Vijay (Vittorio Gisele)              

Vijay was born in Turin in 1942, and from a young age he desperately sought to discover who he was and the meaning of the world and his own life. He initially sought it in philosophy, psychology, the unrealizable dream of world revolution, in the flower power movement, and so on, until at twenty-two, after wandering widely throughout Europe and the Arab world, he finally met his first teacher, Krishnamurti, and followed him for several years.

Meeting with the Mother - Joining Auroville

In 1967, at the age of twenty-five, he went to live in the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, where he met the Mother and practiced Integral Yoga.

In 1969, he moved permanently to Auroville, and, during the first 20 years, having started the Fertile WindmillI community, he planted trees, bunded and fenced land which was later taken over by Darkali, Revelation, Bliss, Dana, Minati etc.. A few years later he started a business selling healing crystals and stones, called "Memories from the Future of Light". Aurovilians and guests used to visit his small stone and jewellery shop for many years, getting crystals and healing stones. Many people also remember him as a trusted spiritual friend and teacher, and over the last decades, many visited him to seek his advice and guidance.

Despite his failing eyesight and the fragility of his physical body, which he lovingly referred to as his "old motorbike" and which had to be "just good enough to get the job done," he worked tirelessly on several books. His works include a book about the healing properties of stones, his "Spiritual Encyclopedia," and his most recently published book, "Wake up! It's time to start your real life."

In his profile on Auronet, Vijay writes about himself, but ends with the following: 

“But all this is on the surface and not really who I am. This poem gets a bit close to it.”

This is the first stanza:

WHO AM I?

Isn’t it ever so strange

that this primal Question, Who Am I

the most essential of all,

the only truly real,

Remains ignored by almost all?”

His long-time friend Arthur writes: “He passed away peacefully on August 30th at 18:50, transitioning into the arms of the Mother. He was surrounded by friends and loved ones who had showered him with immense love and care. With his passing, one of the last individuals in Auroville who sat at the feet of the Mother in the ashram has departed the physical plane. Even though Vijay lately lived most of his life like a hermit in Fertile Windmill, now Baraka, many people knew him and occasionally came for a visit. He was among the first pioneers to arrive in Auroville, dedicating his life to planting the forest that he loved so deeply. Yesterday, as he began his final journey of transition, rain fell while the sun shone simultaneously—a beautiful and fitting farewell from nature to a great soul who gave life to the forest of Auroville.”

Vijay’s final message to the community was posted by Arthur on Auronet, “Vijay wishes to convey his sincere thanks to the entire Auroville Community for all the love and support he received over his lifetime. He also expresses his hope that Auroville will prosper and evolve as the City of the Future that Mère envisioned. He sends you all his blessings and infinite love.”