The most recent Centenary Celebrations’ function was held at the Pretoria Chinese School in Wingate, Pretoria East, on Saturday, 29 March 2025. Ganga Arati commenced at 2.50pm followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a children’s item, a play, an address by the Deputy Consul General of India in Johannesburg and a message from the Society. The Centenary Celebrations this year focused on Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s 100th birth anniversary, and Pujya Swamiji as an ideal disciple of Sri Swami Sivananda. Pujya Swami Sahajananda, Spiritual Head of Divine Life Society of South Africa, led the Society with distinction for 58 years, and took Mahasamadhi on 10 December 2007. In obedience to our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, and in the spirit of selfless service to the country, Pujya Swamiji initiated humanitarian projects to alleviate poverty, illiteracy and suffering in this country. Completed projects total approximately 700 to date. South Africa will not be able to repay this spiritual giant for these inestimable contributions which enriched the country greatly. This celebration, and all the other Satsangs and programmes this year, are a miniscule attempt at glorifying the contributions of this illustrious son of South Africa, so that his legacy continues to nourish us all.

The message from the Society captured some of Pujya Swamiji’s multifarious contributions. This is evident in, “Pujya Swamiji dedicated his entire life to promote the work and teachings of Sri Swami Sivananda. He set up Ashrams for our spiritual sustenance, printed and distributed the Master’s books far and wide, and initiated humanitarian projects to give devotees the opportunity to worship God by serving fellow man. His visionary leadership in establishing the Sivananda Sunlit Path Schools’ Programme to assist learners cope with drug addiction and social ills, the Sivananda Ghat, poor feeding programmes for thousands of school children daily, grocery hamper distributions to the needy, our clinics and numerous educational, social and humanitarian initiatives, Monthly Yoga Camps, conduct of monthly Sivananda Day Satsangs, establishment of our beautiful Ashrams, and the administration of our five free sewing schools (wherein over 11 000 learners have graduated thus far), are the various love offerings that were made by this gentle saint at the feet of our Divine Master”.

Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message focused on the power of positive relationships as a way to reach God. In a relationship between husband and wife, each should assist the other to aspire for God. If this is not understood by any one of the spouses, the result is disharmony and a “tug-o-war” for domination. Pujya Swamiji said that we should use the person next to us to go towards God. He quoted the case of Edgar Casey, author of the book, Many Mansions. The author could look into the lives of others, and soon came to realise that the Law of Karma and Reincarnation have a strong bearing on our lives. Hence, we should bear with each other and “settle our debts, and not make fresh Karma”. God doesn’t punish anyone. It is the Law of Karma that has a bearing on our lives. Pujya Swamiji said that we should use misfortunes and calamities to go towards God. We should be in tune with God, by repeating the Divine Name and calling for God. If we call for God and Gurudev in the small things, wonderful things will happen. If we call sincerely, God will give us the strength to overcome difficulties. 

The inspiring and confident presentation of the item, “Sri Gurudev Says”, by our Spiritual Darlings (children), left an indelible impression on listeners. Our Spiritual Darlings reminded us, young and old, of these timeless and profound thoughts. Herewith a few excerpts: “God is my real father, mother, friend and guide; Swami Sivananda was a saint who saw God and taught others also how to see Him; When God is near, why should I fear? God is ever with me and lives in my heart; A good action will bring me happiness and joy, a bad action will bring me pain”. These profound sayings were composed by Pujya Swamiji Sahajananda and reinforces the teachings contained in the Vedas. 

The play, Back to Basics which served as a reminder of Ashram decorum and rules, emphasising also the core teachings of the Master, was brilliantly enacted by young adults and senior devotees. The play focused on the importance of the Ram Bhajans in our Satsangs, rules governing discipline, silence, posture and etiquette during Satsangs and Ganga Arati, and how to overcome depression through constant and regular prayer and surrender to the Divine. The play concluded with a gentle reminder to all devotees to conduct themselves as if our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda are looking at us; because they are indeed always present. Referring to the watchful eye of our Divine Master, Pujya Swamiji said, ‘Even now he is controlling and looking after everything’”.

The beautifully executed dances by Shivohum Fine Arts captivated the attention of many, and added colour and divinity to the function. It goes without saying that the melodious Bhajans and Kirtans added divine lustre to the programme. All in all, a spiritual feast! 

The Deputy Consul General of India in Johannesburg, the Honourable Sri Harish Kumar, in his address paid tribute to Sri Swami Sivananda’s “vision of spirituality”. He also quoted the Master when he (Sri Swami Sivananda) said, “Satsang is the greatest purifier”. He applauded Pujya Swamiji’s multifarious spiritual and humanitarian initiatives, which are a testament to Pujya Swamiji’s legacy. He said that during a visit to the Master’s Ashram in Rishikesh during his youth, he was given one of the Master’s books which had a profound impact on his life. He found resonance in the Master’s dictum that “human life must be a Divine Life”. Referring to Pujya Swamiji’s service activities, he said that these self-help and humanitarian projects are an excellent example of Vasudeva Kutumbakam, meaning that the world is one family, emphasising the concept of unity, harmony and interconnectedness among all living beings. Pujya Swamiji’s contributions have had a significant impact on the world around us. 

We express our deepest appreciation and gratitude to our Pretoria Satsang Organising Committee and devotees for their outstanding efforts, high standards, and meticulous organisation in bringing the message of Divine Life and the teachings of Sri Swami Sivananda and the legacies of Pujya Swami Sahajananda to donors, devotees and well-wishers of Pretoria. In so doing, they have helped in sustaining Sri Gurudev’s and Pujya Swamiji’s legacies. Their dedication, attention to detail and commitment to excellence have truly stood out. Their hard work and dedication are highly inspiring and commendable. It is abundantly clear that they expressed their sincere Guru Bhakti, and gave their entire energies, abilities, commitment and hearts to every aspect of this celebration.

May our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda bless us all.

CLICK HERE TO READ DIVINE LIFE MAGAZINE NO.142

The Day of Descent of Divine Grace was observed on Saturday, 1 March 2025 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. Ganga Arati commenced at 4pm followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, Pujya Swamiji’s audio message and a reading on the significance of the occasion.

 About this auspicious day, Pujya Swamiji wrote: “I myself had the Grace of our Divine Master when an unusual power of his descended in me. It happened on 1st March this year (2007). When the power descended there was a little disturbance in the beginning but within a few days it settled down. Now there is no change in the descent of the power. I could not believe that the Master would grant me such Divine Grace, a Grace that I do not deserve. If devotees saw my attitude some five years ago and my attitude now, they would be quite surprised that such a tremendous change could take place”.

The following is the transcript of the reading from “Conversations with Gurudev” from Guidance in Daily Life, compiled by Pujya Swamiji and published in 1998. It depicts the profound conversation between Sri Gurudev and his ideal Disciple, Pujya Swami Sahajananda: 

“Swamiji: Gurudev, when we ask for material things you fulfil our wishes quickly, even without thinking, like Lord Siva. But when we ask for spiritual transformation, you are very hard on us, Gurudev. Again, like Lord Siva sitting with His closed eyes on the Himalayas, you seem to ignore us.

Gurudev: This is because spiritual treasures are valuable and more lasting. They are not like things that perish.

Swamiji: Gurudev, you remarked to one of our devotees who came to you from South Africa, ‘I know when to give and what to give’. Your Divine Grace works in mysterious ways, Gurudev. It is unpredictable, especially when it comes to spiritual transformation.

Gurudev: Yes, the mystery of Divine Grace can only be understood through Divine Grace.

Swamiji: Gurudev, parts of my nature resisted transformation for many years. I was in despair and always had a lurking fear that it will never be possible, because I had heard that even some great spiritual personalities did not achieve a complete transformation of their external nature. They did not achieve the integral transformation as described in your books and teachings, that is, a transformation amidst all the distracting and frustrating situations of daily life.

Gurudev: Such a radical transformation is possible only through the Guru’s Grace.

Swamiji: I can well believe it, Gurudev. No amount of vows and resolutions helped me to overcome some of my cardinal defects. When I gave up every effort and felt helpless, your Divine Grace manifested. Gurudev, I woke up one morning with the distinct feeling that I was a changed being, that some great power of yours had descended upon me and was effecting the transformation. Gurudev, when I realised what was happening, tears of gratitude began pouring for several weeks, as I felt I was not worthy to receive such Grace. I marveled to note with what precision and perfection your power was working. The higher knowledge seemed to be descending in me.

      From time to time, you were giving me a formula to repeat, together with my Mantra, so that what you were giving could be stabilised. Gurudev, the distracting external conditions did not change a bit. The attitude of those around me was the same. But the miracle I noticed was that it was I who was changing.

     Gurudev, kindly permit me to add something more. Over the years I knew all along that those around me were all your own forms, and that their frustrating actions were meant to help me in my spiritual progress. However, this intellectual acceptance did not help me much, Gurudev. But when your divine power descended upon me, the positive results were at once noticeable.

Gurudev: Yes, that is how Divine Grace works. Its ways are mysterious. It will work according to its own way and not the way you want. Perfect faith and self-surrender will allow it to work unhindered.

Swamiji: Gurudev, I regret to state that as the months went by, I found that sometimes I was losing the marvelous gifts that you were so graciously bestowing upon me, even though I was so unworthy of it. At such times I would feel extremely downcast and think that death would be preferable than to lose what you were giving. Gurudev, I also found that Divine Grace or Guru's Grace is not only difficult to get, but once got, it is even more difficult to maintain.

Gurudev: Yes, such precious spiritual gifts need special care and vigilance to protect them.

Swamiji: Gurudev, thanks to your boundless love and compassion, the transformation became more stabilised after about three years. This you made possible through the formulae that you gave me to repeat from time to time. Still, Gurudev, I need your Grace and protection at every step to keep vigilant at all times.

     Gurudev: Yes, my Grace shall be ever with you”.

 Pujya Swamiji’s audio message focused on the importance of regular attendance at Satsangs and the importance of practice rather that theoretical knowledge. Pujya Swamiji said that Sri Gurudev didn’t give Pujya Swamiji any lecturing skills, or he would have been touring the world, lecturing, He said that discrimination is lacking today amongst devotees, and that people work mechanically without thinking. He used the following analogies to exemplify this point: a person placing ripe fruit on the kitchen rack and green tomatoes in the fridge, instead of vice versa, and the example of the devotee who made twelve trips to the shop to buy twelve eggs. When the Guru asked the disciple to do many things simultaneously, he brought several people when the Guru needed a doctor. Amongst these people were a doctor and also grave-diggers in case the Guru died. We often blame others except ourselves. We must have dispassion in all that we do, and we must make the effort to change ourselves, and not others. 

 The Day of Descent of Divine Grace is an apt example of Pujya Swamiji’s unconditional loyalty to Sri Gurudev, his yearning for spiritual growth, deep Sadhana and finally, illumination. It is important that earnest seekers cherish these traits, and learn from Pujya Swamiji’s Guru Bhakti, discipline and dedicated service, for our own spiritual growth and self-transformation. 

On this most auspicious day we thank Pujya Swamiji for his supreme sacrifice and dedication. Every cell of Pujya Swamiji’s sacred body, every drop of his pure blood was consecrated towards moulding us and preparing us for God-realisation, either in this birth or in the births to come. We express our eternal gratitude to Pujya Swamiji.