.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 encompassed 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…”

“And,” Lacon interfered. “They couldn’t wait to spread the news the moment they stepped on firm land!” He commented in a jovial tone. “I heard them announcing the news of your arrival in the harbor!”

Pythagoras rubbed his beard with a simple comment, “I see… but it still does not make my wish come true.”

“Maybe not,” Eratocles replied evenly. “But wait until you hear about the eagerness of the Crotoniates to meet you.”

“The holy and mysterious man,” Lacon quoted respectfully.

Unaffected by the glorious praise and the patent admiration in the eyes of his neophytes, Pythagoras murmured musingly, “I see….”

All that he could focus on, for the moment, was his mission ahead. By this time, his other disciples had caught up with them.

“Master,” Heloris approached him in a confidential manner. “The news is spreading fast all around. We overheard some citizens speculating about you, and your wisdom!”

“Yes, Master,” Archippus asserted in turn. “Rumor has it that an official delegation is looking for you right now!”

Gathered around him, his disciples seemed excited.

“Not now!” Pythagoras decided out loud. “The trip was long and we are all exhausted.  We rest for a couple of days. Then we will start our mission with a clear head.”

“But…,” Glorippus exclaimed in disappointment.

“No buts! They have waited all their lives for a change. Two more days will not make a difference at this stage. We need to be prepared.”

And so they did…

 

Two days later, a beautiful sunny morning saw the Master all dressed in white, meandering the streets of the city with his group of young neophytes. Puzzled looks followed them, heads turned in their direction, and murmured questions drifted from here and there. Pythagoras greeted all these citizens with courtesy. Conscious of the crowd increasing behind him, he continued towards a small hill. Only then did he halt to sit down on the green grass. His disciples, the early Pythagorean neophytes, followed suit and settled into their habitual semi-circle position.

The crowd, mostly youth, assembled around them with curiosity. Muttered comments and speculations emerged from among them.

Despite the vibrations of excitement that filled the air, Pythagoras remained mutely engrossed in his meditation for some time. He collected his thoughts. He breathed in and out his sense of profound serenity. He knew such energy would surge from him to reach the mass and grab their spirits. He harbored no doubt that his own aura acted as magnetism. He could feel it attracting their attention, which hooked on him. 

When he felt the multitude ready for him, he stood up with the calmness of his sound confidence. His move brought about total stillness from the people. Talks ceased at once. He fathomed the hunger for knowledge in their eyes that pleaded for him to speak. It did not surprise him. After all, that was the reason which brought him here in the first place.

“My friends,” he greeted them in a gentle yet strong voice. “Let me tell a story. There was once a man, young in age as most of you here. He lived in Saydoun; the city where I was born, in my homeland – Phoenicia,” he added in explanation. “His father was a well-known fisherman who wished that his son assumed the same profession. And so, he trained him in the art of fishing. However, the young man was not happy at all. And do you know why?” He paused for his question to sink in their minds and draw their speculations. “Simple, my friends! It is because he failed in the business and its practices! Of course, we can all fathom his unhappiness at that failure.”

Nods in the audience confirmed his statement.

He continued, “Despite it all, the young man abided faithfully to the insistence of his father. Every single morning at sunrise, he would sail in his small boat towards the far sea, and every single sunset, he would return empty handed. Things remained as unproductive for a long, long time. Until one day…,” he waited for the moment of suspense to ensure their eagerness for more.

“Until one day, he felt deeply fed up!” He intoned with fervor. “Yes, my friends, he was so wretched by such a fruitless life that he decided to take his destiny into his own hands. He, therefore, sought to find something more successful to do.”

He went for a silent break, in order for them to absorb the first part of the story. He sensed the tension of their anticipation. He let it be. He intended to give them enough time to identify themselves with the young character of his story. Only then would their mind formulate an outcome or a solution.

“What happened next?” A voice rose from the mass.

“Yeah, what happened? What did he do then?” Another question surged, eager for the remainder of the story.

Encouraged, many others enjoined with their questions.

Satisfied at the reaction of his audience, Pythagoras proceeded, “On his last day of fishing there, in the far-distanced sea, he faced in awe a sudden thick mist. A boat broke through the fog slowly and edged closer to him. The sailor, an old fisherman, greeted him. The young man noticed at once the baskets full of fish in the other boat while his were completely empty. He felt miserable. His shoulders sagged in defeat.

‘What’s wrong with you, young man?’ The old man asked him gently.

Extremely frustrated, the youngster decided to confide in him. ‘I’ve been sailing the seas for months now hoping to fish, and I have never been successful! Look at your baskets! They are full! Tell me, I beg you. Is it luck? How do you do it?’

With the calm patience known only to old fishermen, the fellow replied, ‘Listen to me, young man. I went through the same thing when I first started fishing. I was actually as young as you are now! I spent many days and months trying in vain, until one day I found the answer. No, my son, it is not luck! It is a matter of love!’

‘Love!’ The youngster prompted in dismay. ‘How is that? What has love to do with it anyway?’

‘A lot, actually!’ The old fisherman replied with passion. ‘It has a lot to do with it! The answer to all the queries in life is always love. You have to love the sea to a great extent in order for it to reward you with the same sentiment!’

Before the young man managed to add another word, the boat disappeared in the mist, and the mist in the atmosphere. 

 

Gasps ensued from the audience. People shared their thoughts and conclusions. Pythagoras waited for a while then concluded with a final statement, “And so it happened, young fellows, that the young man put his heart into his work with the sea. He therefore loved the sea, and the sea loved him in return.”

He met fascination on their faces.

The tale was so simple and yet so profound. His sagacity informed him that some people among the audience might have understood the message literally. On the other hand, some others might be speculating on a connection that related them to the story.

He spoke then and a soft breeze in the air carried his voice. It touched their faces ever so gently to refresh them. It dispersed all around them and through the green grass. The leaves of the trees swayed to the musical sound.

“Fair brothers and sisters, there is an allegory behind this legend. The Truth I tell you! The sea is Sophia; Wisdom. Nobody can ever reach its Essence, or even get close to it, no matter how much one tries. Truly, one must love Sophia in order to come to know it. We could only realize such wisdom when we create a balance of the tri-une nature of our beings. Know thyself for the kingdom of Sophia is inside each one of you. And so, on your path, you must shed the light that leads you to it; for Sophia is the Science of the Truth!” the Master proclaimed with passionate faith. A divine grace brightened his sermon  – his words of wisdom – that radiated energy; the way his smile and dignified god-like figure did.

“Are you the Wise One?” A young man asked him, his eyes widened with curiosity.

“No…, no! I’m not the Wise One, son. I’m the Philo-Sophia[31], the Lover of Wisdom…,” Pythagoras proclaimed with modesty. “And I invite you all to share with me this beautiful love.” He smiled divinely.

From that very first sermon, Pythagoras managed to capture the attention of the youth of Crotona. He lifted their minds towards the realm of Truth, and relieved them from the chains of fear that had impeded their search for the unknown. 

 

After that first encounter with the Master, life in Crotona changed drastically for the local youth. They would follow him by the hundreds to the hill, perhaps even by the thousands. Young men and women would join him from every corner of the city to heed a new constructive speech every day. 

Their minds attentive and their hearts willing to receive new edification, they listened to the Lover of Sophia addressing them with affectionate care. The Master knew very well that only his own language of love could reach their hearts, minds, and spirits. In his approach, he simply practiced what he preached.

Yet, to his surprise, some of the young Crotoniates there present at his daily speech insisted in comparing him to the god Jupiter. Others called him the Son of Apollo. To his big displeasure, some claimed him to be the manifestation of the God Apollo himself. He ached to explain that he was a simple man who had reached divinity through many years of preparation and purification of his innermost self. Yet, he judged the time inappropriate for such an honest announcement, whose profound meanings extended far beyond their understanding. He dreaded to be accused of blasphemies against the gods of Greece through ignorance. Hence, he decided to proceed slowly and wisely in relaying his teachings. Once done, he could connect the missing links behind the structure of the hidden Truth.

With his popularity increasing, and the meetings extending way up the hill, worry and anxiety unsettled the political body of Crotona. The Senate deliberated on some drastic actions to impede his sermons. Yet, they ended opting for more astuteness when someone suggested that this could simply be a momentary socio-cultural phenomenon.

Pythagoras disregarded this information that reached him. He prevailed with devotion in his role as Initiate. He had never intended to conspire against the State Council at all. His primary objective, in fact, was to urge the youth to cultivate their knowledge through constant search of the occult meanings behind the phenomenal world. The young Crotoniates in question proved a persistent commitment to his teachings.

The early mornings would witness his enthusiasm on his way up the hill, followed closely by his faithful disciples. As the sun resumed its kingly throne in the celestial realm, it would illuminate Pythagoras’ path towards his own throne of mastership.

On that particular day though, Pythagoras felt driven by a new energy. Upon reaching the usual spot, he halted in astonishment, so did his disciples who expressed their awe out loud. The widespread field appeared jammed with a crowd larger than ever. Pythagoras sensed their passion in the vibrations drifting to him. As he moved forward, murmurs rose like a wave then settled into stillness. The circle of humans opened up to allow his way through, as he greeted them with a sincere smile of approval. It then closed instantly behind his disciples.

Upon reaching the center of their circle, he closed his eyes to absorb in his being the strange feeling that engulfed him. He felt so close to each one of them. His energy spread in all directions then fused with theirs. By the deed of a miraculous phenomenon, both dynamic streams fused and embraced to become one in the presence of the Divine Will.

“I wish you all a good and healthy life, fellow brothers and sisters,” he addressed them with his typical tranquil strength. “You might wonder about me. You might wish to know the intentions behind my previous lectures and my future ones. You might harbor some doubts as well. Yes, you might! Yet, know this, my friends; I speak in the name of Sophia. I speak the Truth!”

Hails of encouragement responded him.

“Today, my message to you is of major significance. I ask you my friends that in your daily life, now and forever, you honor first the Supreme God El-Apollo in complete silence. Then, honor the Immortal gods and the Divine Law that has dispensed them. Always remember your oath in the act of worship. Next, honor the demi-gods[32], and lastly, the men of great deeds!”

“You surely dwell with lots of questions on life itself. Let me tell you: life is a continuity of events, shapes, and numbers that manifest in the course of time and space. The Truth I tell you! Evolution is the law of life! You must know, brothers and sisters, that in some way, you owe evolution to your parents. Thus, you are urged to take care of your elders!”

Pythagoras extended his hands out; one to the East and one to the West. “Respect your parents, and think highly of them. Love them and never give them grief, for they have loved you and cared about you, even before your birth. Listen to this, and listen carefully! You owe them gratitude akin a dead man to the savior who has resurrected him back to the light; to life!”

“Every morning, the sun rises from the East to eventually set in the west in the evening. This happens every single day. In truth, after the act of creation occurred and the process of evolution followed, this cycle of manifestation, which is taken for granted, is one of the greatest laws of nature. I tell you this: the East is much more honorable than the West, and so is the morning if compared to the evening. The beginning, which is the half of the whole, is more valuable than the end, the same way that life is more precious than death – its second half.”

At that, he ended his speech with a vision for them to adopt.

Once again, the large audience expressed their delight on his lecture and moral code. Certainly, his lectures initiated a difference in their thinking method. Their duties towards their parents, as well as the burdens of life and its many complications, appeared less complex! The youth started to absorb his philosophical introduction to matters. They, in fact, comprehended the truth his messages conveyed. His disciples relished in the success of their Master.

 

*  *  *

Pythagoras traveled with his disciples to the adjacent regions; from the closest city of Sybaris to the farthest one of Rhegium. He knew from the elders of each city he visited that, at some point in the past, these cities had endured unjust practices and slavery, and that the residents had turned against each other with brutality. At the time of his visit, corrupt manners still inhabited Rhegium, the last station in his journey before returning to Crotona. Acting at once, he sent his disciples to call on the citizens to assemble in the city square.

“Citizens of Rhegium, heed me! Our instinctive desires coerce us often into harmful deeds that destroy our families and societies,” the Master introduced the issue at once. Standing firm in front of the multitude, he spoke with his distinctive poise. “My friends, the need to control and possess, cripples and dishonors our souls. Once we yield to these destructive impulses, disaster becomes the doom of our societies!”

“I tell you this: human beings tend to seek protection from the unknown, and all that they deem dangerous. To ensure their safety, they react in whatever way they consider valuable to their own security. That includes force at times! And force, my friends, always gives rise to aggression. Such perversity of the human mind triggers prejudice, and eventually enslaves the powerless.”

“Listen and listen carefully! You should unite at once and adopt peaceful and loving manners. Reconcile with your enemies. Discard hostility, injustice, and slavery. This requires courage, so be courageous! But do it with humility and restraint. Commit yourselves to the love of liberty, to the practice of justice, and to a life of equality, for these are the true basis of Sophia!”

At that, he ended his message regarding a pertinent solution to their social issues, and ultimately for a better life.

Motionless, the citizens stood abashed by the strength of his wisdom that seemed to have struck their minds. Truthful and clear, his lexis of reform went straight to the point. It shook them to the last bone, to the last neuron, and to the last thought. He had just inspired them to seek a new horizon, and open up to a new adherence; an allegiance to a nonviolent and devoted humanity within the scheme of an evolving existence.

Pythagoras waited patiently for their reactions. Their eyes reflected a fiery ache to improve their life for the better. He read a new kind of desire in their pensive and moist looks. The dreamy nostalgia switched to a glow of hope, and then veered to fierce determination. Their faces brightened and their chins lifted. Women wept with emotion. Men turned to each other with a friendly smile. Some slapped each others’ backs. Some shook hands. The elderly nodded several times with a sense of relief. The youngsters among them drew nearer to gawk at him in adoration.

Sensitive to their joyful vibrations, Pythagoras smiled with affection. Eratocles whispered in his ear, “Master, you have just succeeded in creating a new feeling in them; a new life!”

“Yes indeed!” he murmured in a husky tone. He turned to discern the same emotion in his disciples.

Lacon cleared his throat and asked, “Now what, Master?”

“We move on!”

“Where to?

“To the next city!” He commanded with a grin of triumph that all his disciples returned at once.

 

And so they fared back from one city to another with the same faith and determination. Delighted, they experienced equal emotional reactions in every city they visited. From Catanes to Himaera, Agrigentum, and Tauromenium – ending in Sybaris – Pythagoras made sure to leave the people with the profound mark of his philosophy. Satisfaction and contentment escorted them back to Crotona.

On their trail, all doubts about his nature and capabilities waned away; a path of light, strongly and surely, diffused far beyond the physical boundaries of the cities. He and his disciples preached a better life.

Wide and far, the news spread that the Master, with his profound wisdom, had surpassed the Greek sages and all the Mediterranean Hierophants known to humankind at that time. From then on, Pythagoras stood forth as the synthesis of the human Hokmah par excellence.

 

*  *  *

One day in early spring, the Master undertook a lonely journey through the fields that linked Sybaris to Crotona. He reveled in the mild weather and the fresh air. The rising sun essayed timid tints on his white robe, and radiant hues on the soft waves of the sea.

While treading on the shore, he caught sight of some small boats nearing the beach. He stopped to observe the local fishermen. Upon reaching dry land, they jumped out in a good mood and hauled their boats further in. They then proceeded in downloading their laden nets. Smiling at their happiness, he lingered around for a while. He halted near a group of three fishermen at their tasks of the early morning.

“Good morning, brave people,” he greeted cordially. “A good catch today, it seems! Your net is loaded.”

The elder one among them lifted bright eyes at him then replied, “Yes indeed. We fared the sea all night. Hard work pays back.”

Pythagoras approved, “No doubt, you must wonder how many fish you caught today.”

“Hundreds!” exclaimed the youngster, probably the son from his physical resemblance. The third man chuckled in delight.

“Hundreds? Are you sure?” Pythagoras uttered in amusement. “How about if I tell you the exact number of fish in your net?”

It might have sounded like a joke of some sort, but he knew for certain that these hard-bitten men would accept his challenge, no matter how gentle.

They went still for a while, perplexity showing in their eyes. Suddenly, they cracked open in disbelief.

“Come on! You don’t believe yourself to be some kind of god, do you?” the son enjoined. 

The father shook his head in annoyance, pointed his finger at Pythagoras in accusation, and admonished, “You know? We often hear of people alleging to know the unknown. And guess what… they always turn out to be nothing more than crazy fellows!”

A general guffaw mocked the Master who responded with a smile. Unscathed by the scorn, he browsed the sea with his eyes. The waves seemed to whisper to him, Maybe it is time….

Probably, why not? He thought, weighing the conditions appropriate for the manifestation of his divinity.

“Try me!” He commanded evenly and ceased smiling. With a serious confidence of his inner power, he stared at them in turn.

They came to a standstill, so did the silent moment that elapsed like a cloud of mist.

“I shall predict the exact number of fish,” Pythagoras affirmed. “However, you must promise me something when my prediction comes true.”

The son smirked and asked, “And what would that be?”

“You shall return the fish, alive, back to the sea.”

The reaction came at once from the three fishermen.

“What?”

“It’s our food in there, our weekly income!”

“Alive?”

“That’s what we do for a living!”

Pythagoras raised the palm of his hands to command silence. “Leave your problems and worries to me. Have faith. I shall solve them all.”

They hesitated. The son poked his father on the hip while he threw glimpses of dread at Pythagoras. They looked at each other with concern then the eldest scratched his head.

“Tell me, why should we do that?” The father flaunted in feeble flout.

“Because if you don’t, you will never know if I can, or not, deliver what I promise,” Pythagoras sounded calm but a hint of defiance lingered over their exchange.

“Okay then, say it!”

Pythagoras turned slowly to the net and stood still. His eyelids half-closed, he examined the fish, alive still but not for long.     Mist blurred his vision and the inner eye of his mind read clearly a three digit number.

He veered back to the fishermen and intoned with confidence, “153 fish[33]!”

“Is it so?” The eldest sneered and his companions grinned in derision. “Let’s see then!”

They dashed to spread the contents of their net on the golden sand. Pythagoras observed the process with quiet vigilance. It took them a considerable amount of time to count them all, yet the fish remained alive in the presence of the Lover of Sophia.

With the last fish, they sagged back on the sand with livid faces then gawked at him, astounded. The number he had predicted was indeed exact!

Pythagoras felt a surge of fatherly affection towards them at their, suddenly patent, vulnerability. Smiling at them, his tone kind, he rendered, “You may now return the fish back to the sea.”

They leaped to their feet, gathered the fish with fearful glances in his direction, and threw them all back into the sea. Having done that, they walked back to stand, in wait, in front of him. To their surprise, Pythagoras drew a few coins out of his pouch and handed them over.

The three men gaped down at the money then shook their heads in refusal.

“You have families to feed,” Pythagoras insisted in a tone of authority.

The eldest, the father, took the coins with humility, “Thank you, uh… Master,” he added, not knowing for sure how to address him.

Pythagoras smiled then requested their silence on what had just happened. At that, he moved on.

A few meters ahead, he sensed their presence at a respectful distance behind him. His intuition told him that they had followed him at once. He shook his head when he heard them asking people on the shore about him.

Naturally, the incredible story spread around, racing throughout Sybaris to Crotona, and even farther away to the city of Rhegium. His disciples informed him, later on, that much fervor and faith kindled the narration of his deed. Many called him Pythagoras, the miracle-worker.

Consequently, a large number of people showed eagerness to meet him, listen to him, or simply glimpse at the extraordinary Master. Citizens and visitors, from all around the Italian cities, flooded Crotona.

 

*  *  *

By that time, Pythagoras’ fame had spread out and crossed borders. The Senate could no longer consider him a mere temporary socio-cultural phenomenon, but more of a tide in expansion that risked swapping them over. In addition, to deem him a charlatan would be a terrible mistake. The followers and devotees of this real, human enigma numbered in the hundreds. Capable of almost anything, they would stand up to keep and protect him if needed!

Pythagoras knew that these facts worried the State Council of the Thousand. The news reached him that the House of Senate had issued an urgent call to its members to discuss the matter in a closed summit. Thus, when a day later, they summoned him to their presence, he nodded with a simple smile and went to meet them.

In spite of their nervous stances and anxious looks, they welcomed him with honorable manners. The due greetings done with, the head of the Senate took his presidential seat to start. A blue shoulder-band covered the right side of his white tunic and blue trims enhanced the sleeves.

He pierced Pythagoras with sharp eyes and intoned, “Pythagoras, son of Phoenicia! We have heard what you have been teaching to our youth. It is all good… very good, in fact, all these social and moral codes,” he emphasized with a waving gesture of his hand, “they are indeed commendable! Actually, we very much approve!”

The senators all nodded in confirmation.

“And yet!” he snapped. “We wonder, why? What is your intention in assuming such a burden all by yourself?”

The question carried more suspicion than caring concern. Pythagoras would not fall into this political trap.

“With all due respect, gentlemen, since you approve of my teachings, then, asking the reason – why – is of no relevance,” he answered with the calm confidence known only to those who have deepened in the sagacity of life and beyond. “Behold, I do not carry the burdens of life on my own, we all do; we humans walking the troublesome path of this existence.”

Silence reigned for a moment.

Time for them to think…

“What about that power of yours?” One of the high senators broke the silence in a challenging tone. He dashed towards him and looked him squarely in the eyes. “Yes! We heard about it! Some of us have even witnessed it. Come now, tell us! What is your mystery?”

Pythagoras held the accusing attitude in the power of his coolness. The senator hesitated for a second then charged on, “Allow me to ask you another question. What is that unseen power that allows you to guide the spirits of the people, especially those of our young men and women?”

“There is no mystery at all,” Pythagoras replied in a serene voice. “That unseen power that makes you wonder is nothing more than the power of Hokmah; Sophia. It is there in each one of us, in each one of you, fellow men. It is just lying dormant, waiting to be awakened. The Truth I tell you; it is not a matter of me guiding the youth, but a matter of a fusion between my Essence and theirs. They are drawn to me in the same way that I am drawn to them.”

Bewilderment walloped the administrators in total stillness for a while. They then gazed at each other in confusion. Soon, murmurs emerged as they shared their deductions.

Pythagoras waited. His powerful hearing skill grasped most of their exchange. He perceived their reassurance concerning their previous assumption that he might be a threat to them. They seemed to have accepted his words as honest and clear, and considered them of divine meaning. He sensed their vibrations of insecurity. They still needed an answer to one question; a dilemma that harassed their minds and hearts. He knew for certain what bothered them still, yet he waited.

At last, someone dared to put it forward. “We heard… hmmm… how should I put it? Well… We heard that you have performed a miracle. Some people see in you a god. Some regard you as the only manifestation, or one of the manifestations, of the God Apollo. Are you?” he snapped in accusation.

Pythagoras shook his head in amused disbelief. “Me… incarnating the god Apollo… or being his manifestation?” He exclaimed in their direction. “Aha… how could that possibly be? I was born to a woman. Don’t you know?” He smirked, and they smiled back in relief. “Honestly, what could have made you think that? Listen, I have informed the young Crotoniates of who I am, and I, here, reconfirm it to you, fellow brothers. “I am the Lover of Sophia. That’s who I am!” The Master declared loud and firm. “I strongly recommend you bear in mind, at all times, that the act of procreation is sacred simply for being a natural phenomenon. You must always consider it with high respect. In truth, it is the only way by which myriad souls are incarnated into the world.”

Even had they fathomed the depth of his statement, the senators could not have responded to it. Their concern appeared to focus on the nature and aim of Pythagoras. They, in fact, shared looks of reprieve and chuckled, amused at having believed the rumors and wrongfully accusing him.

Pythagoras sighed, inwardly disappointed by their narrow minds. He decided to advance the statement more clearly and proclaimed out loud. “Of course, reproduction is the way for the soul to reincarnate, but only in the manifested life.”

Everybody went silent. The reaction he had wished for failed to ensue. Again, his last declaration went unfathomed. However, he regained some level of hope when they prompted to ask him to convene with them more often in the near future. They appeared eager to heed more of his wisdom. They – the actual leaders of the people – intended to communicate, in turn, his knowledge to their citizens.

Obviously, such a request from the Senate stood as a direct invitation for him to carry on with his vision and mission. He appreciated such a significant opportunity for expansion, to develop his concepts, and educate the general public. In return, Pythagoras reassured them that his teachings would not endanger the Dorian[34] constitution of Crotona in any way, but would instead confirm and enhance it.

The smiles they wore brightened the mood in the House of Senate. All their doubts, regarding him as a possible threat, vanished never to return again. Truth be told, Pythagoras embodied the characteristics of a Spiritual Reformer.

“Remember, honorable Senators. The city has been entrusted to your care by your ancestors. Your political positions in the government are a grant from your compatriots to you. What you have obtained is a common heritage to all. Hence, my recommendation is that you govern your country accordingly, and legate it, in due time, to the next generation with similar wisdom and value.”

He moved around the circular hall of the House then halted at the center where he stood firmly and stared at each in turn.

“Please, pay attention to what I am about to convey to you now. These are major suggestions for the administrative running of your beloved city, Crotona. They are only five but of major impact. Listen!

 

- Be equal in everything you do to and for your citizens. Represent them honestly and serve them wisely as only true leaders do. If you ever need to make an exception, let it be through Justice. Only Justice should occupy a position of Authority. And so, be just, for every man and woman loves fairness.

- Be worthy of your words. Do not use the gods as objects of oath, for they must be dissociated from the laws of the city. Instead, make sensible choices in managing the government, and manage it rightly! This should earn you a good reputation and trustworthiness, and allow you to resolve issues without the need of oaths.

- Be faithful in everything you do and undertake. Be truthful with everyone around you, especially with your friends, and in particular with your wives; these companions of your life! Abstain from having affairs outside the institution of earthly marriage. This is important for you to avoid the destruction of your family and of society, and to ultimately circumvent the bastardization of the nation.

- Be caring individuals so that you may prevent people from acting wrongly. Do not let them fear the punishment of law. Instead, instill them with a deep respect for good manners. Give them that opportunity, for it is the only way and the only good thing that makes them see the path of truth.

- Be cooperative with those who contradict you. Do not feel offended at all by their differing opinions. Instead, you should approach their ideas with an open mind. Try to benefit from their concepts before reaching a conclusion. I tell you: live democratically!”

 

The State Council of the Thousand remained seated for a long moment after Pythagoras had concluded his speech. Then, as if moved by the same spirit, they stood up together at once, and gathered around him in awe and admiration. They shook his hand, one by one, expressing their gratitude; praising his wonderful speech of reform and his remarkable suggestions.

In fact, Pythagoras, who really disliked politics, never meant to create a new form of government. That was never part of his actual mission. But necessity called upon him to act because of the many injustices taking place in the cities. His main focus bounded him to cultivate the youth’s knowledge, the opportunity to extend his impetus to the governing class merged in as a must. He, in fact, wished for them to realize that their leadership should utterly harmonize with a philosophical way of life. Ultimately, the socio-political set of reforms and the moral-religious set of laws he communicated, to both the politicians and the people, contained none other than the authentic elements of wisdom; Sophia!

*  *  *

Months elapsed and Pythagoras succeeded in attracting a large number of rich citizens, including the majority of the Senate, and the young men and women of Crotona. Truth be told, the Master throve in restoring their independence and liberty. The Senate, who had come to trust him to a high degree, acclaimed his input as foremost. All the Italian cities – from the far-away Rhegium, to the closest, Sybaris – followed suit in accepting the same providence. Such an enormous accomplishment earned him more esteem than ever before. His ambition and willpower to improve human life created a breakthrough at that time. The rigid and long adopted systems in their social, cultural, and political context changed drastically.

Pythagoras persevered. With his popularity increasing, he came up with a plan to build an exclusive Institution for his disciples. Wealthy Crotoniates expressed enthusiasm and committed to support the noble project. Encouraged, Pythagoras proposed his idea to the House of Senate during one of their weekly meetings.

“An Institute? How interesting!” The head of the Senate exclaimed. “Let’s hear it!”

Eager to advance his initiative, Pythagoras did not hesitate. “The project would form a fraternity of secular Initiates who would live in a community inside a school of life, without being secluded from society. Those among them who are found worthy of holding a tutorship (Mastership) would be immediately appointed to teach the sciences of: Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, and Religion. Based on the rules of the Community, the young men would be submitted to essential examinations before being admitted for further instruction. Under the guidance of the Grand Teacher (High Master) of that future prestigious scholarly Order, these young men would progress through different and successive degrees of Education (Initiation). And that would be intended, if I may say, according to their levels of intellect and their good will.”

“Furthermore, those who wished to formally adhere to the Circle of Teaching (Circle of Initiation), and I mean those best qualified to become Teachers (Members of the Inner Circle), would be asked to relinquish their wealth to a curator. In case they wished to leave at a later stage, they would simply recuperate their money. Undoubtedly, there should also be a section for young women to favor from an adequate Education (Initiation) that better suits their roles in life.” 

Thrilled to have such an innovative institution in their city, the Senators promised to discuss it meticulously in private. And so they did during the several days that ensued. Their decision taken at last, they summoned him straight away.

An honoring welcome received him in the House of Senate upon his arrival.

“Congratulations, Pythagoras! The votes were unanimous in favor of the execution of your project,” the head of the Senate informed him, at once, his tone official. “It is there, noted down on the calendar of our affairs for now and the years to come.”

Amidst the sound of applauses, and overwhelmed by the apparent affection their smiles expressed towards him, Pythagoras delighted in the positive decision.  

My vision will soon see the light! His heart cheered out. The Philosopher in him declared out loud, “I tell you this: the most excellent men of all times are the ones who can discern the benefits for their society. They are the ones who heed and learn from the useful events experienced by others before them!”

Flattered, they rejoiced openly in his statement.

 

*  *  *

Some three years elapsed in the memory of the people of Crotona before they, the disciples and followers of Pythagoras, smashed down a brothel at the outskirts of the city, on the order of the House of Senate. And so it happened that on the same spot, there on the hill, they began building a Temple meant for the Muses[35] in the year 515 BCE.

Evergreen trees fenced in the construction of that edifice. In spite of its unfinished status, one could already see the greatness and beauty of its structure. The gates already looked fabulous, and so did the well-designed gardens of beckoning fragrances. There in the middle, a very modest residence was planned for the Master. In his belief that he should always remain in the center, he had opted to build his house in the axis of the gardens. He considered this essential for his energy to radiate throughout the circumference. Moreover, such a position would make a strong statement that he would always remain close to everyone and everything without, nonetheless, taking sides.

Months later, the construction successfully achieved; the Temple of the Muses rose in all its glory and majesty. It stood on the green hill akin a queen on her throne. Next, they commenced two novel constructions: a house for Pythagoras and two dormitories – for male and female disciples, and students within the starting community.   

After settling down in his new house up the hill, a month later, Pythagoras considered that the time had come for him to speak again to the youth. He left his cozy dwellings and went to the city to commune with the young men gathered at the Temple of Apollo.

“Dear brothers! I came to check on you and see how you are faring.”

Thrilled by his approach, they all shared the events of their week.

“Talk to us, Master!” they invited him to speak. “Tell us some of your thoughts!”

Pythagoras smiled at their eagerness. “Well, I will gladly offer you some important advice; useful stances that you should seriously consider as you walk the path of life. Heed me, for the Truth I tell you!

 

- Do not condemn anyone, and do not take retribution against those who condemn you.

- It is easy for the moderate among you to uphold truthfulness in their lives, yet beware the difficulty in sustaining such value as time goes by. Hard it is, as well, on those inadequately nurtured to adopt honesty. And it is similarly hard for those who are simply negative.

- If you decide to take the path of Truth and Honesty, then follow the steps of those who have preceded you and left their imprints in life. Learn not to oppose them for you might offend them.

- Finally, I tell you this! Practice heedfulness for, thus, you will be able to communicate correctly and be heard accordingly. When you speak, be brief and concise. A remarkable impression can be achieved with few simple and modest words.”

 

The youth rushed their questions on him. Hence, he remained with them for a while to counsel and converse before bidding them goodbye. 

 

On his way farther into the city, he halted at the Temple of Juno where young women gathered for their religious services. With cheerful cordiality, they greeted him.

“Are you coming to share with us some of your wisdom, Master?” A young woman asked him with hopeful eyes.

“Certainly, if you wish so,” he grinned amiably.

“Of course we do!” the reply came unanimous.

They, at once, settled down on the steps of the Temple. Pythagoras remained standing yet his demeanor reflected his modest character.

“Dear sisters, I will be glad to give you four pieces of advice to apply as you venture through life. Heed me and learn, for only the Truth I tell you!!

 

- Above all, live by a grand sense of high moral values. Be modest and fair, so that the gods may hear your prayers. 

- Do not worship the gods with sacrifices of blood and bodies. Instead, offer them something made by your own hands. Cakes would be a good example. And when you do that, do not exaggerate your offerings for that stance curtails your obligation. Know, instead, that the most righteous thing is the act itself.

- Love your husbands with all your hearts, the same way you love your parents. Neither oppose them, nor be submissive. Instead, perform sacred rites the same day of your union. It is lawful to do so for you are children of the earth.

- Now listen to this! Your gender is the most fitting among all the children of God for religious devotion. Take as example the Priestess-Medium of the Temple of Delphi. She always brings the unknown to light through oracles. Hence, I say, do not wear expensive garments as you do now. Instead, enter the Temple with extreme reverence and simple attire, void of any luxurious influence.”

 

              He spoke with kindness all along. At the end of his session, he announced, “Know that from now on, I shall refer to the unmarried and virgins among you as Proserpine-Astarte. The bride shall carry the name of Nympha, and the mother shall be named Mater. As for the grandmother, I shall identify her as Maia.”

 

That night, Pythagoras returned, to his small abode, elated. By contributing his wisdom to the youth of Crotona, he had granted them the opportunity to join the unique community he was about to start. In truth, he presently had succeeded in paving for them the good way.

 

*  *  *

His powerful charisma inspired and encouraged his listeners everywhere. The young Crotoniates were the first to have ever listened to him on Italian soil. His holy character impressed them in such a way that they decided, in spite of his refusal, to call him the divine rather than Pythagoras. He maintained his preference in being referred to as the Philosopher.

Divinity, however, was not at all an inaccurate characteristic bestowed upon him. The divine powers he had effectively manifested, since his exploit with the fishermen, represented a good example for serious consideration.

In fact, an incident in the woods came to assert his divinity even more. A wild bear started to terrorize the inhabitants of the region of Daunia and beyond. The she-Bear caused havoc and destroyed properties. It attacked innocent people and inflicted pain and injuries. After every cruel deed, it prompted to retreat to the woods. The attacks continued on a daily basis until the Master took it upon himself to stop this.

Thus, he lurked on the outskirts of the city one of those days. The moment the huge bear stormed out of the woods to launch one of its brutal attacks, the Master dashed to stand, steadfastly, on its way.

The black bear hurled its large, heavy body at him. The growl it rendered prolonged, loud and deep. Saliva dripped from both sides of its jaw. Its paws, with the curved claws sticking out, knocked the air blindly trying to tear its obstacle apart. Pythagoras did not falter, nor did he move an inch. The beast halted a step away from him. It shook its massive skull angrily. Its jaw widened ferociously. Its bellow filled the air. Yet Pythagoras stood firm, unafraid. He looked at the animal squarely in the eyes, dominated it, subdued it, and held it in rein by his supremacy. The wild animal froze as if petrified.

“On your paws, now!” The Master commanded with a gesture of his right hand, his voice resounding low yet full of authority.

The animal abided at once. Pythagoras closed the distance between him and the beast while he muttered strange words in a velvety voice. In total stillness, the wild bear surrendered to his vigorous caresses and gazed at him in blatant obedience. Without releasing it, Pythagoras extended a hand to the fruits of an oak tree nearby, and picked some to feed the animal. He then walked to the field, followed calmly by the bear. He grabbed some maize and acorns, and gently gave them to the animal to munch on.

For a while, he – the divine – rubbed the thick fur of the beast ever so tenderly. He then edged close to its ear. He commanded it never to hurt or even touch another human being again. Tamed for good and forever now, the wild bear rubbed its massive head on his side in a gesture of affection, or was it apology that it meant? Whatever it was, the subdued beast left meekly for the woods and towards the faraway mountains, never to be seen or heard of again!

The residents of the region spoke of what they had witnessed for years. His reputation as a divine man stormed through the cities of Italy and beyond.

Skepticism and doubt would sometimes challenge the Master in his divinity. Accordingly, he would make sure to prove their holders wrong every time. For those claiming his divine deeds on account of illusions, he would manifest his powers once again, and with strong faith and fervor.

When in Torentum one day, Pythagoras stopped to observe an ox in the field feeding on green beans.

“This is a forbidden plant!” he shouted, before he continued more calmly, “Brave herdsman, I advise you to tell your ox to eat other kinds of food.”

The shepherd, stunned, burst out laughing for quite some time. With a sarcastic smirk, he retorted at last, “My fellow man, I am not sure what you expect! One thing I can tell you, I don’t know how to speak in the language of oxen!” He snorted again, highly amused. “But, please! don’t let my ignorance stop you. If you know yourself, then, you are welcome to tell it so!”

The Master shrugged off his shoulders and marched decisively to the ox. He knelt on one knee to address it. With his velvety voice, he explained why it should not feed from the beans of the field. The ox stood still, in attention, all the time that the Master took in communicating his reasons. To the shepherd’s amazement, his ox nodded several times, turned to rub his head on Pythagoras’ shoulders, and then toddled away. Bewildered and wordless, the shepherd gaped at him. Pythagoras smiled, bid him farewell, and continued on his way.

The tale of the ox spread through time. People came to know that ever since that episode, the animal never approached this plant again, or ate from it. It lived to an old age near the Temple of Hera and became regarded as sacred!

These feats, and others of similar or disparate nature, demonstrated that the powers of the Master comprised nothing of sorcery or magic tricks. They simply reflected the true manifestation of the Divine Hokmah that emanated directly from his mouth. He, in truth, held the power of the verb!

 

*  *  *

Pythagoras’ followers increased enormously in the following months. The main reason behind this wondrous triumph surged from his input on the socio-political changes of Crotona and the adjacent regions. In addition to this, his spiritual insights, his teachings of wisdom, and his miracles drove thousands of people to his abode on the hill. These major incentives formed, in effect, the backbone of his mission.

One calm day in which Pythagoras worked inside his humble residence, vibrations of thrill drifted to him from his window. He tried to ignore them and reverted to his task at hand. He focused again on finalizing the basic procedures for the Order and the Doctrine. He believed that this plan would contribute a major impact on the process of improvement of mankind.

The vibrations intensified, along with the imminent sound of a crowd. The noise broke the chain of his thoughts. By need, he pushed his notes aside, stood up in annoyance, and approached his window. A multitude of people filled the center of the Institute, requesting his presence. He smiled with affection and stepped out on the porch of his house.

The crowd cheered in exultation at seeing him.

“Peace upon you, my friends!” he greeted them by lifting his right hand.

The mass responded with applauses. People called out his name, saluted him, and hailed him with words of praise. Pythagoras decided to address them with his wisdom, at once, in order to calm them down.

His voice rose strong above the noise. “Life, my friends,” he proclaimed in introduction, and the crowd settled down. “Life resembles the Olympic Games. Its participants are of three different categories. First, the contestants who participate for the sake of the game; the second dwells among the audience and it represents those who attend for the sole purpose of engaging in commerce during the games. But the wisest fellows, I tell you, are form the third category! They are those who come simply to enjoy the show. They are the ones who find their happiness there.”

“The ingress of men to this present life is like the succession of a throng within a society of different views and backgrounds. Some are influenced by the need of money and luxuries, which are the first evils that invade our homes and cities! On the other hand, there are those who abide by their love of power and dominion, and those who are controlled by their desire for glory. However, my friends, I tell you this! The purest among them all are those who contemplate the most magnificent and uplifting things in life. Those are the Philosophers!”

“Listen to me, and listen carefully! Nothing really happens in life by chance. Fortune cannot afford you what you strongly desire to possess, or endeavor to have. It is only by the Divine Will that things happen, in particular to good and pious men and women!”

His words appeared to make a strong impact in the minds and hearts of the people there assembled. He had just openly invited them to pursue Philosophy, and that was, in truth, what he had aimed to achieve all along. However, none seemed to heed a main component of his speech yet, as had been the case in many of his precedent ones. Up until now, no one appeared to understand that his term ‘this present life’ referred to a doctrine of reincarnation!

“Human life,” he resumed, “is divided into four stages: our Spring that sees us as children and youth for twenty years; our Summer that journeys us through adulthood for twenty years; our Autumn in which we enjoy our maturity for another twenty years; and finally, the Winter of our existence that encompasses our old age for twenty more years. Obviously, these periods are in union with the four seasons of our Mother Nature!”

On that note, the Master smiled to them with fondness, and without waiting for their questions and cheers, he waved farewell and went back inside. He intended for them to wonder on their own about the profound meaning of this factual statement. He deemed this analogy to portray the association and union, not only between humans and Nature, but with all the earthly creatures as well.

‘It is but with the eyes of wisdom that we can discern their mysterious and unique resemblance,’ he murmured as he reverted back to his work.

 

At sunset, one of those days, Pythagoras lived through a very strange occurrence. Accompanied by some of his disciples on one of his tours, he reached the River Kosas[36] (Casus) near Metapontium. They decided to stop for a rest. Pythagoras informed them that he intended to pay his respects to the spirit of the river and went to settle on the bridge.

While deep in contemplation, a strange whisper greeted him. He opened his eyes to look around then scrutinized the river for the source of the call.

“Fear not! I am your loving Father!” the voice intoned in the breeze.

Pythagoras realized then that the call reached him from the higher spheres of his divine inner realm.

“I place in your hands the foundation of the Kosmic Kingdom!” the voice commanded sotto voce yet it resonated strongly inside his being. 

Back home, the day after, alone with his thoughts, he followed by heart the voice that had talked to him. He considered the feasibility of dividing the organization of his Order into two circles. The first would be the Inner Circle where only the esoteric knowledge would be explored. The mysteries of the known and the unknown would also be revealed to those qualified at the Initiation.

The second, the Outer Circle, would enroll all the other members who would live, or not, inside the city with the members of the Inner Circle. The Outer Circle would have access only to the exoteric rites of the cult of Apollo, the Supreme God, the One – the mystical Monad. The cult of the Muses would also be accessible to them. Along with that exoteric religious devotion, they would be led to seek a life of high social development.

Abiding to his vision, the Lover of Sophia undertook that day the establishment of the basic concepts of his Doctrine. He considered the first step to be the belief that man replicated the whole universe within himself; the second step, the belief in the immortality of the soul and, finally, the belief in reincarnation and the transmigration of the soul; in short, Metempsychosis.

As a matter of fact, Pythagoras envisioned the organization of the Order in a wisely process. He aspired to create both a religious-spiritual and a secular society of brothers and sisters. Moreover, when it came to the Doctrine, he integrated all the principles he acquired from the Canaano-Phoenicians, the Egyptians, the Chaldeans, the Zoroastrians, and the Hindu Gymnosophists.

Accordingly, the Pythagorean Society was born. It included a school of complete education that took into account mostly all the sciences of life. With careful studies of the theories, and the cautious performance of their practices, the novice should find the path to a mathemagical harmony of the spirit and mind with the universe.

That devise represented the arcane true Philosophy that he intended to reveal to both Circles within his Society. It would strongly evoke the rising of the human intellect towards the higher level of consciousness: God – the Universal Mind – to whom men and women would merge. 

It would be, ipso facto, an inner actualization of the Truth. That Sublime Truth would absorb all people into its realm if, of course, they would aim for it of their own free will. A realm where the deepest impellers of faith would reside! It would be the true goal that every human being was created to achieve.

The Master was determined to make out of Philosophy the true religion of Sophia. And henceforth, his steady direction and close up guidance brought about the first prosperous phase of the exact model of the perfect city. Surely and steadily, he moved it towards the manifestation of the utopian way of life.