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St. Valentine was a scholar, was a philosopher, was a seeker and was a finder; he found in Christ the utmost Authority. He was not subscribing to formal Christianity and therefore, he was opposed by the strong of this world and he was thrown in prison. Paradoxically, there isn't a single saint who was not, somehow, somewhere, somewhen, either persecuted or suffered from some asuric opposition, either inner or outer. Well, Valentine was not an exception. He was thrown into prison, but the prison did not break his spirit, - rather, he uplifted the whole environment. Wherever was heard his sweet and gentle voice, his elegant speech; wherever was his beautiful smile; wherever it was, there was Light. To such an extent he was outstanding, that even the tough man in charge of the prison was very, ver moved. That man in charge of the prison had a blind girl, his only daughter, and he decided to bring this girl and to take an opportunity of such great proximity as Valentine - such a scholar and such a gentleman, who could, perhaps, educate the girl - she was so handicapped, being blind from her birth.
The girl came and a true, strong friendship and affinity was established. He was a remarkable teacher, but she was a remarkable student, so there was a perpetual exchange of gratitude and devotion on one side, and guidance of the other side - care, attention, inspiration, you know very well, bring marvels. That is to remind you also about Guru-disciple relationship, for verily, that is what it was between the two. Whenever there is true attention on the part of the student, true receptivity, the preceptor is inspired by that receptivity and Guru Sakti is pouring doubly, whereas, when the student is half-hearted, or too full of himself, instead of being full of the preceptor, then definitely, progress is arrested.
In the case of Valentine and his little disciple, there was perfect harmony and intenseness. He transmitted very much - art, science, religion. He talked much about god to her. Once, after their lessons, when they were silent, the little girl touched his hand and said, "Valentine, I want to see you. I want to see you. I am so grateful to you. I have to see, to see you smile, your eyes, your whole being. I want to see yo. I want to see things which you describe to me.
Valentine: "I don't know. I don't know. We should not beg God, but we can give our hearts to God. Let's try, we'll pray together. Our prater will be the giving of our heart. God knows what you need, and if that be the best thing for you, He will give sight to you. If that be not the best thing for yo, He will not answer our prayer." Ardently, silently, intensely, the two pure hearts were submitting themselves to the Supreme Power... Suddenly, the girl exclaimed, "Valentine! I see you! I see light. I see everything. Valentine! ...Next day, Valentine was sentence to death. He left a note:
"I LOVE YOU,
your Valentine."
***
[Unrepeatable improvisation tape recorded]
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