'Pythagoras's Hindu beliefs' Most people don;t know that Pythagorus (500-483bce) was a Philosopher who influenced most of western philosopy including Plato. He believed in transmigration (देहांतरण; पुनर्जन्म Originally a Hindu Belief). #Thread
1. He believed in purification of the soul, and regarded the cycle of births as a means towards the growth of man’s higher nature. 2. he forbade the beating of a dog because he recognised in its howls the voice of a friend 3. He had power of remembrance of his former births
Pythagoreans believed that a vegetarian diet fostered a healthy body and enhanced the search for Arete-'excellence' of any kind (Hindu term Riti रीती)
Pythagoras established the first Pythagorean community in the ancient Greek colony of Kroton, in modern Calabria (Italy) Early Pythagorean communities spread throughout Magna Graecia.
Later in 4th Century BCE Pythagoreanism split into two philosophy namely akousmatikoi & mathēmatikoi. Akousmatikoi were superseded as a 'mendicant' school of philosophy by the Cynics and Mathēmatikoi were absorbed into the Platonic school
The akousmatikoi continued to engage in a pious life by practicing silence, dressing simply and avoiding meat, for the purpose of attaining a privileged afterlife. New Pythagoreans were chosen based on merit and discipline. They believed in Universal Laws
Early-Pythagoreans underwent a five-year initiation period of listening to the teachings (akousmata) in silence. Similar to 'Shruti-Smriti' system in India https://www.jstor.org/stable/3266312
But how Pythagoras got into Sanatan Dharma beliefs is a question. Historians have varied opinions that Pythagoras met Hindu Brahmin either in India or Egypt.