“Akua, I’m eager to learn from you how the Eternal Recurrence is known in Egypt. Please explain it to us.”
“Well, I see a major similarity and I also see two different aspects. In the Egyptian desert, dung beetles burrow underneath the sand to emerge at the surface later. The burrowing is symbolic of the end, like a death causes a soul to leave this world. The emergence is like a new beginning, a new day. Also Re journeys and battles every night to finally bring the sun back to start a new day. So in this way, Eternal Recurrence is similar. But in the judgment I have explained, a heart heavy with sin can be devoured by the demon Ammit and thus it is destroyed along with the soul. Furthermore, when a soul leaves this world it does not reenter our life, but it enters the afterlife. And this is unlike here in Greece where someone could transmigrate back to the land of the living.”
“Those are very astute observations. It makes for a good puzzle also. Do we really know what happens after death?” Actaeon asked.
“As I alluded to earlier, I don’t understand how a soul can be destroyed and still be subject to the Eternal Recurrence. In the priesthood, I was taught about a soul being destroyed as it failed judgment but I was also taught about the Eternal Recurrence using examples of the Dung Beetle and Re’s nightly journey. How can a soul destroyed recur? It does not make sense. I like the Greek belief better,” Akua explained with enthusiasm.
Akua’s time at the Academy had managed to ease his mind from all of his troubles. He was unknowingly receiving a type of therapy and for the first time since his time with Nefertet in Heliopolis he was truly happy, for a few more days anyway.
“Akua, you have given us food for thought, we will think about it, but not tonight. I saw Kyros this morning and he invited us all to Philon’s house tonight for a symposium,” Actaeon said.
*
When Akua arrived at Kyros’s house at the end of the day, he immediately asked a question,
“Kyros, is there a symposium tonight?” Akua asked without knowing what a symposium was.
“Yes there is. I would have told you earlier, but Philon just confirmed that it was going to happen today.”
“What is a Symposium like?”
“It is a good time. We relax and drink wine. Sometimes it is of a serious nature. As it is about a thirty minute walk to Philon’s house, we should leave soon,” Kyros said.
Kyros led Akua through the streets of southern Athens. About twenty minutes into the walk, Akua began to see larger homes and servants of those homes still at work tending gardens of flowers, trees, and broad-leafed plants. Akua and Kyros were now surrounded by the upper class of Athens.
Kyros knew the house well. It was more beige than the stark white houses that dominated the neighborhood. They walked up a series of wooden steps to the front door.
“Glad you could make it Kyros,” Philon said as he opened the door.
“And it is my pleasure to see you Akua. Please follow the voices to what I call my festive room.”
As they walked through the house, they saw Philon’s wife sitting on a couch and sewing. It was the most elaborate living room either of them had ever seen. The largest wall was decorated with a big tapestry lined with gold trim and sporting a human-sized portrait of Zeus. In the center of the room, Philon’s daughter cradled a book as she lied on the floor in a prone position. Walking past the kitchen, Akua saw three slave girls busily preparing food. Akua saw six nicely decorated wine jars. His mouth watered as he envisioned tasting Greek wine.
The back room was furnished with five plush couches that would seat three people each. Upon entering the room, a tall man with curly black hair and a full beard handed Akua and Kyros a garland of fresh flowers.
“My name is Aiolos. Put the garlands on your head and take a seat. The food and wine will be served shortly.”
“I am Kyros and beside me is Akua.”
“Akua, are you from Italy?” Aiolos asked.
Kyros felt at ease answering for Akua.
“Of course he isn’t. You know, that would be an insult to some. Akua is a priest from Egypt. He is learning many things from his stay here.”
Akua was somewhat annoyed with Kyros answering for him, but by now he was used to it. Before Akua and Kyros sat down, they walked over to greet the two other men in the room whom they did not know.
“Greetings, I am a priest at Athena’s temple and my friend is a priest that has traveled from Egypt. My name is Kyros and my friend’s name is Akua,” Kyros said as they remained seated.
Both men just looked at Akua and Kyros.
“I am Haimon. I am a court advisor here in Athens,” one of the men said.
“And I am Eurtropios. I am a law worker also. Next year, I plan to run for the Athenian Senate,” the other main said.
Akua and Kyros sat down on the couch next to Mathias and Makarios from the Academy. Servants had just finished putting out the food and wine as Philon walked in. After the last servant exited, Philon pulled the door shut. Aiolos took a seat on the couch next to Akua and Kyros. The room was filled with nine men in all.
“I am glad you all are here. This is my first small symposium of the year. Tonight, I will be the symposiarch and I have plenty of food and drink to enjoy. I do have one short announcement and other than that, I hope we all have a great time,” Philon said to his guests.
“So tell us of the announcement now, while the night is still young,” Haimon said.
“Tonight, the Philosophers Tour has arrived in Athens from its northern leg. And before the last leg, I have arranged for a private lecture. The lecture will take place tomorrow in the theatre. The esteemed Plato will be the featured presenter,” Philon said.
“Excellent! Thank you very much!” Actaeon exclaimed.
Everybody in the room thanked Philon for arranging the lecture. Akua wanted a little background on Plato though. He knew of Plato’s connection to Pythagorean thought but nothing more.
“I’m not very familiar with Plato. I just know he started the Academy. What does he believe?” Akua asked to anyone that would answer him.
“Plato is a freethinker. He is a genius in math and philosophy. His contributions to Greek knowledge are many,” Haimon answered.
Okay. Haimon did not really answer my question.
“Akua, Plato is a Pythagorean. He has studied what we have talked about at the Academy concerning Pythagoras. So expect to hear tomorrow a lecture that is rooted in Pythagorean thought. Also, he is passionate about freethinking. That is why he started the Academy. Tomorrow he may address many topics, but whatever he chooses will be presented with passion, integrity and strong intellect,” Actaeon said to Akua.
“I think I will learn some new things tomorrow. Thanks for including me,” Akua said.
“The remainder of the evening is for the pursuit of fun, drunkenness and relaxation. With this, I have decided against diluting the wine with water, so it will be strong. Please get up and get some food and drink,” Philon said to all.
Akua was the first to the wine table. He grabbed a bowl-like container with handles on the sides for drinking wine. In the black colored wine jug was a very dark wine. It was darker than any in Egypt. Akua filled his bowl and walked back to the couch to set it down.
Everyone proceeded to get a modest portion of food and a bowl filled with wine. Akua filled his plate mostly with seafood, a perk of being in Greece.
“Akua are you married?” Aiolos asked.
“No I’m not. I have a love from Egypt and we are soon to be married.”
Akua immediately felt awkward. But he did not want to let anyone know of his situation. He was not about to let them in on his personal business.
“Is your love with you here?” Aiolos asked.
“No.”
“Why not?”
Kyros even paused from chewing on a bread roll to hear Akua’s answer. Akua fashioned a little lie for Aiolos.
“She had to stay back in order to care for her mother. It is hard being apart, but I w
ill return to Egypt soon.”
Akua felt bad for lying to them. Akua had managed to let his memories of Meehi and the priesthood subside up until the present night, but he could not help giving in to what weighed heavy on his heart.
When will I return to Egypt? How will I deal with Meehi and the other bad seeds in the priesthood and not jeopardize the lives of myself, Nefertet and her family?
Akua fell into a blank stare. Kyros noticed this and coupled it with Akua’s earlier answers to Aiolos. He knew something was bothering Akua and he thought about how he could make Akua feel better.
“I have been hearing that you are enlightening to those at the Academy. Everyone there is pleased to have you. And I am honored to be your friend. Even when you leave I will remember you often,” Kyros said to Akua.
Akua was surprised to hear Kyros’s kind words. Aiolos just sat back and smiled.
“Kyros, thanks for opening your home to me. So far, my stay in Athens has been pleasant. I value your friendship,” Akua replied.
That night, Akua basked in drunkenness along with the others. Although the night was not productive, Akua did not think about his ordeal in Egypt.
*
“Even though I was halfway drunk last night, I meant what I said. It is hard to live alone sometimes and having you in my house is a blessing. You thank me for giving you a place to stay, but I thank you for your companionship,” Kyros said as they walked towards the theater.
Akua smiled at Kyros. He wanted to say You are welcome, but he didn’t. With the smiling gesture, it was understood.
“Will they miss you today at the temple?” Akua asked.
“Probably. But since Philon is absent also, my absence won’t amount to much.”
As Kyros and Akua arrived at the theater, there were already about 100 people waiting to get in. The city was nearly absent of wind. This made Kyros happy because he knew Plato’s voice would carry more.
“What do you think Plato will lecture about?” Akua asked.
“I think it will include geometry. And I’m eager to hear it. Let’s go in and get a good seat.”
In the theater, Akua looked all around. It was much prettier in the bright sunlight than it was at night. The rock cut pews were faintly reflective. It added a mystique to the amphitheater.
About twenty minutes later, a man walked out to the podium on the stage. He was about five and a half feet tall with a full head of white hair and a full gray beard. About one-third of the audience members clapped as he made his way to the podium. As soon as he heard the applause he put his arms up over his head with his palms facing outward.
“Why is he doing that?” Akua asked Philon.
“It is the sounds made by clapping the hands together. Plato believes the mixture of the sounds to be cacophonous, not harmonious.”
That was a new one for Akua.
This guy is pretty serious.
“My talk today will carry the title, The Bastardization of Music.”
Philon and Actaeon turned and looked at Kyros and Akua. They both smiled in an approving fashion, although they were surprised.
Plato began…
Music is used in a much
different way today than
it was quantified and
qualified by our forefathers.
It’s even different now from
when I was a child. Music
was given to us from the gods.
From the mighty Zeus to the
beautiful and sensual Aphrodite.
It is harmonious and perfect up
in the Heavens and that is
how it is meant to be down
here.
Today, there is a despicable
trend started by lesser poets
and street singers. In it, they
make sounds to accompany
their art that are dissonant
and not harmonious.
Akua looked at Actaeon. The teachings of Pythagoras were still fresh in their minds and each knew exactly what Plato was talking about.
Our music was once divided
into its proper forms. It was
not permitted to exchange the
melodic styles of these established
forms with the more crude.
Knowledge and informed judgment
prevented disobedience. There were
no whistles, unmusical mob-noises,
or ill-placed handclaps. But later, an
unmusical anarchy was led by poets
who had natural talent, but were
ignorant to the laws of music.
Through foolishness and ignorance
they deceived themselves into
thinking that there was no right or
wrong way in music, that it was to
be judged good or bad by the
pleasure it gave. By their works
and their theories they infected
the masses with the presumption
to think themselves adequate judges.
So our theatres, once adorned with
beautiful music, grew vocal, and
aristocracy of music gave way
to a pernicious theatrocracy. The
criterion was not music, but a
reputation for promiscuous cleverness
and a spirit of law-breaking.
The tribal modes are very perfect.
The tones in each of the seven
scales are perfectly tuned to certain
emotions and feelings. For example,
the Phrygian scale is very sensual
and it should only be used in the
appropriate setting. The Phrygian
scale would be ideal accompanying
prayers and offerings to Aphrodite
and Eros. But Phrygian notes
are out of place when paying
tribute to Mars or moving the
military. In contrast is the harsher
sounding scale popularized
by the Doric people. A lyre tuned
to the Dorian scale must only be
used to convey somber anger or
frustration. It is of paramount importance
that these rules be observed. To great
upset of the gods and in a truly sad
conundrum, they are not always.
The poets and street musicians
have skill and talent, but they are
ignorant of mathematics, the Ratios
and the Music of the Spheres.
Therefore they are ill-equipped
to create things of true beauty.
Plato calmly and slowly poured a glass of water from the pitcher sitting on the lectern. This gave Akua a chance to say something to Actaeon.
“Plato is really making sense. His words are like a practical application of what Pythagoras taught. I had no idea you Greeks are so hung-up on music.
“No, I was not being serious with that last comment. I now understand better the simple and yet complex nature of music, how it relates to nature and, ultimately, the cosmos.”
Plato continued on for another 75 minutes. Speaking at first about music but transitioning into mathematics and the exquisitely perfect geometric forms. The last part of his lecture was dedicated to his theory on how ideas manifest and may then morph into something tangible. As Plato finished, his audience applauded by clapping. By the look on Plato’s face, he was bittersweet.
As everyone left after the lecture, Akua and Philon began to talk. They were the last two to leave the theatre.
“Why don’t you come over to my house for supper?” Philon asked.
“That sounds good. When should I arrive?”
“In two hours. I will have the servants prepare a good meal for us.”
Philon knew he was going to invite Plato, but he did not want to tell Akua.
*
Akua returned to Kyros’s house, and within an hour he was preparing to go to Philon’s for supper.
“A
kua, where are you going this evening?” Kyros asked.
“Down to the main market, I want to unwind by drinking some wine and watching the poets and dancers.”
“Alright. Have a pleasant time,” Kyros said.
Akua did not want Kyros to know he was going to Philon’s house for supper. Kyros was of the nature to be jealous of Akua because of the fact that Philon liked him so much.
Akua remembered the way to Philon’s house. As he passed the nice houses, he thought once again about Nefertet. A year ago, he would never have thought about not living with Nefertet in the small house the priesthood had given him. Akua decided during the walk that when he could dedicate his mind, he would evaluate his options and then decide and act upon his decision to return to marry and live with Nefertet. As soon as he completed his new resolution, he stood facing Philon’s front door.
Akua rapped on the door lightly. To his surprise, Plato opened the door. Akua spoke as soon as he could figure out what to say.
“It’s an honor to meet you. I thoroughly enjoyed your earlier lecture,” Akua said.
“Thank you. Thank you. Please come in and take a seat,” Plato said.
Akua realized that Plato must have been close to Philon to answer his door for him. As Akua sat on the recumbent couch, Plato took a seat next to him.
“It is a pleasure to talk with you. I have the utmost of respect for Egyptians. I was lucky enough to visit Egypt three years ago. I enjoy Egyptian art, philosophy, astronomy and religion and I am elated to speak with you. What part of Egypt are you from?” Plato said to Akua.
“I have spent most of my life in northern Egypt. The city of Heliopolis.”
“Yes. I know Heliopolis Akua. I visited the city when I was in Egypt. Do you work at the main Heliopolitan temple?”
“No. Not yet anyway. I usually prepare offerings and recite sacraments, etc. at the one of the smaller temples, The Nag Tamai temple,” Akua answered.
“Earlier, in my life, I was involved in Athenian politics. And that was when I developed a genuine love for politics. Unfortunately, when my teacher, Socrates, was wrongly executed, I lost interest in Athenian politics. The Egyptian system of law and justice also fascinates me very much.
The Reed Fields Page 10
