“You, Master, you are a true messenger of the god Apollo. You will work in setting right the course of things. Sadly, your noble attempts will not last. At least, from what I foresee, you will have tried!” Her voice broke into a sorrowful tone.
Albeit bleak for him, the news did not perturb him. He remained poised and settled in his faith and belief. What mattered for him ultimately was the achievement of his mission on Earth. In truth, at this very moment, he felt particularly concerned about Theoclea and her tearful distress. He stared down at her with compassion. Her trance waned. Her consciousness restored, she opened her eyes. With the tips of his fingers, he touched her tears then tasted lightly their tepid bitterness.
The eyes she lifted at him carried an intense sadness that broke his heart. In an impulsive act of sympathy, he bent to hug her. He sought to absorb her cold in the warmth of his embrace. Desperate for reassurance, she ensnared him tightly. He patted her on the back in fatherly solace. He kept comforting her until her quivers and tears ceased, and her tension eased down.
Her questioning eyes then pierced his in search for an answer that could contradict the angst of her vision. Swiftly, Pythagoras turned his head away and squared Eratocles in the eyes; eyes as distressed as those of Theoclea. To confirm, to both his disciples, the veracity of her prophecy would mean to proclaim the inevitability of Human Fate; a revelation he had already foreseen, in successive frames, through his previous profound meditations.
Wordless, he walked out of the cell, followed closely by Eratocles mute in grief. The steps of the Master resumed firmly. Confident in the success of his present mission at Delphi, he looked ahead with anticipation. Nothing retained him there anymore. Like Theoclea, yet through a particular guidance prepared for them, the priests and priestesses had duly undertaken their Initiation into the Sacred Doctrine.
Time for Pythagoras to move on!
At dinner time, Pythagoras revealed to his hosts his decision to continue with his journey. Although expected, the announcement saddened the Assembly of the priests. They gathered around him to express their gratitude at the teachings he had so lovingly contributed. They affirmed having enjoyed every moment spent with him inside their sacred sanctuary.
Pythagoras urged them again to accomplish their new mission. Now, aware of their real duty, they pledged to abide at all cost. As they bid him and his faithful disciple farewell, he, from the depth of his heart, wished for them the light of the God El-Apollo to shine upon them, and all over the land of Greece, once again.
At dawn, Pythagoras and Eratocles left the Temple, almost a month after their arrival. With hopeful expectation, they undertook the road to their new destination.
* * *
Pythagoras and Eratocles stopped over in Athena for the night. They left the next morning on the first ship sailing to Samos. Upon disembarking in the island, Pythagoras decided to look for a place to reside outside the city. He opted for a spectacular cave at the foot of a mountain and made it his home[30].
He spent the next days and nights formulating his ideas, and expressing his inner love to Sophia. Eventually, his Divine Energy engulfed Eratocles with peace and remarkable inspiration.
At the emergence of spring, meditation carried Pythagoras to a new dimension of deliberation. In accordance, he worked in devising an effective scheme to establish the school of his discipline. By one of these evenings, his silent concentration went so profound in his being that he switched into a different state of mind. It soon expanded beyond the world of senses.
The celestial dimension received his spirit among the radiant stars in the darkness of the sky… or maybe even further, into the first light of the Universe. The Universal Mind revealed, glimpse by glimpse, the intricate configurations of the infinite scheme of the cosmic life. The Rising transpired stronger, and more uplifting than ever.
And he, like never before, felt a significant spiritual inter-correlation with the Divine Will. He, and everything around him, in all directions and in all dimensions, became one single truth. A Unity Point of the manifested and the obscure, and of the created and the uncreated, shone brightly and radiated with energy inside and outside, linking the only one reality, and the many virtual realities, in one state of eternal balance.
Several similar cerebrations followed the sublimation of that night. Pythagoras managed to solve many other crucial issues in his other mental reflections. He also relied on mathematical demonstrations to develop and complete his science of the planets. As a result, he crossed far beyond the classical science and achieved thereafter a melodic formula of the cosmos. Such musical scale differed, in tonality, from one planet to another, through their calculated distances.
In consequence, Pythagoras became ready at that time to implement his grand vision of a cosmic harmony. From his home-cave at the foot of that mountain, just at the outskirts of Samos, he finally instigated his messianic mission to save the world, so to speak.
* * *
Long and deeply rooted in the heart of the great cities of Canaan-Phoenicia and Egypt, the knowledge of Sophia had lacked a complete acceptance from Greece. When, at a later stage, a cultural turmoil spread through and beyond the Mediterranean basin, the philosophical erudition of Sofia emerged to undergo a rapid ascension. The reputation of Pythagoras crossed the borders of Samos and broadened through the Isles of the Aegean Sea. It ultimately reached the heart of the Grecian world where his wisdom gained gradual admiration.
Eventually, the first tangible response surged from Samos. Young Samians sought his teachings on a daily basis to learn the basic principles of the perfect life. Soon, hundreds of youth from all around Greece joined him. They all craved to adhere to his Circle of Sophia.
Many remained and lived with him in his cave, becoming as such his life companions. That natural place of abode held a special meaning to him and Eratocles. As in all occult societies of all times, the cave represented the matter from which the world was made. From there, the souls would move out of their human prison in search of the light - the freedom - either by death, or by Initiation.
Among the hundreds of youth who attended his teachings on a daily basis, his live-in followers counted the thirty by then. They would all heed and learn his newly formulated discipline. Encouraged by the successful outcome, Pythagoras carried on with his mission, aiming at making of his audacious vision a reality.
With that perspective in mind, he decided to expand his quarters. He deemed the cave inconvenient for certain lessons. Therefore, he looked for another haven for the transmission of other parts of his sacred teachings. A place in the open air would be ideal, he decided.
His disciples reacted with cheers at the idea. They joined hands in renovating a natural rocky amphitheater with a view over the city. It formed a semi-circle, known as a Hemikyklion.
The surroundings bestowed on them serenity and peace. The nearby mountain would shield them from the wind, and grant them cool shades from the sunrays. There, surrounded by the abundant greenery and the musical twitters of the free birds, they would gather around the Master. In a friendly mood, they would meet to acquire the basic formation for their spiritual life. Among the thirty disciples, Pythagoras spotted some outstanding minds. Other than Eratocles, of course, names like Archippus, Melissus, Lacon, Glorippus, Heloris, Eurymenes and Hippon shone in the secrecy of his vision.
Some prominent citizens surprised him one day with their unexpected visit and urgent request. They needed him to represent them before the Greek Governor Syloson, the youngest brother of their previous Persian-allied ruler, Polycrates. They asserted trusting his wisdom. They urged him to handle the administration of the affairs of the city and heed their issues. In short, they wished for him to stand as their political leader.
Albeit surprised, Pythagoras did not turn them down. On the contrary, he considered their demand with thoughtfulness. The task would certainly require his active involvement, and consequently a major responsibility from his side. Yet, keen for justice to be ser
ved, he, the loyal citizen, conceded to their request. Since they granted him a great deal of trust, he pledged his best to succeed with that new mission.
His goodwill and determination did not waver in front of the many difficulties he soon encountered in his public and political assignment. Mundane laws were alien to him. He found himself unable to compromise or, even abide, by the metropolitan laws so wanted by the populace. In unison to that burdening task, his attention prevailed on his primary goal in life; Sophia, there in his abode and with his semi-circle of Initiation!
Soon, pressure weighed heavily on him. The fact that the Samians proved inflexible and even showed aversion towards his divine wisdom took him aback. They refused to even consider applying Sofia to their social lives. He realized with growing frustration that their first and last focus lay uniquely on the Laws of Man. They would not even accept the Divine Laws he, a messenger of El-Apollo, had brought them; although, all that he had required was for them to create a balance between the Divine Laws and the Laws of Man. Pythagoras faced his first major disappointment!
He withdrew into his own deliberation to ponder seriously on his fate. Inside the cave, partially illuminated with a candle, he thought things over.
What is the purpose of my mission?
What is the use of it if I am unable to help those in need?
How should I proceed if those who really need me are unwilling to heed my perception and accept it?
Should I abandon them?
Lost and confused, he recoiled into heavy deliberations that night. The silver rays of the moon sneaked inside the cave where he had retreated. Some of his disciples slept around him. The others took to the green pastures for their nightly rest under the stars; a respite which escaped the Master in his worries. He decided that sleep would not capture him until he could find a tangible answer to his dilemma.
Worries revolved to thoughts, and thoughts to meditations, and meditations to a deep trance…
The fog on his vision cleared up. The light of wisdom shone wholly above his God-Head. The essence of his mission materialized in a mysterious way in front of him, and so did the right steps to undertake. The idea of establishing a school of life became imperative in his mind. He foresaw a discipline that would reveal wisdom to men, and teach them the sciences of life. For that, he would have to create a perfect place of balance that could awaken, once and for all, the god latent in every human sanctuary.
For certain, no politician or businessman could ever pull through such an institution meant for the real Initiates, true Men and Women; those inspired Fathers and blessed Mothers.
Pythagoras still had to consider the right location. He would not consider Samos an option. As a matter of fact, in order to make his vision a reality, he needed to aim for a liberal country that would be more tolerant to new ideas, more lenient towards new understanding, and unrestrained from demagogic environments.
His idea of reform did not comprise any organized revolution against any state whatsoever. It rather aimed for a life of utopia that would provide, among other things, a complete free system of education for the youth. The initial and final implementation of his vision, however, would disallow at all cost all kind of rebellious and chaotic movements that could generate uncivilized confrontations.
From that perspective, the organization of his secular Initiation should be nourished by his wise concept of transforming, step by step, the rigid political constitution of a state into a sound adaptation of the knowledgeable Sophia. In other words, he envisioned the establishment of the perfect city, there where the Divine Laws and the Mundane Laws could be harmoniously united in the heart and mind of society.
However, such an ideal place for the induction of his unique project ensued harder to find than he had first expected. Most of the Grecian cities dwelled under tyrants imposed by the Persians. People could not elect their own governors. The remaining cities that had escaped Persian authority had fallen in the hands of fanatics who claimed to embody a divine right doctrine. Obviously, the false notion had given them freewill to govern the souls of people, and bury their relics in the matrix of time and space.
Pythagoras visualized the liberation of Human Beings. His sacred spiritual teachings would unchain them from the circles of necessity that bound them to Earth much too often and caged them inside the abode of matter. He would have to liberate them in order for them to fly up into the spheres of eternity. Only then, would they be able to become gods and goddesses with free wings; impulses of the Universal Mind.
Dawn cracked the darkness of the night when he stretched down to sleep; in his heart a broad smile, and in his mind a clear destination to his imminent journey.
A couple of hours later, he leaped to his feet with renewed vigor. He rushed to the river to wash. He marched decisively back into the cave where his disciples shared their first greetings of the day.
“We are leaving!” He announced high and loud.
“What?!”
Ignoring the general stupor, and the stunned faces of his disciples, he marched straight to his corner to pack his personal belongings.
“Prepare yourselves, brothers. We are leaving right now!”
“Leaving? You mean… leaving… for good?” Melissus stuttered, his eyes wide in disbelief.
With a smile meant to comfort his followers, he confirmed, “Yes, for good!” Pythagoras did not stop his task at hand.
Archippus scratched his head in puzzlement. He asked in an anxious pitch, “But… uh! What about Samos?”
“Come on, Master! What is in your mind?” Eratocles urged him in exasperation. “Tell us your thoughts, please!”
Pythagoras veered to address them, “Well my friends… the truth is that it is time for us to leave. We have a mission to accomplish, and it cannot be done here.”
“And Samos?” Lacon exclaimed in wonder, mirroring the anxiety of Archippus.
“My heart is with the Samians, of course! Rest assured that I shall never forget about them, neither shall you. But, for now, we are leaving. My mind is set!”
“And where are we going?” Glorippus retorted in frustration. “Who need us more than the Samians?”
“In fact, there are some who do need us more. They are the young people of Magna Graecia. There, men and women are totally abandoned to themselves. They are in dire necessity of knowledge. And us, my friends, we are going to give them just that!”
Smiles drew instantly on their faces. Some cheered and others laughed in excitement. The Master had managed to infuse them with his enthusiasm, with just a simple tirade.
As a result, less than a couple of hours later, they left behind the cave that had sheltered them for several months. If some looked back with a sigh of regret, Pythagoras marched with determination, his eyes ahead on his mission. All of them, nonetheless, took the road down to the shore in a jovial mood. They reached the harbor at the time when a Phoenician ship finished disembarking its load of people and merchandise.
Half an hour later, the same ship transported them in destination to Italy.
PART II
.6.
Birth of the Pythagorean Society
Around the year 518 BCE, after almost twelve days and twelve nights into their journey, Pythagoras and his thirty disciples reached the city of Crotona, in the Gulf of Tarentum. Renowned for both its scientific and religious cultures, Crotona harbored mostly Mathematicians and Doctors, and stood as the noblest city in all of Italy. At this particular time in history, it faced a major crisis. Its ethical, political, and economical situations edged disaster!
Luxury products had overflowed for quite some time, causing an unstable economy. In addition, there existed an unbalanced political system corrupted by social and ethical vices such as injustice and inequality. Unity lacked among the citizens. These problems piled up to impair the city.
Pythagoras knew of these conflicts. Yet walking the streets of Crotona, with Lacon and Eratocles at his sides, and his neophytes behind them, he encompass
ed the true enormity of these socio-economic difficulties. He sensed the new challenge; a demur, indeed, but of a different nature than the one in Samos. In spite of the fact that the citizens worshipped the god Apollo, his determination to realize his vision prevailed against all odds.
“What are you thinking about, Master?” Eratocles asked him with a pitch of anxiety in his voice.
Without taking his eyes off the activities unfurling around them, Pythagoras muttered pensively, “My principles of reform, Eratocles… I wish for the favorable reception of the citizens and the senate of Crotona.”
Eratocles nodded without comment.
Lacon whispered to him with a witty grin, “The wish of the Master might come true!” And he chuckled.
Pythagoras glanced at him with an eyebrow lifted in question. “What do you know, Lacon, which I don’t? A vision of some sort?”
Patently amused, Lacon chuckled again. Pythagoras gazed at Eratocles for an answer. He met but the broad smile of his first disciple.
“Okay! Let’s hear it!” Pythagoras halted, demanding an explanation.
Eratocles volunteered to end his confusion, “Master, your reputation has preceded you here. You have already raised a lot of curiosity among the Phoenician sailors during the trip. So, obviously, they overheard many of our conversations on board and…”
Pythagoras the Mathemagician Page 19