The 70th anniversary Satsangs of Divine Life Society of S.A. are drawing to a close. The penultimate function was celebrated on Monday, 11 November 2019. It was 70 years ago on this day that our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, put pen to paper for the third time in asking our beloved Pujya Swamiji to start a branch in this country. We observe this event each year in order to celebrate perhaps one of the most valuable gifts to us in South Africa. This year's celebration has been extended throughout the year where our branches have hosted special Satsangs. Divine Life Society of South Africa is unique in spiritual history, because it was founded by a spiritual Master who forced his disciple, Sri Swami Sahajananda to obey him and carry out his instructions.

Divine Life Society of South Africa takes this opportunity of wishing you and your family the very best for Deepavali. May the blessings of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, Lord Rama, Mother Sita, and Lord Hanuman, be upon you and your family during this most auspicious period. May peace, prosperity, joy & illumination be yours!

The Sunlit Path Workshop held at the Sastri College Hall in Durban, was held on Thursday, 29 August 2019. One hundred and sixty-nine learners from the following schools participated: Centenary Secondary, Futura High, Hunt Road Secondary, Overport Secondary and Sastri College. In the welcome address, Principal of Sastri College, Mr S. Rajcoomar, said that the success of this programme will depend on learners themselves. The onus will rest on them "to embrace what they will learn today and to take it back to their respective schools." They should share what they have learnt with other learners.

'The auspicious hour came. The star Rohini was shining. It was Vijaya Muhurta. The elements were extremely pleasant. Winds were blowing auspiciously. The stars were shining with lustre. The lakes were filled with lotuses. Lord Krishna incarnated at midnight on this earth. The gods played divine music. The Kinnaras and Gandharvas sang. Siddhas and Charanas praised. The Vidyadharas danced along with Apsaras, sages and Devas. There was a rain of flowers from the heavens in joy. Lord Krishna was the highest incarnation of the great Vishnu. He was the unique and crowning incarnation of all. He was the Purna Avatara. He had sixteen Kalas or rays. He was a noble scion of the illustrious Yadava dynasty. He was the world teacher. He was the one Lord of love. He was the lover of men. His divine form holds the heart of India captive in chains even today." (Sri Swami Sivananda)

The Sivananda Conference which was held over the weekend of 7 & 8 September 2019 at the Sivananda International Cultural Centre, was a resounding success, well-attended by devotees from various parts of KZN, from Gauteng and Cape Town. It was also attended by well-wishers, donors, patrons and members of sister organisations. The event celebrated the 132nd Birth Anniversary of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda in conjunction with the Platinum Jubilee of the Society. It also marked the culmination of the chanting of the 41-day Sri Hanuman Chalisa.

Many readers would know that it was in 1949 that the Master instructed Pujya Swami Sahajananda to start a branch of Divine Life Society in South Africa. In the 58 glorious years under his silent but dynamic leadership, Swamiji was able to fulfil the Master's divine wishes in all respects.