Sivananda Peace Pillar unveiled
A PEACE pillar has been unveiled at the Sivananda School of Yoga in Parkview, Johannesburg.
Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu, founder and president of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation and the Sivananda School of Yoga, unveiled the historic 4-ton granite Sivananda Peace Pillar, a heritage monument, yesterday.
The pillar is 3.5m in height and has been inscribed with prayers from the world’s major religions.
Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu said peace pillars served as a beacon of unity in diversity. “They are a source of inspiration and a reminder that peace and love should transcend our human limitations. They are a tribute to Swami Sivananda, founder of the Divine Life Society Worldwide, and his disciple Swami Sahajananda.
“When I presented our honourable former president Nelson Mandela, who himself was a symbol of peace, with a replica peace pillar in Houghton, Gauteng, for his 92nd birthday, he remarked to me that the pillars would go a long way in promoting peace in our country.
“The Sivananda Peace Pillar is a source of inspiration. Peace and unity are crucial. Political and social stability are a sign of a united country, and we must work hard at preserving the peace amongst all our citizens. The unveiling of the pillar coincides with the Guru Purnima celebrations, according to the Hindu tradition.
“This pillar is dedicated to His Holiness Sri Swami Sivananda, who was the founder of the Divine Life Society Trust in Rishikesh, India, and who has contributed tremendously to the people of South Africa through various
activities, including building schools in rural areas for the underprivileged,” he said
In Kwazulu-natal, peace pillars have been unveiled in Kwadukuza, Empangeni, Phoenix, othongathi,
Hluhluwe, Richards Bay, Ulundi, Gingindlovu, Pietermaritzburg, Greytown, Durban and Ladysmith.