'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.

I must respect my body as it is sacred to me!

The Sunlit Path Workshop that was held at the Shree Veeraboga Cultural Centre in Tongaat on Thursday, 18 July 2019, was attended by 37 learners from Nkosibomvu Secondary, Fairbreeze Secondary, Seatides Combined and Tongaat Secondary. This is what learners wrote in their feedback slips:

• I really learnt a lot from attending this workshop and therefore I will take all the information and share it with all. I will continue with the Sunlit Path Checklist.
• The workshop has been very informative and helpful. It highlighted important solutions and ways to deal with things in life. It also helped differentiate right from wrong. It also gave me ways to deal with problems if I'm ever faced with it in life.
• I feel that the first video and the programme helped to acknowledge my beliefs and thoughts regarding what is happening in society and showed me the way to cope with negative situations, using prayer. The second video provides me with information to cope with depression, alcohol, suicide and violence and not to be a victim of these.
• My favourite one is about God; that He is testing us. If God gives us the problem, He will surely give us a solution.
• I must respect my body as it is very sacred to me. I must abstain from activities that will make me lose my concentration.
• I think that the Sunlit Path members should continue to share their wisdom with young minds throughout the community as it is an incredible way to demonstrate what is right.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR 70TH ANNIVERSARY BROCHURE (PDF FILE)

Guru Purnima, the most auspicious day in the calendar of spiritual seekers, was celebrated the world over on Tuesday, 16 July 2019 to worship and offer gratitude and appreciation to the Spiritual Masters for their guidance, spiritual wisdom and enlightenment. It is the day when seekers take stock of themselves and very importantly make fresh resolves to aid them on the spiritual path. Devotees of Divine Life Society of South Africa assembled at 6am at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, to pay homage and express their gratitude to our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, and Pujya Swami Sahajananda.