Divine Life Society of South Africa observed the auspicious Varalakshmi Vratam on Friday, 25 August 2023 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm, followed by Satsang. The programme comprised Kirtans and Bhajans in praise of the Divine Mother and a reading on Mother Lakshmi from Yoga Lessons for Children (Volume 1) by Sri Swami Sivananda.

The Divine Master says, "The Vedas describe Mother Lakshmi as the Goddess of riches. God now manifests in the form of wealth. There is material wealth as well as spiritual wealth. Mother Lakshmi provides us with both, but many people think of Her as a symbol of material wealth only; and it is true that She will grant us this if we so desire. But on the spiritual path, we pray to the Divine Mother for something lasting, something more precious – it is the divine spiritual wealth of God.

Divine Life Society of South Africa celebrated Sri Krishna Janmashtami at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, as well as at all its Sivanandashrams on Thursday 7 September 2023. At Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm followed by Satsang which concluded at midnight. The programme included Kirtans, Bhajans, readings from the Srimad Bhagavata, an audio message by Pujya Swami Sahajananda, a DVD entitled, Wisdom of Sivananda, video recordings on Lord Krishna, guest artistes, readings on the significance of Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Pujya Swami Sahajananda's Bhajans on Lord Krishna, Bhagavad Gita recitals and the Krishna Arati. It was indeed a spiritual feast!

Divine Life Society of South Africa celebrated the 136th birthday of Sri Swami Sivananda on 8 September 2023 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. There was a morning Sadhana programme from 6am until 6.25am. Thereafter devotees took Darshan at Pujya Swami Sahajananda's sacred Kutir and the Sivananda Sahajananda Diamond Jubilee Centre. There was Akhanda Chanting from 5am until 4pm. Ganga Arati commenced at 5pm followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, Pujya Swami Sahajananda's audio message and a dance.

It is significant that on this auspicious day, the sod-turning and concrete pouring of our new Ashram in Buccleuch, Sandton, was done. This marked the official commencement of the construction of our Gauteng Ashram.

Divine Life Society of SA will be observing the auspicious Gita Week from Thursday, 31 August until Wednesday, 6 September 2023. Daily Satsang will be held at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. Ganga Arati commences at 5:30pm, followed by Satsang. Please refer to the attached invitation for more details. 

Divine Life Society of South Africa celebrated the first of two of Sri Swami Sivananda's Birth Anniversary Celebrations on Sunday, 3 September 2023 at Sivananda International Cultural Centre (SICC). This coincided with the culmination of the 41-Day Recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa. The programme on 3 September 2023 commenced at 6am with the final 11 recitals of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa, followed by Havan, Ganga Arati, breakfast, a grand march-past of branches and Hindu organisations, and Satsang at the stadium. The actual Birth Anniversary Celebration will be held on Friday, 8 September 2023 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills.

With reference to the celebration of his birthday, Sri Swami Sivananda explained: "The devotees take delight in celebrating the birthday and are uplifted and benefited. A spiritual wave is created year after year when the birthday is celebrated, and more and more people get a chance of knowing the existence of Divine Life Society and my teachings. The pious, receptive attitude prevalent on such an occasion draws forth the Grace of the Guru and God upon the devotees. The thoughts of peace, devotion, love etc., sent out by the innumerable devotees that assemble together to celebrate the birthday go a long way to promote peace, harmony and spiritual well-being in the country".

Over 500 devotees, well-wishers, donors and members of the public participated in the final recital of the sacred Sri Hanuman Chalisa, 11 times, at 6am in the Main Prayer Hall. The spiritual and divine ambience created by the Havan that ensued, was a fitting conclusion to the great Sadhana in which hundreds of devotees participated over the 41-day period. Devotees and visitors, many of whom came to SICC for the first time, then had darshan of Mother Ganga in Ganga Rani and Bhagirathi where Ganga Arati was performed.

The majestic and electric march-past by branches and Hindu organisations, totalling approximately 1000 devotees, was a fitting tribute to Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda for the bountiful spiritual and material gifts to us. Led by about 20 Spiritual Darlings dressed as Deities, the sight was indeed a spectacle to behold – elegant Deities, resplendent in their colourful finery, with child-like innocence, the 'deities' were the epitome of joy and bliss.