Theos-Talk Archives (July 2001 Message tt00272)

For those interested in adepts and disciples, I recommend a book:
"Apollonius of Tyana" by Phylostratus. Apollonius was a Greek in the Roman
Empire, approx 2 BC to 99 AD, and he was the most travelled man of his time.

Early in his travels, at the Temple of Daphnean Apollo, he was given a
set of copper plates. These had been left by Pythagoras, and for 500 years
they had been the temple treasure. The priests had cared for them, waiting
for the one who would be worthy to receive them. They were inscribed in a
secret code, which could be understood only by a Pythagorean, and they
described Pythagoras' journey to certain sages in the east.

Apollonius visited these sages, spending 3 months with them, under the
tutelage of Iarchus. Later in his life, he would speak of "the divine
Iarchus", and he said that "they are the only men whom I call gods".

When he arrived, he was told by a messenger, "Your party must halt
here, but you must come on just as you are, for the Masters themselves issue
this command." "The word Masters had at once a Pythagorean ring for the
ears of Apollonius ..." Later, Iarchus tells him, "And you too come with a
share of this wisdom, but you are not yet an adept." When leaving, he
promises to remain in telepathic contact with the sages. "I shall
communicate in my words to you, just as if you were present". However, we
don't learn much about the sages or their teachings, probably because Damis,
Apollonius'
companion and diary-keeper, was not allowed in.

I have become convinced that Apollonius is at least partially
responsible for the period in Roman history called Pax Romana. The period
covered begins with Nerva coming to office in 96 until the end of Marcus
Aurelius reign, 180 AD. This period is also called the Five Good Emperors
"...not only for the general excellence of their rule, but because they
have been contrasted with Domitian, who preceded them."

Domitian (81-96) was a tyrant. He had put many senators on trial,
executed them and confiscated their estates. "... and the result was that
the senate had its most distinguished members cut off..." Apollonius wrote
letters to encourage the remaining senators to keep hope. He travelled to
visit governors, telling them, "The strength of tyrants is not immortal."
He corresponded also with Nerva, who would become the next emperor.
Domitian suspected Apollonius, and placed him on trial for treason, hoping
Apollonius would reveal the names of his co-conspirators. Apollonius tried
to make conversation about the sages, but Domitian roared, "I don't care
about your Brahmins, just tell me about your darling Nerva."

Domitian was killed by a family member. He had executed his sister's
husband, and others near to him, and they were all afraid they might be
next. Nerva took the throne, and was confirmed by the senate so quickly
that many suspected Nerva for Domitian's death.

The period of the Five Good Emperors had a new kind of succession.
Nerva adopted Trajan, a grown man, who would succeed him, and this adoptive
dynasty continued through Marcus Aurelius. I have no evidence that this was
Apollonius' idea, but it sounds like something a philosopher would have
thought of.