Sri Swami Sahajananda, Spiritual Head of Divine Life Society of South africa, was born in the KwaZulu-Natal town of Estcourt on 10 July, 1925. His pre-monastic name was V. Srinivasan. Although he had a promising academic career and was keenly interested in sports and games, the young teacher had a strong yearning to lead the spiritual life, as he found his mind tormented by turbulent thoughts. Coming to know that for success in such an endeavor a Guru was very necessary, he began to yearn for one. One day, visiting a bookshop in Durban that dealt with Vedic literature, he happened to glance at a book entitled, Practice of Karma Yoga. Its author was none other than the great Sage of India, Sri Swami Sivananda. Even though Srinivasan did not know the meaning of the words, “Karma Yoga” at that time, the book sent a strange thrill through him. Glancing through its pages, he instantly knew that he had found the Guru he was searching for. He was fascinated to discover that spiritual life can not only purify the mind but grant one God-realisation as well. Henceforth, God-realisation became the goal of his life. He at once lost all interest in his academic career in which he was highly ambitious. He also lost interest in sports and games which he loved so much. He corresponded with the Master and began following his instructions. On his first visit to the Master in 1948, the only instruction received from the Master was “Learn to type and make Tea.” On his return to South Africa, he took up a post at the FOSA TB settlement, teaching at the school and serving the sick. In 1949, he received the Master’s instruction to start a branch in this country. In 1956, on his second visit to the Master, he was initiated into the holy order of Sannyas, with Swami Sahajananda being his monastic name. One of the cornerstones of Swamiji’s spiritual life was his total obedience and dedication to the Master. On his return to South Africa, he continued the Master’s work at a vigorous pace. Dissemination of the Master’s spiritual literature was uppermost on his priority list. Swamiji worked tirelessly printing the Master’s books to the last days of his life, and was an expert editor, typesetter, printer, book binder, etc. He always ensured that the Master’s books were of the highest quality. Alongside this, Swamiji began building projects for the underprivileged in the province. These projects included schools, clinics, children’s homes, creches, low cost housing, peace & skills training centres, etc. From 1974 until his Mahasamadhi on 2007, Swamiji completed over 300 such projects. All the while, as such work continued, the Master’s Grace and guidance could be felt at every step. On the spiritual side, many devotees flocked to the Mission, engaging in spiritual practices and Sadhana outlined by the Master and Swamiji such as attending regular Satsangs, Meditation, Japa, etc. Karma Yoga formed and important part of Gurudev’s “Yoga of Synthesis”. Over the years, countless devotees engaged in selfless service, assisting Swamiji in various aspects of the work. The spectrum ranged from printing and working in the press to building, serving at the clinic, cleaning, cooking meals for the poor, etc. To this effect, Swami Sahajananda worked tirelessly for 58 years serving his Master, and the people of South Africa. He attained Mahasamadhi on 10 December 2007 after a short illness. Thousands made the journey to Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, to pay their final respects to one who left such a deep impression on the lives of so many. Tributes poured in from all corners of the world.
Biography of Sri Swami Sahajananda
A Saint that walked South African soil
SWAMI SAHAJANANDA
At a colourful ceremony at the Westville campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Sports Centre on Friday, 18 April 2008, the degree, Doctor of Theology, honoris causa, was posthumously conferred upon Swami Sahajananda. Professor Dasarath Chetty, Head of the Department of Public Affairs and Corporate Communications, paid high tribute to Swami Sahajananda. He said, “Sri Swami Sahajanandaji Maharaj was a rare and unique individual whose selfless work in the cause of social and spiritual upliftment is of historic significance. I had the honour of meeting Swami Sahajananda last year and was struck by his saintliness and humility. It was indeed a humbling experience that I will always cherish. “On learning of his passing away on 10 December 2007, President Mbeki said, ‘The Divine Life Society has stood out as one of the beacons of this country. Swami Sahajananda has dedicated his life to serve the poorest of the poor in our country.’ “Swami Sahajananda has left a legacy of compassion, humbleness and selflessness that is the historical preserve of very few. The University of KwaZulu-Natal pays tribute to his memory as a man who inspired our country.” Dr Vidyanand, co-chairman of the Society, received the Doctorate on behalf of the Society and presented an inspiring address. We quote an excerpt from the address: “Swamiji’s words were very few, but his actions were many. His magnetic personality attracted many devotees who were inspired and committed to perform the various service activities of the Society. He manifested great humility, love and compassion as he served human beings of all racial, cultural and religious groups. Pujya Swamiji was equally concerned with the decline in social and other evils that have invaded our society. He lost no opportunity in disseminating the Master’s sublime teachings on correct conduct and ethical values through books, framed pictures, colourful duratrans, etc. in order to transform society. He wrote, ‘The writings of Swami Sivananda are unique and unparalleled in spiritual literature. The instructions are universal in appeal and intensely practical in their application and will effectively solve and dissolve all the problems and trials of daily life. Peace, the priceless commodity that you are searching for is locked within your own heart, in the Divine dwelling there in all His splendour and majesty. Search for it there and enjoy everlasting happiness.’ “ On 24 June 2007, at the Sivananda International Cultural Centre, in paying tribute to the six individuals who were chosen to receive the honorary doctorates, Professor Dasarath Chetty singled out Swami Sahajananda with the following significant statement: “His work is unparalleled in the history of the country”. In the speech prepared on 25 November 2007 for the Richards Bay Awards Presentation Ceremony, Swamiji wrote: “Everything that we have done is due to the Grace of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda. I have said many times that although I was not qualified to do this work, the Master forced me to start the Divine Life Society and made me its first secretary. It was an unusual situation, the chairman was the Master in Rishikesh, India, the secretary here in South Africa, and no other members! The formation, growth and present status of Divine Life Society of South Africa is entirely due to his Grace. So, I gladly accept these most prestigious awards on his behalf. These awards will give inspiration to our devotees to continue their service activities with greater zeal and enthusiasm.” Divine Life Society of S.A. expresses its sincere thanks to the University of KwaZulu-Natal for recognizing Swami Sahajananda as an educationist and a humanitarian who has made a significant contribution to our country by conferring the degree, Doctor of Theology, honoris causa upon him. Swami Sahajananda’s spirit lives on and his work will continue.
Honorary Doctorate
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Tribute Book 1
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Tribute Book 2
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Tribute Boook 3