Dr. Michael Levien’s life is a story of remarkable resilience and transformation. After enduring severe injuries during his military service in World War II, he faced the daunting challenge of transitioning to civilian life. Fueled by his deep passion for science, he embarked on extramural studies in physics, chemistry, botany, and applied mathematics, despite language barriers and health setbacks. However, a mysterious and debilitating abdominal disease forced him to abandon his BSc studies.A turning point in Dr. Levien’s life came when his wife introduced him to homoeopathy, thanks to Dr. Gertges. This introduction not only led to the diagnosis and treatment of his condition but also defied medical expectations, as he not only recovered but gained weight.
This initial experience sowed the seed for Dr. Levien’s lifelong journey into alternative medicine. In later life, he faced another life-threatening situation, contracting a deadly strain of Clostridium. Once again, homoeopathy came to his rescue. These miraculous recoveries filled him with gratitude and the desire to repay his debt to homoeopathy and explore it further. Supported by his wife, Annette, and guided by spiritual forces, he received an invitation from Swami Sivananda to study homoeopathy at the Vedanta Forest Academy in India.
Dr. Levien’s journey from South Africa to India was a tale of remarkable twists of fate and spiritual experiences. Despite the challenges of securing a visa for a South African, he embarked on his journey. Upon arrival, he encountered discrimination due to his nationality, but his journey was marked by remarkable incidents, including an amusing “dog license” from the customs office. However, his determination saw him reach Rishikesh, where charity sustained him as he continued his spiritual studies and yoga practice.
Life presented more hurdles, like a desire to travel to Tibet that was foiled by a monkey-induced injury. Dr. Levien began to realize that he was part of a larger plan, leading him to a reinvigorated commitment to his studies and yoga.
His journey as a Swami under Swami Sivananda’s guidance took a new direction when his Indian visa neared expiration. The spiritual mentor advised him to return to South Africa and practice homoeopathy. With a heavy heart, he followed this guidance.
Back in South Africa, Dr. Levien received a call from Dr. Bill Lilley, who had been contacted by Dr. Letari, an otherworldly doctor. Dr. Letari instructed him to enroll in the Lindlahr College of Homoeopathy, Naturopathy, and Osteopathy. Dr. Levien promptly enrolled in the final year of the college’s program, striking a balance between work, yoga courses, and academics. Dr. Levien’s determination drove him to face a series of challenging exams at the college. Guided by higher instructions, he wrote the exams and earned the highest marks in his class, astonishing both himself and his fellow students. One final requirement remained: to successfully treat a patient, which he accomplished, marking the last qualification for practicing “Complementary and Alternative Medicine.”
Dr. Levien transitioned from his career as an accountant to establish a practice in homoeopathy, culminating in the formation of Natura Laboratory in 1966. Alongside running Natura, he tirelessly defended homoeopathy and naturopathy against attacks from allopathic professions and regulatory bodies, ultimately achieving recognition and the title of “doctor” for practitioners.
Around 2003, he recognized the need for Natura to expand, leading to Peter Kreft’s involvement as a Business Consultant and later as CEO. Dr. Levien’s commitment remained unwavering until his passing in 2013.
Dr Levien’s legacy endures as Natura continues his mission in manufacturing and distributing homoeopathic and phytotherapeutic medicines in South Africa.
