The Aphorisms of Pythagoras
by Chris Burns
There is a lot of research to suggest that whilst we consider ourselves much smarter today in comparison to the generations of the past we are not necessarily wiser. In fact our ‘smarts’ are in fact taking us away from what it is to become ‘wise’, that is, to experience what is presently happening and grow from it. One of the greatest early philosophers of his time was Pythagoras and he was truly considered one of the wisest of all.
For the uninitiated the name Pythagoras is probably associated with right-angled triangles but for those that have done some readings about Ancient Greece and the great philosophers they will know Pythagoras as one of the great early philosophers and in fact the person that was declared the first philosopher rather than mystic or healer or other pseudonyms that the great minds were known as back then.
Pythagoras was deeply researched in all areas of life, from mysticism to astronomy and science, to that of healing and everything in between. He was more than willing to share his knowledge on to others but they needed to prove themselves worthy because the ignorant mind could not properly grasp what he had to say. There are reports that a prospective initiate into the Pythagorean schools would have to take a vow of silence for two years before they would be accepted. The reason – that they had to learn how to listen before they could comprehend what was to be said.
This article isn’t going to go into depth on the teaching of the Pythagoreans but instead looks at some of the aphorisms of Pythagoras, things that he stuck fast to in order to live the life that would allow him to continue to become liberated. Consider these like The Commandments sent down to Moses. Here are ten of Pythagoras’s aphorisms, thanks to The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P Hall for both the following aphorisms in bold and the interpretations underneath:
- “Declining from the public ways, walk in unfrequented paths” – Those who desire wisdom must seek it in solitude.
- “Govern your tongue before all other things, following the Gods”- Words, instead of representing you, mostly misrepresent you. If in doubt of what to say, stay silent.
- “The wind blowing, adore the sound”- All things in nature manifest through harmony, rhythm and the natural way. Learn from that.
- “Assist a man in raising a burden; but do not assist him in laying it down”- Aid the diligent but do not assist those who seek to evade responsibility: do not encourage indolence.
- “Speak not about Pythagoric concerns without light”- Do not try to interpret the Mysteries and states of sciences without spiritual and intellectual enlightenment.
- “Having departed from your house, turn not back; for the furies will be your attendants”- You cannot turn back after you begin the search for truth as it is easier to be completely ignorant than know some and stop without learning all.
- “Nourish a cock, but sacrifice it not; for it is sacred to the sun and the moon”- All life is sacred, do not take life of any means without justification. Your body should be preserved as it is your most precious medium of expression.
- “Receive not a swallow inside your house”- If seeking the truth do not let drifting thoughts come into your mind nor shiftless persons. Instead surround yourself with rationally inspired thinkers and conscientious workers.
- “Offer not your right hand easily to anyone”- Keep your own counsel and do not offer wisdom and knowledge to such that are incapable of appreciating them. The right hand represents Truth, which raises those who have fallen because of ignorance; but as many of the unregenerate do not desire wisdom they will cut off the hand that is extended in kindness. Time alone can affect the redemption of ignorant masses.
- “When rising from the bedclothes, roll them together and obliterate the impression of the body” – When awoken from the sleep of ignorance into the state of intelligence eliminate from your recollection all memory of the former spiritual darkness; for a wise man passing leaves no form behind him in which others less intelligent, seeing, shall use as a mold for the chasting of idols.
Pretty profound aren’t they! You’ll notice these are solid rules that the Pythagoreans abided by to help them both continue walking the path toward Truth and not be affected by the ignorance of the masses. As for how to start that walk and start discovering the truth, it is up to you to find the door but if you decide to walk through it be prepared to keep walking as you cannot turn back. Good luck!