As the sun edged down on the horizon, they allocated some time for essential contemplations. Some meditated with hindsight on the early morning lessons of the Master. Others converged in small groups that walked in the garden around the Temple of Apollo while sharing their inputs on their recent studies.
The moment in which the sun disappeared behind the sea, they headed for their bath before assembling for their common prayer. During the open-air ritual, young men and women burned incense on the outside altar of the Temple of Apollo. With magnificent hymns, they eulogized El-Apollo, the One and the Father. With Cedar, Laurel, and Oak branches in their hands, raised up in veneration, they honored their gods. Ceres-Astarte, Mother Nature to all living beings, received her share of incantations, followed by exaltations to Diana, the protector of the Dead.
Reputed for their strong faith, the Pythagorean brothers and sisters of both Circles always honored their divinities in the White City. They strongly believed in consulting their gods, the source of all good, for guidance and enlightenment. Hence, they carved their images in fine splendor on brass of spherical forms. Brass held a particular importance in that work of art, for they deemed this metal to be the most appropriate, beside the spherical shape, to operate as a divine receptor.
When the night fell smoothly on that heavenly City and the stars appeared softly in the large celestial realm, they gathered for their dinner in the Assembly Hall. Since they had abstained from consuming any strong drink during the day, they could now allow themselves some wine. Halfway through their meal, the youngest among them joyfully recited some poetry. However, an older brother might critique it at will.
Their dinner ended an hour and a half later with the due honor to their Master. They all stood up, raised their goblets, and cheered to him. They then chanted delightful hymns to their divinities, to their parents who fostered them, and to the Fraternity.
In peaceful spirits, the akousmatikoi headed to their homes to join their family members. The Sebastikoi and the mathematikoi, in turn, retreated to their secluded dormitories in the homakoeion. All dressed in untainted white, they stretched down in their beds of white sheets and covers. Before they slumbered their night away, they performed the rite of memory recollection. Hence, all behaviors, actions, and words of the day withstood a profound assessment, an honest self-examination of their conscience. Only then did they allow for the calmness of the night to engulf them in the peace that presided over their sleep.
* * *
Apollo rose again in the early morning to find his so-called son already waiting in the cave. His head bent, Pythagoras surrendered in devotion for the Light of Apollo to bathe him and for His Divine inspiration and wisdom to anoint him. Basked in serenity, he soon received his mathematikoi inside the cave while his akousmatikoi assembled outside in the sacred garden.
With a poised smile, he grabbed his lyre. He stared at the mathematikoi settling around him in a semi-circle. He then moved closer to the curtain to address his neophytes and those outside as well.
“Brothers and sisters! May the Sun Apollo shine upon your day as in your mind today, and grant you the needed enlightenment. Happy am I, indeed, to be able to give you some crucial advice. Heed it and adopt it in your life, for by it you shall find the Golden Way[38] towards the Divine Virtue.
“I am delighted that you are honoring the Supreme God El-Apollo, the Immortal gods and the Divine Law that spoke about them, in order. It gratifies me, as well, to see you venerating the honorable heroes, and the spirits of the dead, and revering your parents and relatives, and finally, the oath.
“The Truth I tell you! No one will find, either in words or in ways of life, anything more perfect than Philia, friendship. Philia is a universal law of mutual attraction and interdependence. Philia is a Kosmic force that attracts all the elements of nature into harmonious relationships.
“Thus, select your friends and life associates according to what affinities you share with them. Among all the people you may encounter in life, whether here or outside the White City, elect them from among the ones who excel in virtue. You must realize that a friend is another self that you should honor like you honor a god. Friendship is equality, and among friends everything should be common. Do not get into fights with them. Do not reach the destructive level of hatred towards them, especially for insignificant, silly mistakes. Yield to kind words and helpful deeds as far as you can, for ability is near to necessity.
“Pay attention to the following advice; I ask you today to cast your pride away, for it is better to live a life of modesty than of egotism. When you are happy, do not exaggerate your expressions of laughter. And when you are annoyed, hinder your anger from your faces.
“I tell you, do not spend in excess like those careless of what is good, nor be parsimonious. Opt for the middle path, as moderation is always best. So chose the average way instead.
“Think wisely before acting, to avoid foolishness. It is the worthless man who gets in the habit of speaking and acting without tact and consideration. Only perform such acts in a way that you will not regret them later.
“I advise you to practice a lifestyle of purity, never of debauchery! Avoid all deeds that might cause envy. See that you always perform and undertake what holds no harm to you. Discard any attempt to embark on matters that you ignore, but learn what is necessary. In Truth, this is the way to ensure a more pleasant life for yourselves.
“A major advice, my brothers and sisters, is for you to recognize that death comes to everyone. Know that wealth will sometimes be acquired, sometimes lost. Whatever your destiny and whatever your grief, as mortals by divine probability, bear them without complaint. Yet, it is only right to improve your existence as much as you can. Remember this; fate does not confer so many sufferings on good people.
“A golden rule for you to know, my friends, is that many words befall men, wicked and noble alike. Do not be astonished or constrained by them. If a lie is told, endure it with gentleness. Whatever I tell you, carry it out to fruition, yet let no one persuade you by word or deed, to do or say, what is not best for you. Be liberal and candid.
“I strongly recommend for you to adopt simple garments that are always clean and chaste. Do not adorn your bodies with gold or the like, especially when you enter the Temple to perform religious rites. Purity, I tell you in truth, is a sign of equanimity and justice in reasoning.”
The mathematikoi and the akousmatikoi appeared riveted. Nothing could disrupt their attention, neither the heat of the morning with its twitters of birds, nor the colorful butterflies over the bushes. Their concentration revered the Philosopher of all time. And the Philosopher spoke, indeed, words of pure, authentic gold.
“As for what you consume, my brothers and sisters, I warn you against eating meat and fish. This kind of food reverts you back to your natural instincts. Do not eat beans, either! My observations and experience assert the interference of this plant with the process of lucid thinking. It distorts the prophetic visions during our meditations and dreams. Instead, drink as much water as you can, and wine but in small quantities, for they are both beneficial to the body. And so, you should not be neglectful of your physical health! Exercise your body. Consume your food and beverage with moderation to avoid regretting the detriment of any excess.
“I also advise you, brothers and sisters, to conform yourselves to the practice of restraint over your appetite, sleepiness, sexuality, and angry behaviors. Always abstain from doing shameful deeds, be it to or with others, and be it in public or in private. Instead, respect yourselves above all so you can respect others. Therefore, exercise Justice, not only in words, but also in deeds!
“Another golden rule I offer you, my friends! Do not kill, and never harm any human being who might endanger you, your family, or your beloved. It is more just, or rather holy, to be injured than to end the life of a person. I tell you but the Truth; our final judgment is mysteriously related to our actions here in this life.
“Heed my advice,
my friends, and heed it well. It is of great importance to love life and to have compassion for all living forms. Do not kill harmless animals but treat them with kindness. Do not kill at all, for whatever the reason. When feeling threatened, defend yourselves for this is always justified. Do not cut trees, for they are beautiful and significant. The Cedar tree in particular, my friends, is to be highly respected and preserved, for it is the symbol of the Initiate!” The Master paused for a moment behind his curtain, yet his lyre prevailed with its soothing tunes.
The neophytes outside kept their eyes on his silhouette, their minds pondering on his golden advice and their hearts on that barely visible god-like figure who might judge them according to their deeds! Yet, the voice that spoke carried no judgment or admonishment whatsoever, just love and care in the tones and contents of the message.
“On Holy days, do not cut your hair or forget your religious services. Beware of offering your services for the sole purpose of increasing your profits! Stay religiously conscious and honest when enacting spiritual ceremonies. Pray to the gods for success, and get yourself to work!
“My final advice today, my friends, is to undergo a clear examination of your conscience every night. Always ask yourselves what wrong have you done during the day. Hold yourselves responsible for your shameful error, if any. Meditate on the duties you have failed that day, and rejoice in the good deeds you have achieved!”
The Master finished his speech. Silence prevailed inside the cave and outside in the Sacred Garden.
Truth be told, Pythagoras never deemed himself a divine judge, but mainly a Master to be duly respected, and his teachings to be adequately absorbed and applied. Most importantly, he considered himself a friend, who taught with much love and care all the necessary qualities that should help his followers live a good, a perfect life. He cared to embody the role of an older brother in his Fraternity. He throve for his charming friendship to liberate them from present and potential troubles and worries. Undoubtedly, he believed in standing as the ideal role model of the Philosopher. Therefore, his devoted and generous approach towards his people meant to instill their minds with an essential moral virtue that could ameliorate their socio-cultural behavior.
As a matter of fact, he lived virtuously by those same precepts and, therefore, what he preached and tutored always instigated the admiration of his followers. Their respect for him increased with each passing day. In consequence, they never doubted him and never hesitated to abide and live by his rules.
Always in a white linen tunic, he epitomized the god of their White City. He abstained from any intake of wine during the day. He adopted a strict vegetarian diet that consisted only of bread, honey and vegetables. He loved all his disciples dearly and equally, yet restrained religiously from any sexual desires, and abstained to love any woman in particular. He never laughed foolishly nor behaved cynically. He neither mocked nor punished any of them. In conclusion, he loved them with pure and divine feelings.
* * *
She was beautiful indeed. Her ebony mane cascaded on her fine shoulders and down her back to the waist. The green eyes, on her tanned face, brightened with anticipation. Alone on the green grass of the Sacred Garden, outside the cave, the young woman stood bathed in radiance by the sunrays. The neophytes glanced discreetly at her as they left the site of their morning lecture and headed to their duties of the day. Some lingered. They waited for the few confessions allowed after the discourse. By turns, they entered the cave and sat on the floor of the outer side of the veil to confess their personal issues to the Master, he, the Son of Light. When her turn came, the woman, in reverence and modesty, swathed her head with an elegant blue veil, then went in.
From behind the curtain, Pythagoras bent his head in attention to the confession of the woman.
“I want to tell you a secret, oh, Master,” she murmured shyly and her soft voice rang a bell in his memory.
“Go ahead my child,” he encouraged her with affection and focused at once on his duty at hand.
“I’m attracted to a certain man, Master, and I…, I think I’m in love with him. When I look at him, love overwhelms me. His words pierce my inner realm just as the first sunrays penetrate the soil of the Earth. And inside me, everything shivers, Master!” She admitted with fervor, and then paused for a while, probably thinking what to say next.
An extraordinary quietness echoed strongly inside the walls of the cave.
“Carry on my child. I’m listening,” he goaded her to proceed.
“Sometimes, I’m so besieged by his voice that his profound words reach me unfathomably. This whole situation perplexes me greatly. I don’t know what to do or how to think correctly. He has the power, and certainly the vision, but he keeps it to himself. What shall I do, Master?” she sounded desperate and it touched his heart.
There was a strange kind of tranquility for a few seconds.
“Why the despair my child? Is your love for him forbidden? Is he married, or has he rejected your feelings?”
“Oh no! None of these, Reverent Master. He… well, how should I put it… He just doesn’t know it. I’m not sure he has even noticed me at all!”
Somehow, he felt for her. “Then, why don’t you tell him what you feel? You ought to have the courage, my child. Courage is a value we uphold.”
“Courage? Oh Master, I have none!” She sounded distressed, her voice tearful. “Honestly? I’m afraid he might reject me! He…,” she hesitated as if weighing how to reveal the identity of the man who stole her heart.
Pythagoras then recognized the woman from one of her previous confessions.
“Theano,” the softness of his voice meant to comfort her in her pain. “Why should he reject your love for him? Tell me, who is he?”
A long silence ensued in which the Master waited with patience. He knew of her previous pleas as well, for she earlier struggled through her queries for faith.
“Theano,” he intimated with a firm kindness, urging her to speak out.
“Master, he… he is…,”
“Yes, Theano?”
Impelled by his tone of commandment, she rushed on her words, “He is the intimate friend and lover of Sophia, the Philosopher who prepares me to understand the secrets of life. He teaches me who I really am!”
“Is he one of the Masters?” he prompted to ask before he realized that she might have meant… him!
“You mean…?”
He saw her bowing her head from behind the curtain.
A mask revealed. Time stood still.
Pythagoras, the Grand Initiate of great spiritual life – he who always thrived on the occult powers of nature – sagged back in astonishment. He had renounced women since the very beginning. He never thought of loving in that sense, and especially not one of his disciples! He had directed all his energy and feelings, always and uniquely, to his White City and his followers whom he loved equally, based on the quality of Philia.
Theano’s revelation came unscathed from any seduction, but rather, a statement of untainted love. He suddenly became aware of her pleasant scent, which grabbed his senses. Completely beset, he wondered in the silence of his thoughts, what is happening to me?
The Master had long since learned to control his senses, squelch his emotions, and conquer all kinds of seductive illusions. However, this spell differed from anything he had ever experienced before. It swelled up, real, inescapable, and undeniable! Her strong spiritual glow, and her vivid mental vibrations penetrated his inner realm and ensnared him completely.
Without further hesitation, he lifted the curtain. There she was, the lovely Theano, the daughter of Brontinus of Crotona – an Orphic who had become a Pythagorean. In truth, the Philosopher had never suspected that she might nourish any such emotion for him. She had, indeed, succeeded in hiding it all along!
In her mid twenties and of medium height, Theano, with her beauty and youth, could have been married by then, but her fate apparently had decided otherwise.
From her
father, Pythagoras knew that since childhood, she had always displayed a strong affinity for the spiritual world. The mysteries behind life had attracted her interest back then, and goaded her, still today, to grab all the opportunities and attempt to unlock their secrets.
He studied her soul through that special spark in her green eyes. Since becoming a Pythagorean sister, this was the first time they had come as close to seeing each other face to face or talk without the obstacle of the curtain. He knew, of course, the depth of her intellect for he had frequently attended, in secret, the many tests and trials of her probationary period. Akin all novices, Theano had undergone his clandestine scrutiny. She had completed the experimental period with an outstanding success and, at this stage; she adhered to the Pythagorean Preparation phase – the first degree. Her strong personality, her acute spirit of inquisition, and her spiritual intelligence made her emerge as an exceptional student. Her uniqueness had stood out from the start, not only among women but also among the brothers of the Pythagorean Society.
Looking at her now, the Master deemed her, somehow, a gift of fate. Without taking his eyes from hers, he stood up slowly. He grabbed her hands in his with affection to lift her to her feet. The softness of her skin touched him to the core of his heart. Their eyes hooked. The intensity of the moment reflected in the love her soul conveyed to him.
Time stood still.
It stood for some time…
Then, he saw it: their future together, a perpetual union that their fate claimed loudly in the quietness of the cave.
The moment her hands left his and she turned to leave, his heart shivered. An emotion, new to him, fastened his attention on her, walking the lane back to the Temple. She glimpsed at him over her shoulder. Her smile appeared to compete with the sunrays basking in her silhouette. He snatched himself from the magic of the moment to revert back to his cave and his thoughts. His mind fought his heart. The struggle between his intuition and rationality escorted him all day. Confusion unsettled him all night long. After all these years of restricted Initiation, the Master found it hard to accept that his heart had yielded to the love of a woman!
Pythagoras the Mathemagician Page 25