Though His Holiness Swami Sivananda never set foot on Australian soil his wisdom and influence had reached these shores many years ago. The Divine Life Society has it's Headquarters in the foothills of the Himalayas in Rishikesh. Swami Sivananda used to say, "Where there is sugar the ants are sure to come." To prove these words seekers of truth from all corners of the world flocked to the banks of the river Ganges and more specifically to Ananda Kutir to listen and learn from this English speaking sage.

Not wanting to be left out even our continent "Down-under" received her share of the blessings of this great master via his disciples. One such is Hilary Perry-Keene who now resides in Mount Malloy, Queensland.

In her own words: "I first went to stay at Rishikesh and met his Holiness Swami Sivananda Maharaj in 1956…This was an unforgettable experience. The loving warmth of Swamiji and a feeling of happiness in his ashram and in his presence, gave me what I believe was a rise in consciousness, and I had many wonderful experiences, as, so I was told, had many other people."

Subsequently Hilary visited Rishikesh many times. After leading a divine life for many years, in 1985 Hilary went back with her husband. "During our visit we sought and were granted affiliation of our branch here (Malloy Sivananda Ashram) with the Mother Ashram in India."

The following notice appeared in the March issue of the Divine Life Magazine of 1986 under the heading "Overseas Branches in Australia."

"Molloy Mountain Sivananda Ashram. The newly affiliated Branch has been functioning since seven years under the able guidance of Mrs. Hilary and Roger…Regular bhajans, meditation, Hatha Yoga, spiritual talks, and evening satsang [are] conducted"

Since then other Divine Life Society branches have sprung up all over Australia. Currently these are located in Mount Malloy, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne. In addition there are several centres that were inspired by H. H. Swami Sivananda's disciples such as Swami Venketesanadaji Maharaj.

The Divine Life Society of Australia, Sydney was formed with the blessings received through the letter of His Holiness Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj on 16^th May 1997. The society's founding came about thanks to inspiration, effort and support from many local devotees. The photo on the left shows Pujya Swamiji leefing through the Divine Life Society of Australia's constitution during his Sydney visit.