Pythagorean Philosophy: Secrets, Maxims, and Historical Significance

Taya's courage in silence embodies the Pythagorean spirit of enduring trials for sacred truths.

### The Legacy of Pythagoras: Philosophy, Ethics, and the Pursuit of Virtue
* 👣 In 4th Century BC Italy, Pythagorean philosophers, including the pregnant Taya, faced a deadly encounter with soldiers of the tyrant Dionysius due to their **refusal to cross a field of beans**, leading to their demise except for Taya and her husband Milas.
* ⚔ Milas' defiance against Dionysius highlighted the Pythagorean commitment to their beliefs, as he chose **death over revealing their secrets**, while Taya demonstrated her own strength by **biting off her tongue to prevent divulging their teachings**.
* 📜 The story of Taya resonates particularly with Freemasons, who view Pythagoras as an **ancient brother**, drawing parallels between his **trials** and their own **initiatory practices**.
* 📚 Pythagoras, born in the 6th Century BC, was educated under renowned figures and initiated into various mystery cults, ultimately establishing a school that emphasized the **pursuit of virtue and knowledge**.
* 🔍 The teachings of the Pythagorean school included maxims that offered practical guidance on living a virtuous life, such as **avoiding idleness**, **not succumbing to envy**, and recognizing the **importance of virtue over materialism**.
* 🌌 Iamus, a biographer of Pythagoras, noted the significance of the Pythagorean philosophy, which emphasized the **pursuit of the divine** and the **importance of harmony in society**, asserting that "**the perfect life of man falls short indeed of the life of God**."
* 💭 The Pythagorean maxims, often cryptic, serve as reminders of the **philosophical depth and moral integrity** that define their teachings, urging individuals to **reflect on their actions and the essence of true happiness**.
* 🌟 Ultimately, Pythagoras' legacy continues to inspire those seeking **wisdom and virtue**, reminding us that the **journey of philosophy is as significant as the destination**.

The Righthand Way | Fragments of Pythagorean Philosophy

American Esoteric

The Pythagorean Philosophers and Taya's Heroic Resistance

In the 4th Century BC, Pythagorean philosophers, including the pregnant Taya, were pursued by soldiers of Dionysius for rejecting his friendship.

The Pythagoreans' refusal to cross a field of beans led to their demise, except for Taya and her husband, Milas.

Taya's defiant act of biting off her tongue to avoid revealing Pythagorean secrets has significance in Freemasonry, where Pythagoras is considered an ancient brother.

Pythagoras, after being captured in Babylon, studied various sciences and was known for his miracles and psychic abilities.

Upon returning to Greece, he gathered a cult following and established a school that lasted long after his death.

His teachings included maxims on justice, wisdom, beauty, and the nature of humanity, emphasizing the importance of harmony, mental decision, and avoiding idleness and conflict.

Energy should not be wasted on regret or nostalgia, as it does not lead to our purpose.

Following the masses can bring unnecessary burdens, so it's important to refuse means that are not worthy from the start.

Encouraging virtue and activity in others, rather than idleness, is crucial for personal and collective growth.

The Pythagorean maxims emphasize the importance of avoiding weaknesses and materialism, with "abstain from beans" symbolizing the discomfort of unsustainable possessions.

Modesty and respect for the divine are highlighted, along with the warning against suicide and the importance of pursuing one's higher calling.

The maxims also promote charity, mindful worship, and the significance of the right-hand path in pursuing virtue.

The text emphasizes the importance of cleansing oneself from negative desires and not succumbing to the influence of the masses.

It advocates for civility towards enemies, ethical gains, and not living idly off inherited wealth.

The Pythagorean philosophy, as highlighted by Iamus, stresses the significance of the whole existing prior to its parts and the orderly distribution of particulars in achieving harmony in society.

The Interconnectedness of Life and the Pythagorean Perspective

Biological systems rely on the harmony of their unique parts for proper functioning, with evolution playing a key role in their development.

The Pythagorean tradition emphasizes the self-perfect nature of God and the importance of divine assistance for humans in achieving virtue and reason.

Hipparchus highlights the greater impact of soul diseases compared to physical ailments, warning against the misguided perception of material blessings and the dramatization of loss in life.

The Purpose of Man and the Pursuit of Virtue

Arius emphasizes the importance of understanding the unity of all things in the principle of one God.

The highest virtue of a thing is its perfection, and man is designed to contemplate the wisdom of nature and strive for his own perfection.

The Pythagorean teachings highlight the significance of intellect, deliberate choice, and the pursuit of a single, harmonious path in life to truly understand one's purpose and attain divine knowledge.

The Pythagorean Influence on Philosophy and Morality

The Pythagoreans emphasized the importance of a singular God, contrasting with the polytheistic religions of their time.

Their writings contain deeper theological and moral insights, urging readers to practice their philosophy for personal growth.

Pythagoras is credited with being the first to call himself a philosopher, highlighting the diverse pursuits of individuals in life and advocating for the contemplation of beauty as the highest calling.