Swami Sivananda a ‘living monument of inspiration’
T HE 130th birth anniversary celebrations of Sri Swami Sivananda, founder of the Divine Life Society, drew thousands of devotees to several events in Durban over the past week.
High profile guests, including IFP leader Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi and MF leader Shameen Thakur Rajbansi, attended the 4th Sivananda Memorial Lecture held at the Indian consulate in Durban on Thursday.
Buthelezi, who said he was an avid follower of Swami Sivananda’s teachings, told a packed room he had been an honorary patron of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation, which is run by businessman Ishwar Ramlutchman.
“In 2013, I had the privilege of delivering the first lecture and four years later I still look forward to attending this event. I feel this province has gained the most from his teachings and the Divine Life Society,” said Buthelezi. “The projects of building classes in the poorest of areas are a part of creating social cohesion. And I feel even more grateful and honoured to be a part of this foundation, because the first school was built near my home and it’s called the Swami Sivananda School.”
King Goodwill Zwelithini, who was not present at the lecture, sent a message about Swami Sivananda and the contribution he made to the world at large through his teachings.
“His life was about making people live a good and happy life. His books, which have been translated to Zulu, have even helped people from my culture,” he said.
King Makosi, from the Ndebele clan, also sent a message about the work done by the Sivananda World Peace Foundation.
“We have come to learn about the teachings of Swami via Ishwar and Swami’s teachings can help the universe, if people implemented it,” he said. “The foundation has done tremendous work, building schools and clinics in the rural lands for our people.”
Indian Consul General in Durban Shashank Vikram, who delivered the lecture, described Swami Sivananda as a “living monument of inspiration”. He said Swami Sivananda had practised selfless service and daily yoga and encouraged others to follow in his footsteps.
“Swami Sivananda is one of the biggest stars of the spiritual masters and gurus from India. He was so selfless, he would treat patients who could not afford to seek medical help. And the foundation is also doing as he did.
“They provide help and support the poor. We should all be selfless like Swami Sivananda,” he said.
Meanwhile, Buthelezi was surprised at the end of the lecture when his 89th birthday, which took place last week, was celebrated.
MF leader Shameen Thakur Rajbansi sang Happy Birthday and fed him a piece of the cake.