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(July, 1970)
This touching pictorial sketch was written by the late secretary of Sivananda-Valentina, Frl. Gusti, about eight years ago. [This was written about 1970 - Editor] At that time, our Holy Mother was living in a little cottage that contained only the barest necessities for living. This hut was demolished shortly after and since then our Holy Mother has occupied several places and is now situated in a very elegant environment, not through Her choice, but through God's Will. Valentina smilingly submits Herself to Her Master's Will and acts as Ramakrishna's kitten who is pleased wherever Mother cat puts it. Things come to Sivananda-Valentina - She never comes to things. The Ashram which She now has is growing and is a source of inspiration to a great number of seekers. Valentina creates Beauty, Saintlihood and highest art wherever She is - be it a palace or a cave, for She lives for God; She lives also for people, yet She does not live with people - She obviously co-exists with the Gods! The Beauty of the Far-off Realms is projected into every environment of Sivananda-Valentina.
Whether in self-chosen poverty, or in God given prosperity, the inner Joy and Beauty of our Holy Mother radiates like an invisible magnet drawing to Her many people who are seeking higher values in their lives. One of these people was Frl. Gusti, a charming, well-educated and cultured Viennese lady who became intensely devoted to Sivananda-Valentina and who referred to herself as Valentina's "shadow". Although I only knew Frl. Gusti for a short while before she died, I was greatly impressed by her devotion to our Holy Mother. I especially remember very vividly an occasion when Frl. Gusti visited Valentina shortly before her death. After only a few minutes with Valentina, Frl. Gusti's face was beaming with Light, joy and adoration. The face of this gray-haired lady radiated the joy of youth which few young people ever have. I was struck by the tremendous impact that our Holy Mother had on this woman as well as the devotion of Frl. Gusti which enabled her to be so receptive. I feel that this incident helped me grow in devotion to our Holy Mother and I am ever grateful to Frl. Gusti for it.
Since Frl. Gusti's death, our Holy Mother has often spoken about her. Our Holy Mother never forgets anyone and still has a little niche in the Sanctuary dedicated to Frl. Gusti. Our Holy Mother often asks us to join Her in prayer for Frl. Gusti whenever her name is mentioned.
Once, our Holy Mother told me that Frl. Gusti was a truly refined person and that her culture was not borrowed. This becomes more evident to me whenever I re-read what Frl. Gusti wrote. Sometimes, when I smell the fragrance of Jasmine, I think of the poem that Frl. Gusti quotes in this little book and I know that she really felt the Beauty of whatever she wrote. Frl. Gusti - because of her own simple, tender, artistic and child loving qualities, as well as her intense absorption and appreciation of Beauty, - understood these aspects of her beloved Guru.
May Frl. Gusti's soul feel the Gratitude which we all feel for her devotion to our Guru and for her ability to share with us some of the Beauty of Sivananda-Valentina. Om Shanti, Frl. Gusti,
Jack (1970)
Whilst writing this article, I felt like a Choir Boy preparing for the festival. Lighting the Candles in my heart, I hope their glow will bring you the glimpse of a Beautiful Soul, the awareness of Divine qualities and the Ray of Light which is Sivananda-Valentina.
One does not have to live in the cave or in the Himalayas in order to be pure, humble and sublimely spiritual. Between two parking spaces, close to Miami Beach - there is a backyard with a little cottage in the background. Valentina lives in an extremely humble place, which was hardly meant for habitation. It is sacred to Her and nobody is allowed to enter it. The entrance into Her hut is like a fairytale. There are tiny porcelain figures of nuns, playing the violin and there is a little figure of Saint Francis with the birds, the seashells, and other toys. All these, including the crude wooden Cross on the door of Her Abode, were brought by the devotees. Amongst other offerings, there is a charming reproduction depicting a window of the Synagogue in Jerusalem by Chagall. Chagall's Synagogue symbolizes the attitude of Valentina and Her Master to all creeds. It voices Her attitude towards people in general and their principles in particular. There is reverence for one and all and Her motto is unification.
There is the atmosphere of the forest around Her, regardless where She would be. (As a matter of fact She can transform the gloomiest, dullest aura of a deserted house into the serene atmosphere of a library or a studio in the twinkle of an eye. I have witnessed it.) Even a superficial observer will feel the peaceful emanations of Her garden. If you have the INNER EAR, you will feel its Healing Power. Once it casts its spell over you, you will wish to return.
Valentina's garden is anything but carefully cultivated or trimmed. It is a wild garden, part of it is like a little jungle. There are Palms, Papayas, and Avocado Trees. There is, above all, the Royal Poinciana Tree, which is the pride of Florida. When in bloom at the end of May, it has scarlet flowers and covers the roof of the hut. When the flowers fall they spread a carpet of scarlet velvet on the lawn. There are Oleander bushes at the entrance of the garden. There are exotic flowers, Hibiscus and the sweet little Jasmine whose fragrance is overwhelming.
O suesser Hauch Du von Jasmin,
Die Welt ist voll von Deinen Duft.
(O sweet breath of Jasmin
The world is filled with your fragrance.)
The various birds in Her garden behave like real companions! The mocking bird who struts about in a conceited manner, as though he was running the show. Sometimes he comes to Valentina's window and then competes with her music or with her voice. They take turns in musical self-expression. There is a cardinal and his mate, singing their heads off, as though they were on a constant honeymoon. These are the regular visitors, the true devotees and I cannot imagine our discourses without their accompaniment. But there are also many other birds, forming an orchestra in the later afternoon hours.
Everything speaks to Valentina. She understands the silent language of flowers, above all of gladiolas and roses whom She resembles in Her regal beauty. She always has flowers. She influenced many of Her students in that sweet appreciation of the purest and the most colorful in Nature - Flowers. She combines them superbly. Here in Florida, flowers are the gift of the Lord to all.
I am so overwhelmed by Valentina's unique personality, that I simply must share my impressions. This is not a story, this is not a biography - it is a spontaneous recording of my impressions. I shall try to put it into fragments, hoping that they will transmit the precise atmosphere about Her.
After one of our Spiritual Seminars, Valentina gave us a real treat. One of our Ashramites is a talented musician. He plays the mandolin with great sensitivity and artistry. She interpreted the Mandolin player by putting his music into a Dance. Indeed, it was San-Kirtan. One does not have to be in India when one is with Valentina. This was not a dance - this was prayer in movement, dedicated to God.
Valentina seemed perfectly oblivious of Her surroundings. She moved with indescribable grace and devotion. She did listen to the music, because She is rhythm and precision itself, yet there was Her own music also. I can tell the musician and the painter at once. The musician has a peculiar listening expression - whilst the painter lives through his eyes, but only spiritual people have this unusual withdrawal and concentrated appearance. There was a moment when Her face suddenly lit up and heavenly bliss radiated from Her eyes, as if She heard the sweetest tune.
Watching Her, you suddenly understood the origin and meaning of dance. She impressed me like a priestess, offering Her heart and soul to the Above. Valentina dances, She turns Her garden into a temple. I felt at a certain moment such ecstatic joy welling up in Her, that She transferred it to me. I knew: "Now, at this moment, She is ONE with God." I am sure this was the highest type of San-Kirtan.
I like to refer to myself as Her shadow reflecting all Her nuances. Her dance has the element of spirituality which captivated me in the playing of Yehudi Menuhin. There was complete detachment, infinite devotion and self-effacement. It conveyed: "To Thee, my Lord! Only to THEE I dance!"
Her grace is incomparable. It is the grace of a great dancer ennobled by Her spirituality. Sometimes Her writing impressed me like a flame. Now it was that moment in Her dance when I was again aware of the "Flame-like" quality in Her - the quality of an Enlightened Soul. The flame in Her is of a holy kind. If I had to paint Her portrait - it would show a flame burning in Her heart.
During Her dance, Her most precious Self seemed to come to the surface. She looked like a Messenger from another Realm. She proved to us that art can and should be dedicated to the Lord. For those of you who do not know that She is a qualified ballet dancer and musician, it would be interesting to learn about it.
Valentina is of medium size, of a very proportional build; She gives the impression of a very tender and gentle woman; long, auburn hair, golden skin, most impressive eyes, reflecting all the nuances of Her thoughts and feelings. Strangely enough, they are not European eyes. By shape they are Eastern, very like Tibetan, long cut, turned upward. But they are not black eyes, like most Eastern eyes. Sometimes they look like Sapphires; at twilight they are like the sunset, casting the subtlest lights. Downcast they look within and give Her face the peace of a Buddha statue. When She mentions Gurudev, they are a fountain of love and tenderness. When moved by compassion, they are so impressive that words are superfluous.
Valentina has hundred faces. Sometimes, in the twilight, She looks so much like Leonardo's Angel of the "Madonna of the Grotto" that I could not take my eyes off Her face. Small hands and feet, strong shapely limbs, very well developed graceful body, but by no means is it the angular body of the modern woman athletes; it is more the body of ancient Greeks.
Her hands are arrestingly beautiful and seem to lead a life of their own. In repose they are like flowers. In motion they turn into butterflies. They are the hands of a Saint and an Artist. Pure and delicate, tender and sensitive. The hands of Pavlova gave this impression. I am always thrilled by Her grace and the movements of Her hands and fingers. If you would see just Her hands you would know who She is. Each finger is like a little ballerina, leading a life of its own. I am positive NOBODY ever taught Her HOW to move Her hands and fingers. When She turns Her palms upwards, it is like an intense prayer of surrender; I am ready to receive you, Lord - they are the hands of a priestess. The Fra. Angelico's have wonderful hands - and Valentina's hands have their quality plus something else. The double aspect of Her nature manifests itself even in Her hands. They are strong and determined, they can guide, they can bless, they can give, they can heal - Valentina seldom touches the hands of another person - but when you are in need, She will touch your hand and Her Prana will flow into your body like an electric current.
The movements of Her arms are flowing like the waves of the ocean. I always think: Valentina must have been a temple dancer in previous lives. Nobody ever taught Her how to use the SPACE when She dances. In profile She looks like a Greek statue. A beautiful Fresco. Regardless what Valentina does, it is always dedicated to God. Sometimes I am so spell-bound - when I look at Her hands, for instance, I almost forget to listen to Her - when I watch Her asanas, I almost forget to practice.
I met only two dancers in my life, and I have seen them all - Ulanova and Pavlova - who moved their arms with this flowing, bird-like grace. Every movement of Valentina betrays the dancer and the musician. Her voice is very soft, yet it can be very strong. It is a beautiful singing voice, very expressive and She can modulate it masterfully. You feel you are in the presence of a warm, loving and intense person, even when She is completely silent.
Now I have to tell you something which may seem very strange. There are occasions when this particularly feminine creature seems to be a combination of man and woman. A saintly austerity and strength changes Her face - it is the austerity of a man who looks at us through Her eyes, who speaks to us through Her. The whole face changes and conveys great power and then I remember Her telling us: "I lost my ego and became an integral part of my Gurudev whom I obey implicitly." I feel, on these occasions, Gurudev looking at us through Her, it is Gurudev addressing us through Her.
These contrasting qualities do not manifest themselves very often, - in Her usual appearance, She is femininity personified. Also in Her daily life. But whenever it comes to the expression of a very concentrated thought, there is a strange gaze of courage and daring, combined with keen intellect, which is utterly unusual for a woman.
When Valentina is with us, I feel She reads us like an open book. She knows the Essence of our Being. But I am also keenly aware of Her aloofness. There is a gulf between us which we cannot bridge. She comes to us, but we cannot come to Her. I sense Her solitude, Her lack of need of us, Her detachment and Her infinite compassion. I regret sometimes that She cannot remain on Her heights, that She is sacrificing Herself to meet our needs.
Valentina is like a bird who came to us out of the sky - and might disappear any minute, because She does not BELONG to us.
Out of clouds So soft and white Comes my bird On silver wings.
Want to love you But not keep you For the earth is not your home.
At the call of spring You will rise on silver wings And my heart will ache with yearning.
Valentina seeks nobody. Magnetic power of spirituality is strongly manifested in Her life. People found Her and Her little retreat became an Ashram. She completely left the world and finds in Her withdrawal the fullest existence. She is the master of Her own company - She does not need others. But others need Her and She generously shares Herself, sacrificing all Her free moments. When we ask Her when does She find time to write and to attend to Her Sadhana - She only smiles and says nothing. She indeed does not like to talk about Herself.
One of Her most admirable traits is Her tact. The way She handles people. She seems to come down to their level. There is nobody who does not feel perfectly at ease with Her. She never asks personal questions. She appeals to the best in us and we love Her as though She was our better self.
She very smoothly changes the subject when She hears praise. Or when I (Gusti) or others read to Her about Herself, She smiles and looks above our heads as if She is not in the picture but someone else is discussed. She also now and again becomes very serious, almost grave and says: "What is all this idle talk worth?" We can praise Krishna because He is the Lord. I can praise Gurudev because he is the Master - Awakener of my Soul - but the rest of us are not worthy of praise." Certainly She is admired by everybody in different ways for different reasons.
Valentina is the born actress and impersonator. When She mimics someone, you actually SEE and hear the personified individual. However, She will never attempt to entertain us or anybody else. Her mimicry serves merely to enliven the incident. She detests entertainment.
She uses instantly the language of the person She is with. The simple language with the simple, and the intellectual language with the intellectuals. When She talks to a little girl, Her manner and expression changes into that of the child to such and extent and so charmingly that you love the child in Her. She seems to become one with Her audience and yet, She has the wisdom to disappear like a spirit at the most critical moment - the moment they become familiar or over-enthusiastic.
Valentina reflects literally the pains or emotions of others. It manifests on Her body in a strange and intense way. For instance, when the asthmatic student (whom She loves) is in class, She sometimes is choked to such an extent that She can't talk and has to leave. She coughs violently and then it goes away. She cannot stay in the company of lustful men - She gets acute pain in the stomach and also leaves.
She responds to the aura of hand-writing in the most amazing manner. Her own writing changes constantly. Flame-like, inspired, dashy - it can also turn into a serene, quiet manner like a sweet song! It impresses me strongly when I type Her Messages and read her notes.
Her sense of humor is very keen and occasionally She will poke fun at you, without hurting your feelings. She is extremely humble and never takes advantage of Her personal charm. When listening to another person She completely effaces Herself. It is impossible to describe Valentina's smile. It makes you think of the rays of the Sun with which God embraces you, regardless who you are and what you are.
