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SIVANANDASHRAM, SANDTON;BRANCH LAUNCHES SANDTON BRANCH SIVANANDA WISDOM GROUP (SWG): WEDNESDAY, 12 JUNE 2025

Divine Life Society of South Africa launched its Sivananda Wisdom Group (SWG) at Sivanandashram, Sandton Branch on Wednesday, 12 June 2025. The inaugural session, held from 10am to 12 noon, was attended by thirty devotees and guests, many of whom are long-standing members and former residents of KwaZulu-Natal.

The Sivananda Wisdom Group is a spiritual initiative open to all age groups, aimed at promoting collective study, reflection, and the practical application of the teachings of Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda. The Sandton SWG is the third to be established within the Society, following the formation of the first group at the Sivananda Sunlit Path Centre in Arena Park over a decade ago, and the second at the Society’s Headquarters in Reservoir Hills in October 2024. At Sivanandashram, Sandton, the SWG will be held on a fortnightly basis on Tuesdays.

The core principles of the SWG will be Sri Gurudev’s teachings on Divine Life, and fostering spiritual harmony and unity. The establishment of the Sandton Sivananda Wisdom Group marks a meaningful step in strengthening the Society’s spiritual outreach. It is anticipated that this initiative will inspire ongoing growth through shared learning, devotion, and service, in the noble tradition of Sri Swami Sivananda’s divine teachings.

Youth Day was celebrated on Sunday, 15 June 2025 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. This coincided with the Sunday morning Satsang. Registration and breakfast commenced at 8.30am. Ganga Arati began at 8.50am followed by Satsang at 9am. The second part of the programme was from 10.30am until 12.30pm. 

The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, readings and a presentation on the Four Yugas by the youth boys. On the latter topic, the presentation focused on the concept of time in Hindu cosmology, where time is cyclical and divided into four Yugas, known collectively as the Chatur Yuga or Maha Yuga. These Yugas represent ages or epochs, each with a progressive decline in virtue, Dharma (righteousness), and spiritual knowledge. In Satya Yuga (also known as Krita Yuga), truth and Dharma reigned supreme and was characterised by the "Golden Age" of truth and perfection. People were spiritually advanced, lived long and were free of suffering. Truth was innate. The Treta Yuga saw a slight decline in virtue, emergence of rituals and sacrifices (Yajnas). The Dvapara Yuga was characterised by further decline in morality and lifespan. There was a rise in disease, suffering and conflict. The Mahabharata and Lord Krishna belong to this Yuga. Kali Yuga, which we are presently in, is the "Dark Age" of ignorance, strife, and materialism. Spirituality is diminished and virtue is at its lowest. 

The presentation highlighted the ills of Kali Yuga, namely humanity’s chaos and loss of moral and spiritual values. By the time Kali Yuga ends, the Vedas will be forgotten completely, and man will be mostly atheistic. The following predictions in the presentation attest to these scenarios, “The leaders will be thieves; the occupation of men will be stealing, lying and needless violence, and all the social classes will be reduced to the lowest level. Cows will be killed, and spiritual institutions will be no different from mundane houses. Family ties will extend no further than the immediate bonds of marriage. Seasons will go awry; homes will be devoid of piety and there will be no morality.

“At that time, the Supreme Personality of Godhead will appear on earth and rescue the eternal Dharma. It is in this age that Lord Vishnu will incarnate on this earthly plane as the Avatar Kalki. This will be the only descent of supreme consciousness during the Kali Yuga. Riding a white horse named Devadutta with a drawn sword, Kalki will mow down the evil and corrupt and ensure the reign of Dharma. The Kalki Avatar will establish the principles of eternal Dharma once again and the people of earth will turn to the path of righteousness. This will mark the beginning of Satya Yuga, an era of virtue, enlightenment and spirituality”.

The address on Sleep Health, in the second session focused on why we feel sleepy at night, and what happens to the body, mind, emotions and spirit when we are asleep. The following questions were also addressed: What happens if we do not sleep? What prevents us from getting a good night’s sleep? What are the benefits of sleep?  How can we improve the quality and quantity of our sleep without sleeping tablets? Swami Sivananda’s advice on sleep and Yoga techniques for sleep, were also addressed. 

On the topic of sleep, Sri Swami Sivananda said, “Next to breathing, sleep is the greatest biological necessity. If breathing enables life to continue, sleep provides the most essential interval for the life-force to carry out the general repairs to the system. If breathing preserves life, sleep recoups the life's energy spent during the day's activity. If breathing points to the power that pulsates in all creation, sleep gives us a clue to the unmoving tranquil Reality. If breathing manifests the infinite diversity of phenomena, sleep describes to us the essential unity of existence. If breathing draws to us energy, vitality and power from the cosmic Power House (Hiranyagarbha) that surrounds us, sleep derives them from the Atman within. 

“Glory to the Lord! Glory to the Prana Sakti who maintains the universe! Glory to Nidra Devi who lulls you into unconsciousness so that you may be revitalised for the morrow's service! 

“The happiness of sleep is really the bliss of the Soul”.

The second session also had an interesting talk, entitled, Social Media. The presenter alluded to Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s warning of the harmful effects of cell phones and excessive television viewing. Applying Pujya Swamiji’s logic we can conclude that social media has the danger in social interactions, of feeding the ego and weakening our will-power. It robs us of time that could be used for productive activities such as prayer, study or Sadhana. The presenter advised that social media can be used positively, for example, in promoting Dharma., in that before posting, we need to ask ourselves: Is this true? It this kind? Is this necessary? Will this post bring the viewer closer to God or will it bring me closer to my ego? Rather than using our platforms to promote ourselves, we can promote truth, peace, love and wisdom. The presenter advised that one can use platforms to share the messages of Gurudev, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda. She further advised us to share a message of hope, and advised us to “Make your social media grid a spiritual garden. We can also turn our scroll time into soul time”. The notion of social media fasting (abstinence from indulgence in social media) for a day or more, was also suggested. 

The final item of the day was a game, The Amazing Race, wherein two teams (males and females) competed against each other in a series of challenges and obstacles. Teams were given cues leading to a specific location. Once at the correct location, teams faced a range of challenges. Team building, group dynamics, leadership, speed and efficiency were also tested.  Teams worked together to make strategic decisions to succeed. The Amazing Race was an exciting and spiritually inspiring exercise that gently pushed teams to their limits, testing their physical and mental abilities, teamwork, and strategic thinking.

The youth are complimented on an eventful and stimulating Youth Day Celebration comprising a diverse range of topics, catering to different age groups. The attention to detail in all aspects of organisation and execution of the day’s activities, is highly commendable.

On Saturday, 24 May 2025, Divine Life Society of South Africa participated in the Annual Career Fair hosted by the Nelson Mandela Community and Youth Centre in Chatsworth, from 9am to 1pm. This well-supported event brought together a wide range of educational and vocational organisations, and was attended primarily by learners accompanied by their parents, many of whom were exploring opportunities for skills’ development and personal growth.

Devotees of Divine Life Society of South Africa, including those from its Sivananda Sunlit Path Centre in Chatsworth represented the Society and shared information about its community-based programmes. Among the offerings that drew interest were the Sewing Classes and Computer Skills’ Courses, which provide valuable vocational skills aligned with the Fair’s theme of empowerment and development.

Visitors engaged with devotees, expressing appreciation for the Society’s ongoing contribution to community upliftment. In addition to skills’ training, the Society also offers counselling services to individuals facing emotional, health, or personal challenges further demonstrating its commitment to holistic support and care.

 A range of publications was made available, particularly those focused on youth development, self-discipline, and moral living - messages that resonated with both learners and parents.

Amongst those who visited our stall, were representatives of the South African military services. The participation of the Sivananda Sunlit Path Centre in this Annual Career Fair once again provided a sacred opportunity to foster spiritual and vocational upliftment, promote values-based education, and share the life-transforming teachings of Sri Swami Sivananda with members of the wider community.

The auspicious Guru Purnima and Sri Swami Sahajananda’s 100th Birth Anniversary were celebrated at both Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills and Sivananda International Cultural Centre (SICC) on Thursday, 10 July 2025. 

The morning Sadhana programme at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills was from 6am to 8am, comprising Invocation, Akhanda Chanting, Darshan at Sahaja Kutir, Pujya Swamiji’s sacred Kutir and the Sivananda-Sahajananda Diamond Jubilee Centre. Havan and Paduka Puja ensued from 7am to 8am. Scores of devotees, well-wishers, donors and visitors braved the cold winter weather to attend this most sacred, divine and historic occasion. 

At SICC, Ganga Arati commenced at 2.30pm followed by Satsang from 4pm to 6.20pm. The programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a dance, Sri Gurudev’s Guru Purnima messages, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message, a poetry recital with musical accompaniment  and the release of a Centenary Celebrations’ CD and booklet.

Sri Swami Sivananda’s Guru Purnima Message gave deep insight into this important occasion. The Master said, “The day of worship of one’s preceptor, is a day of pure joy to the sincere spiritual aspirant. Thrilled by the expectation of offering his reverent homage to the beloved Guru, aspirants await this occasion with eagerness and devotion. It is the Guru alone that breaks the binding cords of attachment and releases the aspirant from the trammels of earthly existence”.

Referring to the importance of a Guru, the Master explained, “The Grace of a Guru is very necessary. That does not mean that the disciple should sit idle. He must do rigid spiritual practices. All the work must be done by the student. The Guru and the scriptures can show you the path and remove your doubts. Direct experience or direct intuitive knowledge is left for your own experience. A hungry man will have to eat for himself. No doubt, the Guru's blessings can do everything. But how can one have his blessings? By pleasing the Guru. A Guru can be pleased with his disciple only if the latter carries out his spiritual instructions implicitly. Therefore, follow the instructions of the Guru carefully. Act up to his instructions. Only then will you deserve his blessings which can do everything. 

“The best form of worship of the Guru is to follow his teachings, to shine as the very embodiment of his teachings, and to propagate his glory and his message. A true disciple is one who serves his Guru till the end of his life. If the disciple survives after the Guru gives up his mortal coil, he should lead the remaining portion of his life strictly in accordance with his Guru's instructions and live to preach them to others by practising them himself”. 

The Master’s message concluded with his poem, My Disciple, “If anyone is rude and discourteous, if he cannot do prostrations to elders and saints, if he does not do Nishkamya Karma Yoga, if he does not know Asanas and Pranayama, if he has no knowledge of the Yoga of Synthesis, if he does not serve the poor and the sick, if he is not generous and charitable, if he cannot feel the unity of the Self in all beings, he cannot be my disciple”.

In a reference to this rare alignment of these two sacred events, the message from the Society reflected on Pujya Swamiji’s faith, loyalty and obedience to Sri Gurudev, as is evident in, “… it comes as no surprise that the 100th Birth Anniversary of beloved Pujya Swami Sahajananda coincides with Sri Guru Purnima this year. Devotees of Divine Life Society of South Africa were highly inspired by the Dasya Bhav and total self-surrender of Pujya Swamiji to our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, akin to the service of Sri Hanuman to Lord Rama”.

The message also focused on the importance of a Guru as emphasised in the Guru Gita, “By the devotion practised towards the Guru, one attains the state of Mukti even without knowledge. For those who tread the path of unflinching devotion to the Guru, no other Sadhana is needed than the Grace of the Guru”.  The message also paid tribute to Sri Gurudev and Pujya Swami Sahajananda for their bounteous gifts to us, and to devotees for their unflinching devotion and commitment to the continuation of Sri Gurudev’s and Pujya Swamiji’s legacies. “Today we pay homage to our Divine Master for making Swamiji take birth here in South Africa 100 years ago. Because of this grace, our country has benefited from more than 700 completed infrastructure projects, with this number continuing to grow into the future. Swamiji’s golden touch is reflected in our Ashram activities and programmes that are all progressing well”.

Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message, pregnant with deep meaning, again focused on his relationship with, and unconditional loyalty to Sri Gurudev. He said that if he had to write a book, it would be entitled, The Mysteries and Marvels of the Guru’s Grace, for the Master chose him, so that he can be an ideal “specimen” to demonstrate the Master’s marvels. The Master was in complete control of his life, even to the extent of spelling his name differently. He said that, “Whatever came, came from Gurudev”. Regarding Pujya Swamiji’s initial request for Sannyas, the Master cautioned, saying, “Sannyas is made of sterner stuff”. Pujya Swamiji said that nobody could oppose Gurudev’s will, and that his (Pujya Swamiji’s) performance in the matriculation examination was a blessing in disguise. He said, “What appeared as a great tragedy then was a great blessing”, indicative of his complete surrender to the Master. He recounted how he first found the Master’s book, Practice of Karma Yoga in a Vedic Bookshop, and was instantly attracted to the Master, whom he adopted as his Guru. His faith in the Master has been ever steadfast, unconditional and unwavering.

Two Centenary Celebrations’ releases were made on this day. Prayers and Affirmations, a publication compiled from several of the Divine Master’s writings, including Science of Yoga, Sadhana, Daily Meditations, Hindu Fasts & Festivals and Light, Power & Wisdom, amongst others. Some prayers by Pujya Swami Sahajananda extracted from Path of Divine Grace, Guidance in Daily Life and Faith & Self-surrender are also included. A CD containing messages by Sri Swami Sivananda and Sri Swami Sahajananda, as well as two plays, Home Sadhana and Back to Basics, which are the gestalt of the Master’s and Pujya Swamiji’s cardinal teachings, was also released.

A beautiful dance, Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari, dedicated to Lord Rama, Pujya Swamiji’s Ishta Devata, added colour to the programme and appropriately brought the programme to a beautiful climax. The dancers sought to invoke the Lord’s Divine Blessings to remove all inauspiciousness from our lives. Telicia Mahabeer, Kajal Raghubir, and Yaditha Singh from the Nateshwar Dance Academy made a splendid offering.

The Pietermaritzburg Branch’s excellent musical rendition comprising a poem dedicated to Sri Gurudev, entitled Siva Divine composed by Pujya Swamiji, and a birthday song dedicated to Pujya Swamiji, were both inspirational and insightful.  Some of the words of the poem are captured herewith: 

Siva Divine
To serve with love his Lotus feet,
In pleasure and pain, in cold and heat,
To serve the sick, to serve the poor,
To spread God's Knowledge from door to door.

This is the teaching of Siva Divine,
O, let it enter this heart of mine.

To sing with joy, his glorious Name,
Without any fear, without any shame,
To love the Lord with all our soul,
To take him as our only goal.

This is the teaching of Siva Divine,
This is the teaching of Siva Divine,
This is the teaching of Siva Divine.
O, Let it enter this heart of mine.

To sit serene and calm and still,
And try the vicious mind to kill,
To merge in him within the heart,
Never to think him ever apart.

This is the teaching of Siva Divine…

This two-fold celebration of Guru Purnima and Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s 100th birth anniversary, is indeed a unique occasion in the annals of the history of Divine Life Society of South Africa. No doubt this is an awe-inspiring, rare and spiritually potent occasion, when the calendar aligns itself to bring together two major spiritual observances on the same day. For devotees, this convergence can be considered highly sacred and transformative, offering an unparalleled opportunity for Sadhana, spiritual growth, merit, and inner purification. The rare confluence of these two major spiritual events in our calendar on one day is not merely a calendrical coincidence, but a celestial invitation to us all to immerse ourselves in the divine. For the devotee, it represents a window of Divine Grace-a moment to pause, purify, and forge ahead on the path of spiritual evolution

This celebration created a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for devotees to honour the Guru-principle while commemorating the life of a living embodiment of that high ideal-Sri Swami Sahajananda. Both occasions individually radiate spiritual potency. Their confluence creates a spiritually charged atmosphere that magnify the blessings, merit, and inner transformation for all who observe and celebrate it, and is an ideal time for introspection, prayer, and re-commitment to the Guru’s teachings. While Guru Purnima celebrates the eternal Guru-Shishya (teacher-disciple) tradition, Sri Swami Sahajananda’s Birth Centenary embodies its living continuity. The event serves as a bridge between tradition and contemporary relevance, inspiring future generations to walk the spiritual path boldly and with conviction. The confluence serves as a powerful reminder of what is possible when a life is surrendered to a higher cause. Sri Swami Sahajananda’s life exemplifies humility, Seva (service), and devotion to the Guru, making this observance not only a celebration, but a call to action. This sacred confluence is not merely a coincidence, nay, it is a divine orchestration, offering devotees an unmatched spiritual moment. It encourages deeper devotion to the Guru, renewed spiritual resolve, gratitude for divine guidance, and the celebration of a century of spiritual legacy. It is a milestone in time, etched not just in calendars, but in the hearts of those who recognise the rare blessing of walking the path under the light of a true Guru-an occasion that we will have to wait another hundred years, if at all possible, to experience.

May the blessings of Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda be upon us all.

The 20th Anniversary of Sivananda Ghat, the 76th Anniversary of Divine Life Society of South Africa and Ganga Dussehra were jointly celebrated at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills on Thursday, 5 June 2025. Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised a message from the Society, readings, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message, a DVD on Mother Ganga, Kirtans, Bhajans and the Ganga Chalisa. 

The message from the Society paid tribute to our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, to Pujya Swami Sahajananda, and to all devotees, donors, well-wishers and volunteers, for their sterling contributions and selfless service over the past 76 years. The following relevant excerpts attest to these. “On this the 76th Anniversary of Divine Life Society of South Africa, we offer our humble obeisance to Sri Gurudev and Pujya Swamiji for their Divine Grace and blessings in providing us with this magnificent Ashram, and for rescuing us from the trammels of worldly life so that we may grow in spirituality, and work out some of our past Karma in this birth.

“We offer our deep gratitude and appreciation to Sri Gurudev and Pujya Swamiji, for their visionary leadership in providing us with the unique facilities at our Sivananda Ghat, which was inaugurated exactly 20 years ago today. The Sivananda Ghat is providing great comfort and solace to bereaved families, giving them the opportunity to perform their religious duties to the departed in a dignified and safe manner, lending itself to closure as well. Over the last 20 years, in excess of 41 690 ash disposals and 11 270 rituals have been completed at the Sivananda Ghat since inception”. At the Sivananda Ghat, Ganga Arati was performed daily at 10am from 1 to 5 June 2025 and lamps on boats were floated to mark the 20th Anniversary of Sivananda Ghat.

In respect of Ganga Dussehra, the message from the Society highlighted its spiritual significance, as is evident in, “Today marks Ganga Dussehra as well, and we offer our humble obeisance to Mother Ganga on this auspicious day, marking her descent to the earth plane, where She continues to reside in the form of the River Ganga. Our eternal gratitude to Sri Gurudev and Pujya Swamiji for bringing Ganga Mata to South Africa in the form of our Ganga Ranis. Pujya Swamiji reminded us also that the Ganga River is only her physical form, and that Ganga Mata is a great Goddess. It is said that Mother Ganga places all the sins of man deposited in Her at the lotus feet of a saint. Sri Muniji of Parmath Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, during his visit to our Ashram, stated that it is not that Swamiji brought Ganga Mata to South Africa, but rather that Ganga Mata came to Swami Sahajananda in South Africa”. 

Excerpts of our Divine Master’s letter dated 5 June 1951 to Pujya Swamiji requesting a branch of Divine Life Society be opened in this country, are reproduced herewith. Sri Gurudev said, “Words cannot adequately describe the sincerity of your devotion and your ardent zeal and enthusiasm to disseminate spiritual knowledge. Keep the Divine flame within you growing strong daily. May it guide the rest towards Eternal Bliss”. The Master continued, “An interesting feature in the spiritual path is that the world looks frightening to an aspirant at the outset; but, once he takes to chanting His Name and does total surrender unto Him, everything appears as His Lila. Having installed Him firmly in your heart, what is there to worry you? March boldly with majestic steps towards Him. There He stands to give you a warm welcome and to bless you with peace, joy and immortality”. 

In his handwritten instruction in the same letter, the Master said, “Kindly send a copy of your photo, postcard size in black and white. Kindly open a branch of DLS in South Africa and do some silent work”. 

Pujya Swamiji’s audio message focused on his relationship with the Master, his unconditional loyalty to Sri Gurudev and his instruction to open a branch in this country. He said to the Master that he should go back (while on a visit to Rishikesh) as he didn’t have the necessary qualifications, to which the Master replied, “They will come”.  He also alluded to the early beginnings of his spiritual life, when he went to the Umgeni Road Temple with his two friends and conducted the evening Satsangs, in some instances alone. The Master assured him that if he was sincere, then people will join him later on.  Pujya Swamiji was reluctant to open a branch, but the Master told him, “Don’t be rebellious”. Pujya Swamiji said that Sri Gurudev knew that he was trying to escape from his responsibilities. In 1949, Pujya Swamiji had asked for Sannyas initiation but the Master said, “Kindly wait. Please wait. Sannyas is made of sterner stuff”. Pujya Swamiji indicated that Grace of the Guru comes through an enormous amount of Tapas and unconditional loyalty. He went to Sri Gurudev with just one mission, and that was his desire to realise God. This assurance was given to Pujya Swamiji by both Sri Gurudev and Swami Ramdas. Pujya Swamiji’s unconditional love and devotion to Sri Gurudev are overwhelmingly evident in this short audio message.

The reading on Ganga Dussehra from Mother Ganga by Sri Swami Sivananda, traced the origins of Mother Ganga, the curse of Kapila, Bhagiratha’s penance and how Lord Siva received the Ganga. On the latter topic, Sri Gurudev said, “Again Bhagiratha did rigorous penance for a full hundred years. It is needless to say that Lord Siva, the protector of all His devotees, was immensely pleased with the king and readily accepted to check and control Ganga through His matted locks. With surge, fury and foam, Ganga began to descend from celestial regions. Flashes of lightening, thunders from clouds, and the uncontrollable flow seemed as if a deluge was about to devour the whole world. But Lord Siva coolly received Her in His matted locks and let Her drip over Him”.

The reading was complemented with a beautiful DVD on Mother Ganga, highlighting Her majestic beauty, prowess and Her protective nature over ardent devotees as the bestower of Bliss and joy. Goddess Ganga is considered a Divine Mother who blesses devotees with Grace, well-being, and prosperity.

The Ganga Chalisa, recited during the Satsang, is a devotional hymn of forty verses dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Personified as a Goddess and revered as a purifier of sins, the Ganga Chalisa seeks blessings, purification, and spiritual emancipation. The Ganga Chalisa begins with respectful salutations and praises of Goddess Ganga, having descended from the heavens to earth, flowing from the matted locks of Lord Shiva. Her Divine Nature is evident when Ganga is described as the source of purity and salvation. Her waters cleanse sins, cure diseases, and bring spiritual liberation to those who bathe in Her or even chant Her name. It also recounts mythological stories and its spiritual benefits when worshipping or remembering the sacred river with devotion, leading to the removal of sins and granting Moksha or liberation. It is also a call for devotion when the devotees ask Mother Ganga to remove their inner impurities, guide them towards righteousness, and bless their lives with peace, devotion, and spiritual prosperity. 

The three-fold celebration is indeed a unique occasion in the annals of the history of Divine Life Society of South Africa. No doubt this is a rare and spiritually potent occasion, when the calendar aligns to bring together three major spiritual observances on the same day, namely the 20th Anniversary of Sivananda Ghat, 76th Anniversary of Divine Life Society of South Africa and Ganga Dussehra. For devotees, this convergence can be considered highly sacred and transformative, offering them an unparalleled opportunity for Sadhana, spiritual growth, merit, and inner purification. The rare confluence of these three major spiritual events in our calendar on one day is not merely a calendrical coincidence, but a celestial invitation to immerse oneself in the divine. For the devotee, it represents a window of divine grace - a moment to pause, purify, and propel forward on the path of spiritual evolution.

The Sivananda Wisdom Group (SWG) was officially launched at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, in October 2024. Its mission is to offer a welcoming platform where devotees, well-wishers, and members of the public may come together weekly. The Sivananda Wisdom Group plays an essential role in the spiritual and social lives of our seniors although there are no age restrictions for membership. Each week, members come together in fellowship to reflect on the rich heritage of Hindu Dharma and to try to live the teachings of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda. Further, the sacred teachings and enduring legacy of Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda are promoted.  The nurturing of spiritual, ethical, and moral values, promotion of basic life-skills and health awareness, and social and spiritual cohesion within the community are fostered. Since its first gathering on 2 October 2024, attendance has steadily grown to 34 members.
 

On Wednesday, 14 May 2025, a special Havan and Cultural Programme was held at 8.45am, commemorating the launch of the Sivananda Wisdom Group. The sacred chanting of Mantras by the Ashram’s two Pundits created a divine and uplifting atmosphere on a tranquil autumn morning. Approximately 55 attendees, including Sivananda Wisdom Group members, devotees, and special guests, participated in this spiritually enriching observance. 

 Following the Havan, a beautiful music session unfolded. Guest artiste Ravinath Maharaj rendered melodious Bhajans and Kirtans. His heartfelt and mellifluous singing was warmly received and appreciated. The Sivananda Wisdom Group’s Bhajan team leader also sang inspiring Kirtans and Bhajans, enhancing the devotional mood.
 

Among the distinguished attendees were Dr. Satya Prakash Khatana, a senior official from the Government of India, and his wife, Smt. Sharda. Dr. Khatana serves as the Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs in India. Smt. Sharda is a lawyer. Both guests expressed heartfelt appreciation and gratitude. Also in attendance was Dr. Tilly Moodley, Director of Quality Promotion and Assurance (QPA) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. 
 

The programme concluded with breakfast, heartfelt camaraderie, and glowing appreciation from all who attended. After breakfast, guests visited the printing press and Sivananda Expo Centre which houses displays and artefacts of the Society’s history, related especially to the printing presses.

The 101st Sannyas Anniversary of Sri Swami Sivananda was celebrated on Sunday, 1 June 2025 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. There was a morning Sadhana programme from 6am until 6.30am. Devotees thereafter took Darshan at Sahaja Kutir and the Sivananda-Sahajananda Diamond Jubilee Centre. Ganga Arati commenced at 9.30am and Satsang began at 9.50am. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a reading, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message and a DVD presentation.

The reading from the book, From Man to Godman by N Ananthanarayanan, gave us an indication of the hardships that Sri Gurudev experienced in his journey towards Sannyas, his dispassion and yearning for God. The following excerpts give credence to these assertions. 

“Soon he was in Rishikesh, the abode of saints. 

“Darkness fell and he slept on the verandah of the Charan Das rest-house, near the Rishikesh post office and adjacent to Ganga Ashram. The next morning, he woke up early, as was his wont, and went about his spiritual practices. At dawn he saw numerous Sadhus there. Of them, one elderly Sannyasin immediately arrested his attention. His name was Swami Vishwananda. There was a peculiar aura about him. He knew not why, but the moment he set his eyes on the monk, Dr Kuppuswami felt overwhelmed. He fell at his feet with great love and devotion. Fondly the old monk raised him, embraced him, and spoke to him with affection. 

“Later in the day, Dr Kuppuswami went for alms at the Baba Kalikambliwala Kshettar, but they refused to give him food as he was not a Sannyasin. While he was walking back after this refusal, Swami Vishwananda happened to meet him on the way. Straightaway the old Sannyasin felt an urge to initiate Dr Kuppuswami into Sannyas. That very day he gave him the ochre robe. Dr Kuppuswami was now dead; Swami Sivananda Saraswati was born. It was June 1, 1924. 

“The next day, Swami Vishwananda left for his native Varanasi. From there he wrote to his new disciple, giving brief instructions about Sannyasa Dharma. The rite of Vraja Homa was conducted later on by Swami Vishnudevananda, a learned scholar and head of the orthodox Kailas Ashram, near Rishikesh. With that, Swami Sivananda became a fully ordained Sannyasin”.

Pujya Swami Sahajananda, in his audio message, addressing the Master in the first person, said, “Whatever you did, you did to perfection. There was no half-heartedness like we do. Even later on you said that ‘I never did anything in halves. ‘Whatever I did, I did in perfection’. Perfection is your name”. He extolled the Master’s dispassion, spirit of service and deep compassion. With reference to the Master’s teachings, he said, “Today you are sharing with us the nectar of your teachings”.  The Master served unconditionally, and gave peace and joy to all. Pujya Swamiji alluded to the Master’s opulent lifestyle in Malaya and liking for tasty food, “but all that was given up” in his search for higher truths. The Master distributed some of his possessions when he left Malaya, and clean disappeared without entering his house. That is the burning dispassion the Master had. Pujya Swamiji asks whether we have that type of dispassion today in our search of God?  He said that he likes to believe that God came in the form of Swami Vishwananda and initiated the Master into Sannyas. The message, deep in meaning, gives us an indication of the child-like innocence with which Pujya Swamiji offered his all to the Master.

The DVD, Swami Sivananda’s Message focused on the glory of the Upanishads and the nature of the Atman which is absolute, indestructible and beyond harm. He said, “The Upanishads teach the philosophy of absolute unity”, and that the “Atman is all-pervading and infinite…The Atman is consciousness in all beings”. It is far from the ignorant and worldly people but near for the aspirant. The Atman is the support of all beings”. To realise the Atman, one must purify the heart through service of humanity. He further states, “The knower of Brahman becomes fearless” and that sorrow is distant for one who is in tune with the Atman. The Master urges us to renounce all desires, and egoism. He also urges us to, “Perform religious rites and daily duties without expectations of fruits”. His potent message to all aspirants and householders must be taken seriously, for as he says, “Desire for liberation will destroy all earthly desires”. These profound thoughts and teachings of the Master are indicative of the depth of his realisation, the extent of his spirituality and his strong desire to uplift humanity.

That we are following the Master’s teachings today, and are on the spiritual path, can be attributed to the enormous and deep Tapas and Sadhana of Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda. We owe deep gratitude to these luminaries and are eternally thankful to them. Indeed, in an age of materialism, passion, worldliness and greed, Sri Swami Sivananda is a blazing light of renunciation, wisdom, and universal brotherhood, giving hope to fallen humanity. An anonymous disciple once said, "Swami Sivananda was not just a saint, he was a spiritual force that transformed countless lives. His compassion was boundless, and his wisdom infinite”. Sri Swami Sivananda is the epitome and embodiment of divine love and selfless service. To be in his divine presence, even though not physically, or to be at his abode, is to experience peace, contentment, joy and bliss. Let us be worthy disciples of this God-man and live by his teachings.  

May the Grace of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya swami Sahajananda be upon us all!

The twenty-sixth Centenary Celebrations’ function of Divine Life Society of South Africa was hosted by Verulam Branch on Sunday, 25 May 2025, at Kraydeb Conference Centre, Everest Heights, Verulam. Approximately 450 devotees, well-wishers, donors, members of the public and sister-organisations paid homage to Sri Swami Sivananda and to Pujya Swami Sahajananda, whose 100th birth anniversary is being celebrated this year. The life and legacies of this august disciple, this gentle giant of South Africa, Sri Swami Sahajananda and the Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda are glorified through the Centenary Celebrations.

The sacred Havan commenced at 8am with the beautiful and soulful chants of Mantras. The Ashram’s three Pundits chanted Mantras in unison, creating deeply soulful and harmonious melodies. Approximately 200 persons attended the Havan. Ganga Arati commenced at 8.30am. Perhaps a first-time experience for many, queues of devotees took Darshan of Mother Ganga at the sacred Ganga Rani. Satsang was from 10am to 12 noon. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message, a message from the Society, a children’s item, an Agnihotra demonstration and a colourful dance. 

Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio-recorded message focused on the power of prayer, the relationship between the devotee and the Guru, the mental state of mind in prayer and the importance of faith. Pujya Swamiji said that faith is the basis of all spiritual progress. We should have unconditional faith in God and the Guru. We should complain less, be receptive to the Guru’s instructions and teachings and be patient. The mind should not be agitated. We should pray and wait and the answers to our prayers will come, as God knows our past, present and future, and knows what is best for our evolution based on the cosmic point of view. The potent message, rich in meaning and assurances, is an apt panacea for ardent seekers and aspirants in this difficult age. 

The message from the Society traced the life, legacies and contributions of Sri Swami Sahajananda, as is evinced in, “The fact that all of us are here today, and that millions of households around South Africa and many countries around the world have a copy of one or more of Sri Swami Sivananda’s books, is because of this one life that we are celebrating today. After taking the Master as his Guru, Pujya Swamiji never questioned or doubted anything that Sri Gurudev said or did. He lived only to propagate the Divine Master’s work and to do the Divine Master’s will. With supreme self-surrender, he offered his all to Sri Gurudev, so much so that they became one. Pujya Swamiji decrypted the phrase “learn to type and make tea” (which was the original instruction our beloved Sri Gurudev gave to Pujya Swamiji) and found the treasure that it held. Beloved Gurudev stated that he works through Swami Sahajananda. Pujya Swamiji made himself a perfect instrument for the Lord to work through. Millions of books were published and distributed, and silently scores of service activities and nation-building projects went on unnoticed for decades.

“Today we are all beneficiaries of this great spiritual wealth if we so desire. All that is required of us is faith, obedience, loyalty, devotion, and keen aspiration for spiritual progress. How do we honour a great being like Swami Sahajananda? We must be obedient. Pujya Swamiji stated that perfect obedience is the same as perfect self-surrender, and that obedience is greater than reverence. 

“Pujya Swamiji lived a life of faith and self-surrender, and coincidently this is the title of the first book that Pujya Swamiji had written in 1996. We invite all to obtain a copy of this booklet from our bookstall. It is filled with great power. Pujya Swamiji said that the knowledge came directly from Sri Gurudev within, as he typed the booklet on the computer without any draft. It is sure to inspire and uplift all readers in this age of so many challenges in daily life. The other booklet entitled Glory of Hinduism is available free of charge – please take one copy per family”.

Agnihotra, or “The Fires of Heaven”, performed at the exact time of sunrise and sunset, has untold spiritual benefits, benefits for the environment and the world at large. Pujya Swami Sahajananda encouraged the performance of daily Agnihotra. The demonstration provided a background to Agnihotra, its methodology, Mantras with pronunciation and benefits. 

The Spiritual Darling’s (children’s) item, “Pujya Swamiji Says”, a delightful, informative and enlightening item, which focused on some of Pujya Swamiji’s short, cryptic and inspiring sayings, was meant to teach valuable life lessons. Beautifully dressed as Deities, the children made their entrance into the hall to the rendition of a Ram Bhajan that captured the ambience with beauty and sacredness.  Enunciated with innocence, clarity and meaning, the messages came across clearly. No doubt, the warm applause after the item was an indication of its impact.

Telicia Naidoo, Kajal Raghubir and Yaditha Singh made a wonderful offering through a colourful Kathak dance dedicated to Lord Rama, the harbinger of Dharma, compassion and peace. Through the sacred verse, Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari from the Ramcharitmanas by Goswami Tulsidas, the dancers sought to invoke the Divine Blessing of Sri Ram, and remove inauspiciousness from our lives.

We express sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Verulam Branch for the divine experience of the most recent Centenary Celebrations of the Society. The peaceful ambience, the uplifting Kirtans and Bhajans, and the inspiring and enlightening messages reminded us of the profound wisdom embedded in the Divine Master’s teachings and our Sanatana Dharma. The programme was excellently crafted to inspire, teach and rejuvenate one’s spirit. Each chant, each word of prayer, each moment of resonating divinity and blissful silence took us deeper within, closer to our true selves and to the Divine. To the officials, devotees, Spiritual Darlings and all participants who made this sacred gathering possible, thank you for your tireless efforts, devotion, and love. Your commitment to nurturing spiritual growth and the teachings of Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda are truly inspiring. 

Satsangs and spiritual gatherings are not just a retreat for the soul; they are a reminder of our higher purpose, our unity, and our eternal connection with the Divine. May the blessings of Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda continue to guide us all on the path of righteousness, love, inner peace and spiritual illumination.

Cape Town Prayer Group hosted the Society’s Centenary Celebrations on Saturday, 17 May 2025 at the CHCS Cultural Hall in Rylands Estate, Cape Town. Havan commenced at 2pm followed by Ganga Arati at 3.20pm and Satsang from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Items on the Satsang programme comprised a message from the Society, a play-reading, “Learn to Type and to Make Tea”, the Society’s Service Activities’ video, Kirtans and Bhajans. 

The soulful chants of sacred Mantras during the Havan permeated the precincts of the CHCS Cultural Centre. For many, the experience of having Mother Ganga’s Darshan during Ganga Arati, was possibly a first-time experience. Queues of devotees, well-wishers, donors and members of the public took Darshan in a respectful and worshipful manner, evident of their reverence for Mother Ganga.

The message from the Society traced the history of Divine Life Society of South Africa, Pujya Swamiji’s life, legacies, his unconditional loyalty and obedience to Sri Swami Sivananda, and the illustrious work of the Society. “Pujya Swamiji led Divine Life Society of South Africa for some 58 years from 1949, when it was founded by Sri Swami Sivananda. Pujya Swamiji grew the organisation from humble beginnings at The Umgeni Road Temple in Durban with just 2 devotees, to the mammoth institution that you see today, comprising 18 Branches and Prayer Groups countrywide, including 8 Ashrams.

“His visionary leadership in establishing the unique Sivananda Ghat (a facility for the disposal of the post cremation ashes of persons of all religions), the Sivananda Sunlit Path Schools’ Programme to assist youth to cope with drug addiction and other social ills, poor feeding programmes of over 3000 school children daily, grocery hamper distributions to the needy, our health clinics and numerous educational, social and humanitarian initiatives, such as our school building projects, and assistance to Temples and Hindu organisations in South Africa and abroad, The Monthly Yoga Camps, Sivananda Day Satsangs, and our beautiful Ashrams and Satsangs, are the hallmarks of this gentle saint. Every task was dedicated to Sri Gurudev and conducted as a sacred offering to the Divine Master. We are glad to report that by the Grace of Sri Gurudev, the work is continuing unabated and more than 700 projects have been completed. 

“Pujya Swamiji lived a life of faith and self-surrender. Coincidently, this is the title of the first book that Pujya Swamiji had written in 1996. We invite all to obtain a copy of this booklet from our bookstall. It is filled with great power. Pujya Swamiji said that the knowledge came from Sri Gurudev within as he typed the booklet on the computer without any draft. It is sure to inspire and uplift all readers in this age of so many challenges in daily life. The booklet entitled Glory of Hinduism is available free of charge. Please take a copy per family and an additional one for a friend or family member”. 

The play-reading, “Learn to Type and to Make Tea”, a gestalt of the formation of the Society and its main activities, brought to the fore the cryptic instruction given to Sri Swami Sahajananda by Sri Swami Sivananda. The following excerpt encapsulates the essence of the play, “Sri Swami Sahajananda, also known as Srinivasan Naidoo in his pre-monastic days, first came into contact with Sri Gurudev through the book Practise of Karma Yoga. It was this book that started the course of historical events.

“In fact, Swamiji’s first visit to the Master was in 1948, when he received the instruction to learn to type and make tea. It was only later that Pujya Swamiji realised that this instruction meant the dissemination of spiritual knowledge through the Master’s literature, and service of the underprivileged. Pujya Swamiji made it his life’s work to print and distribute Sri Gurudev’s literature. He served all, the sick, poor and destitute, such that our poverty-alleviation projects to date exceed 700”.

For persons new to Divine Life Society, the play-reading gave an overview of the Society’s humble beginnings, as is evident in, “At Bechan Hall in Durban, Pujya Swamiji, with a few other devotees slept on the bare cement floor with newspapers as mattresses and bricks as pillows. An unused toilet pan was covered, and cooking was done over it. They used the bathroom downstairs and often had only milo and sandwiches. Often there was no money for food”. The play-reading also alluded to our beautiful Ashrams, programmes, Satsangs, Ganga Ranis and Ganga Arati.  

The Society’s Service Activities’ video captured the laudable contributions of the Society in the building of schools, classrooms, a hospital, Peace Centres, early-childhood development institutions, establishment of sewing centres, poor feeding and its beautiful Ashrams and the Sunlit Path Centre. The video was informative and educational.

The Cape Town Prayer Group has organised the Society’s Centenary Celebrations over two consecutive years. We offer with deep humility and sincerity, our heartfelt gratitude to the devotees for the sacred work they have undertaken and completed with such grace, devotion and excellence. Their commitment to walking in alignment with, and promoting Sri Gurudev’s and Pujya Swamiji’s divine mission, have made ripples in the Western Cape. In so doing, they have assisted in bringing some light into dark spaces, offered healing where there was pain, and lifted others with a spirit that reflects love, peace and truth, through the works of the Divine Master and Pujya Swamiji.

May the Blessings of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda, replenish our spiritual aspirations in every way.