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.