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Ariadne/Chapter Three: Leonardos

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Chapter Three:
Leonardos

Still impressed by what she heard, Ariadne slowly descended the steps of the amphitheater. Almost all the listeners had already dispersed, only a few had surrounded Pythagoras and asked questions.

A little in the distance, Ariadne saw a young man who seemed familiar to her. He had perfect complexion, thick light curly hair, some strands of which had so burned in the sun that they had turned a light golden color, and shining eyes.

Ariadne could not take her eyes off him, because there was something else surprisingly beautiful in him. It was as if he somewhat resembled Pythagoras himself, but not outwardly! He, like Pythagoras, radiated the Divine Energy — pure and radiant…

And suddenly, she remembered: he was her childhood friend from Athens, Leonardos!

Ariadne joyfully approached:

“Is it really you, Leonardos?”

“Yes, Ariadne! How glad I am to see you! You have become such a beauty!”

“I’m very glad too, Leonardos! You have changed so much! I could hardly recognize you! Are you with Pythagoras?”

“Oh yes, Ariadne! I’ve changed a lot — thanks to Him!

“Yes, I am with Him! We are constructing a school here, in which there will be training for those who aspire to Wisdom and Beauty!

“There will be temples where people can remain in silence and listen to Divine Revelations. Also, there will be houses for all the students, and an amphitheater in which we will listen to Pythagoras! There will be paths along the sea, a place for swimming, and a beautiful garden!

“Do you want to come with me? I’ll show you all this!”

“Let’s go! I was very interested while listening to His speech!”

… On the way, they talked:

“Tell me: how did you get to know Pythagoras?”

… Leonardos pondered briefly, then began the account:

“Now, even just remembering it makes me feel ashamed… There was a trial of three Athenian citizens. The speakers spoke in turns: in accusation or defense. The charge was false and the sentence was cruel. The orator who spoke in defense was inept, his statements in defense of the accused were weak and uninformed. He occasionally blushed, or occasionally turned pale in excitement, but he could not connect his thoughts into orderly evidence and clothe the truth in words…

“My friend and I used to go to such meetings to have fun and practice wit. But we never spoke publicly. We never worried about the results, there was only a false pleasure from the feeling of superiority over others — superiority in the mind and eloquence…

“And then having already ridiculed the absurdity of accusations amongst ourselves, we scornfully ridiculed the awkward defender.

“Suddenly, Pythagoras appeared us.

“He suggested that I speak in defense of the accused — to act better than the man who was so obviously defeated in the opinion of those who would now have to pass sentence.

“At first, I refused, saying that this fuss about the ridiculous charges was not serious…

“Pythagoras then answered:

‘But the fate of those three people is dependent on these words! Do you not have the courage and the intelligence to apply your eloquence to protect them?’

“… In that way, He hurt my pride. And I made a speech.

“It should be noted that my first public speech was not brilliant, but it was a great success.

“I disproved the arguments of both inept prosecutors and the absurd statements of the defender, then I illuminated the situation as I understood it. Under the rapid approval of all listeners, the accused were acquitted.

“The most unexpected thing for me was the gratitude of that unqualified defender, Theoritus, for my speech. He was not hurt at all by my kinky ridicule over his performance. He sincerely rejoiced that my speech showed the truth and saved those people from false accusations and an unfair sentence!

“Pythagoras stood nearby. And suddenly, I became painfully ashamed for all I did, flaunting my wit before people!

“My friend, with whom I mocked, did not understand me and, perplexed by the change that occurred in me, left us.

“But I embraced Theoritus as a friend.

“I can introduce you to him, if you want. His performances now far surpass mine in eloquence. He wanted to master this — and he has succeeded.

“And now I’m attracted to something quite different: the ability to master… Well, we will talk about this later.

“And later, Pythagoras invited both of us to go with Him.

“He said that He had conceived the creation of a spiritual school that included a community of like-minded people — one where wisdom and eloquence serve Truth, where justice has power, where kindness reigns in all its splendor, where evil and other vices are subject to denunciation and annihilation. For they are the greatest folly and insanity that can be inherent in people.

“… And here we are! Look how beautiful it is!”

… The place was really beautiful! There was a wonderful view of the sea, and one wanted to spread one’s wings like a bird and soar over all this natural beauty!

… Leonardos showed Ariadne the future layout of the school. He led her along the slope and the top of the hill and described with delightful words the not yet built houses, and the not yet laid out marble stairs.

Ariadne listened, smiling slightly. So far, only a small group of students worked in the distance, constructing a basin in the path of a mountain stream to form a convenient place to collect fresh water.

“And why are you the ones digging the ground, building a swimming pool, and planting a garden? Why do you carry stones and paint walls? Why do you yourselves — instead of slaves — do the work here?!”

“You are wrong, Ariadne: everyone does the work that is feasible for him or her! As for slaves, there are none and there never will be any! It would be unethical if one person served another out of coercion, and not, instead, out of a desire to help!

“Here, there is only the greatness of those souls who strive for Purity and Light!

“And any earthly work helps them in this!

“Yes, there are among us those who, by the will of fate, were once in slavery. They were bought by Pythagoras. And many of them are much smarter, more honest, and more beautiful souls, than those who think of themselves as aristocrats!”

“Are you hinting at me?”

“Oh no! Not at all! Sorry!…”

… Suddenly, Pythagoras came out to meet them.

Ariadne, surprised, did not know what to say or how to behave…

“I salute the beautiful, by both soul and body, Ariadne! I’m glad that Leonardos spoke so well of our plans!”

… And then, Ariadne did not remember anymore whether Pythagoras was speaking or was silent. That wave of Light that she felt during Pythagoras’ performance — became the Ocean of Divine Light, Which embraced her from all sides and filled her body with bliss…

When she returned to the usual perception of the world, Pythagoras was no longer around.

“I do not remember anything, Leonardos! There was only Light — everywhere: outside and inside me! What was it?”

“The Divine part in you is ready to wake up! You — as a soul — are ready to awaken and comprehend the reality of being. And in it — the world of objects and people, and even the seas and mountains are only a small superficial part of the Great, Perfect, and Whole Creation.

“Shall I escort you home?”

“No, thank you! Now, I must comprehend all this — by myself…”