Commemorating a spiritual legacy: The centenary of His Holiness Sri Swami Sahajananda
Image: Supplied
On 10 July 2025, devotees and supporters from around the world, along with the Sivananda World Peace Foundation and the Divine Life Society of South Africa, will gather to commemorate the centenary of the birth and divine legacy of His Holiness Sri Swami Sahajananda.
The day not only marks a century since his birth in 1925 in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, but also celebrates the profound impact he has had on countless lives through his teachings and humanitarian work.
As the Spiritual Head of the Divine Life Society of South Africa and a devoted disciple of the revered sage Sri Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh, India, Swami Sahajananda dedicated his life to the principles of "serve, love, give, purify, meditate and realise".
His commitment to these ideals saw him spearhead over 300 humanitarian projects throughout South Africa, particularly in rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal, from 1974 until his Mahasamadhi (departure) in 2007.
Swami Sahajananda's journey began when he set aside a promising academic and sporting career to answer a spiritual calling, ignited by the teachings of Sri Swami Sivananda found in 'Practice of Karma Yoga.'
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The transformational encounter laid the foundation for his lifelong devotion to self-realisation, meditation, and community service.
In 1949, he founded the first South African branch of the Divine Life Society, which blossomed under his guidance. His dedication reached new heights in 1956 when he was initiated into the holy order of Sannyas and assumed the monastic name Swami Sahajananda.
With this shift, he committed to a life of humility, obedience, and active service to humanity. His endeavors included establishing schools and clinics, children's homes, low-cost housing projects, peace centres, and vital skills development initiatives.
A tireless Karma Yogi, he personally edited, typeset, printed, and bound thousands of spiritual books, ensuring that the teachings of his master reached generations.
Swami Sahajananda's approach integrated spiritual learning with community upliftment, inspiring many to engage in selfless service and walk the righteous path.
Today's commemorative events will reflect on Swamiji's extraordinary life—an epitome of total surrender, selflessness, and sacred action. As he relinquished worldly ambitions for spiritual pursuits, he became a guiding light in South Africa and beyond, known affectionately as the Chota Guru.
Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu, a leading disciple of Swamiji and the president of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation, expressed deep gratitude for the legacy of the beloved swamiji.
'We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to have served alongside him and learned from his divine presence. The enduring legacy of his mission—rooted in Swami Sivananda's philosophy—continues to guide our collective efforts in building a just and compassionate society,' he said.
He went on to affirm, 'May his divine legacy inspire generations to come."
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