Killing Pythagoras (Mediterranean Prize Winner 2015) by Marcos Chicot Page A

again ready to be united with the divine essence. In the community, we purify the body and the mind so that our next reincarnation may occupy a higher position on the wheel of reincarnations. When you work in a disciplined, knowledgeable way, the path toward the divine is faster, and one can even master abilities that transcend what is usually considered possible in a human being.”
    Akenon was captivated by the master’s words. Hearing him, it was impossible to think they might be anything other than the Truth.
    “For example?” he asked in a hushed tone.
    “By achieving a sublime harmony between body and soul one can remember events from past lives, and help others to remember them. One can read men’s minds, control the forces of nature…”
    Pythagoras smiled warmly at him, and Akenon realized he was leaning forward with his mouth open, his eyes like saucers. He sat back, embarrassed because all the masters were looking at him. Even so, he did not stop asking questions.
    “And what is it that allows one to obtain such abilities?” He hesitated for a moment, then said, “Could I achieve any of them?”
    Pythagoras looked silently into his eyes.
    “Akenon, it is good to be ambitious about our personal development, but we also need to be patient. Many who knock on our door are rejected because they’re not motivated by the right reasons. Nor do we allow people to join our School who don’t have the appropriate abilities or temperament. Of those who are accepted, most are initiated only in the external part of the doctrine, the part focused on physical care and moral codes. Almost all of them live outside the communities. On the other hand, those who are accepted as resident disciples must spend at least three years as apprentice disciples: three years of silence, devoted to listening to their masters, studying the basic tenets of our teachings, and meditating.”
    Akenon nodded, remembering the two silent men who had accompanied Ariadne when she went to Sybaris in search of him.
    “If they succeed at this level,” Pythagoras continued, “apprentice disciples begin working on the complex core of the doctrine, trying to understand it with the help of their masters. They then reach the level of mathematician. There they study the properties of numbers and geometric shapes, as well as the proportions and rules that govern music, the movement of celestial spheres, and all of nature’s phenomena.” He leaned toward Akenon as if about to reveal a secret. “Everything comes down to numbers, Akenon, everything is numbers . Those who truly understand this become masters of the doctrine and can begin to transcend the limitations inherent to human nature. Once you understand, you can begin to master. One in every thousand men, if he devotes his life to it, can reach this level.”
    He leaned back again and continued talking.
    “The goal of each man should not be to reach a certain point, but to advance from whatever point at which he finds himself. Advance to where?” he asked rhetorically. “That depends on many factors. You must try to advance one step further every day, and when you go backwards you must push yourself to make up lost ground. Many don’t want to do that, and many can’t. I show the way and act as a guide, but everyone must make his own progress.” He stared at Akenon with pure fire in his eyes. “I see great qualities in you. You could be an initiate, but not a resident disciple. At least, not at this stage of your life. For that, you’d have to renounce things you’re not prepared to give up.”
    Akenon wondered what things Pythagoras was referring to: women? Ariadne appeared for a moment in his mind, and he brushed her quickly aside. Unlimited quantities of food and drink? His freedom? It was true he wasn’t prepared to stop enjoying life in exchange for something he didn’t believe in… He shook his head, surprised to discover his thoughts had become defensive. It must have happened in