In celebration of the 71st anniversary of the Society, being the third in the series of three celebrations as outlined on 18 October, we remind ourselves of the dedicated and sincere efforts of the pioneers of the Society who contributed significantly to its growth and development. Their love, devotion, loyalty, obedience and sincerity laid the foundation for the future. Many were the sacrifices that they made and the discomfort they endured in providing us with the best facilities in the world.

Our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, founded the institution in South Africa in 1949. After practising intense austerities and meditation for prolonged periods, often up to sixteen hours daily, the Master attained enlightenment in about six years, and shone as a God-realised sage. He founded the Divine Life Society in Rishikesh in 1936, and was recognised as one of the foremost sages of modern India. His method of disseminating spiritual knowledge via spiritual literature was unique. The deepest wisdom is couched in the simplest and most lucid style. His instructions are universal in their appeal and intensely practical in their application. He wrote over 250 volumes on a variety of subjects encompassing Yoga and spirituality, and attracted thousands of disciples from all corners of the globe through his books.

Divine Life Society of S.A. celebrated the holy Navaratri Festival via online Satsangs from 17 October to 25 October. In all, there were 3 950 views. In the book, Bliss Divine, our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda states, "During Navaratri or the nine nights, devotees adore the Divine Mother and worship Her with great devotion. On the first three nights, Durga or the destructive aspect of the Mother is worshipped. On the succeeding three nights, it is the creative aspect or Lakshmi that is adored. On the last three nights, the knowledge aspect or Saraswati is invoked. The tenth day is the Day of Victory.

The 71st Anniversary of Divine Life Society of South Africa was celebrated via our online Satsang programme on Sunday, 18 October 2020. There were 430 views.

Divine Life Society of South Africa was founded in 1949 by our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda. He was one of the greatest of all modern saints. His teachings which are universal, practical, simple and timeless, have transformed the lives of countless people the world over, who have been searching for peace, happiness, comfort and above all, a higher truth in life. The Society's motto of "Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate and Realise", encapsulates the principles that we as devotees of Divine Life Society of South Africa, try to follow.

The Master had written three letters to Pujya Swami Sahajananda to start the Divine Life Society in South Africa. According to the dates of these letters, the anniversary of the Society is celebrated every year on 5 June, 18 October and 11 November.

During Navaratri (literally meaning "nine nights") Earnest spiritual aspirants of Durga observe a fast or take milk and fruit only on all the nine days, or at least once in each of the three-day periods. Brahmins are fed and prayers are offered for the protection of health and property. Durga Puja is the greatest Hindu Festival in which God is adored as Mother. Hinduism is the only religion in the world which has emphasised to such an extent the motherhood of God. One's relationship with one's mother is the dearest and the sweetest of all human relations, Hence, it is proper to look upon God as mother.

Durga Puja or Navaratri is the most suitable occasion for doing intense Sadhana. These nine days are very sacred to Mother. Plunge yourself in Her worship. Practise intense repition of the Divine Name, having a regular "quota" of repitions per day and the number of hours spent on it. Navaratri is an occasion symbolising the victory of the higher, divine forces over the lower, negative qualities that find their expression in injustice, oppression, aggrandisement, greed, selfishness, hatred and a host of other undivine forces that add to the suffering of man. Perform special worship on Navaratri days.