Venerated Ancient Greek Philosopher Pythagoras (vegan): A Mathematician and Mystic, Part 2 of 2

In 2011, Beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai mentioned that we should learn from the sages of old and new about the ideal lifestyle for humankind. “They never killed or harmed animals, they lived a vegan lifestyle that protects humans, animals, and the environment. They also taught about the power of being virtuous in saving the planet from any threat of harm. For example we can talk forever, there are so many examples, but I’m just citing a few like Pythagoras, the Greek philosopher, said, ‘For as long as man massacres animals, they will kill each other. Indeed, he who sows the seed of murder and pain, cannot reap joy and love. ‘”

Some claim Him to be the “Father of Numbers,” while others credit Him with being known as the first “true” mathematician. What we do know is that the Pythagorean Theorem was named after Him. He taught that everything could be explained by mathematics and that the laws of nature were in harmony with pure mathematics. He believed that numbers were sacred, attributing different meanings to different numbers, much like numerology. Numbers were, according to Pythagoras, of deep spiritual significance, and He preached that “all is number.”

Music is another area where Pythagoras has been highly influential. Music itself was an important element used in His teachings. He believed that music was a purification for the soul, stating: “The highest goal of music is to connect one’s soul to their Divine Nature, not entertainment.” Pythagoras was a musician Himself, and was an accomplished lyre player.

Believing that both the divine and poetic nature of the universe could be understood mathematically, His understanding of astronomy was also well ahead of His time. Pythagoras taught that the movement of the stars and planets in the universe were operating in synchronicity, with mathematical equations. He recognized that the Earth was spherical in shape and that it rotated on its axis. Pythagoras may have been the first to realize that both the morning and evening stars were in fact the same planet, Venus.

Pythagoras was a truly inspirational Teacher of great breadth and depth. His wise insights continue to influence our lives today in many ways, from mathematics, to music, to mysticism.