurudev said, “I am glad that your financial condition is getting sound. It is very essential for steady progress and dynamic work”. 

Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message was an intimate account of his relationship with Sri Gurudev. Addressing the Master in the first person, he described the Master’s intense Sadhana. The Master often stood in the Ganges in mid-winter doing his austerities. He also wrote in English which the orthodox Sannyasins did not understand and appreciate. The Master was original in many respects - his service of the ailing sadhus, his writing in English and emphasis on Sadhana. Pujya Swamiji said that the Master didn’t copy anyone and was original, that he didn’t follow the traditional path, and that he plunged into meditation and meditation alone. The books that the Master wrote were an “expansion of the notes you have kept in yourself”. When Pujya Swamiji wanted to visit the Master, the Master gave permission after repeated requests by Pujya Swamiji. Initially the Master said that Pujya Swamiji should not come, and “stay where you are and practise”. When Pujya Swamiji did visit the Master for the first time, he said that the welcome was cordial, and that everything in Rishikesh was strange and that he was missing home. He attributed these to his disobedience of the Master, as is evident in, “When you disobey the Guru you are looking for trouble, because you are disobeying God”. The instruction that the Master gave Pujya Swamiji was to “learn to make tea and learn to type”, which Pujya Swamiji interpreted as serving unconditionally and printing and distributing the Master’s writings. When Pujya Swamiji told the Master that he wanted to return home because he was unfit for spiritual life and that he had no qualifications, the Master cryptically responded, “They would come”. He also asked Pujya Swamiji to establish a Divine Life Society branch in South Africa. 

For 76 years Divine Life Society of South Africa has stood as a radiant beacon of spirituality, selfless service, and moral regeneration in our nation. Guided by the sublime teachings of the illustrious Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, and nurtured by the matchless dedication of one of his foremost disciple, Sri Swami Sahajananda, the Society has become a sanctuary of divine inspiration and practical spirituality. Under Sri Swami Sahajananda’s tireless efforts, the Society translates lofty spiritual ideals into living action - uplifting the poor, educating the youth, promoting moral values and fostering inter-faith harmony. Through its numerous spiritual, educational, cultural and humanitarian projects, Divine Life Society of South Africa has touched countless hearts and transformed countless lives across South Africa and beyond.

May the sacred work of Divine Life Society of South Africa flourish ever more! May the blessings of Sri Swami Sivananda and Sri Swami Sahajananda ever guide devotees and seekers towards spiritual growth, light, peace, and perfection.