Apollonius of Tyana

Who They Were

The legendary Pythagorean sage and miracle-worker whose life paralleled Christ's so closely that early Christians debated whether he was divine ally or demonic rival. According to Philostratus's biography, Apollonius traveled from Greece to India studying with Brahmins, performed healings and resurrections, preached ethical reform, and finally ascended bodily to heaven. Whether historical figure or hagiographic construction, Apollonius represents the Pagan saint: the philosopher who transcended human limitations through wisdom and virtue.

The Life of Apollonius: Miracles and Wanderings

Historical Context: Our main source for Apollonius is Philostratus's 'Life of Apollonius,' written around 220 CE at the request of Empress Julia Domna. The text presents Apollonius as Pythagorean philosopher, wonder-worker, and moral reformer who traveled widely, confronted tyrants, and attracted devoted followers. Critics note the biography post-dates the Gospels and may deliberately parallel Christ. Supporters argue it preserves genuine traditions about a remarkable sage.

Core Teachings: The Life portrays: 1) Pythagorean lifestyle—Apollonius practiced vegetarianism, celibacy, wore only linen, let his hair grow long, and avoided animal sacrifice. He embodied Pythagorean purity. 2) Universal wisdom-seeking—from Babylon to Egypt to India, Apollonius studied with magi, gymnosophists, and Brahmins, seeking wisdom wherever it appeared. Truth is not ethnic. 3) Power over demons and death—Apollonius exorcised demons, healed the sick, and reportedly raised the dead. He predicted the future and knew distant events. 4) Defiance of tyranny—Apollonius confronted emperors Nero and Domitian, rebuking their injustices and escaping their punishments, seemingly miraculously.

Esoteric Significance: Apollonius reveals: 1) The theios aner (divine man)—Greco-Roman tradition recognized certain humans as god-like through virtue and powers. Apollonius is paradigmatic. This category helps understand how Jesus was perceived in Greco-Roman context. 2) The parallel Christ problem—similarities between Apollonius and Jesus troubled early Christians. Were miracles authentic? Was one copied from the other? Did both contact the same reality? The question remains. 3) Pagan saint—Christianity didn't invent sainthood; Apollonius is Pagan saint. Holy men existed across traditions, demonstrating that spiritual transformation produces similar phenomena regardless of cultural clothing. 4) The East as wisdom-source—Apollonius's journey to India (like Pythagoras's alleged similar journey) suggests: Greek philosophy recognized Eastern priority. Wisdom flowed from East to West.

Practical Applications: 1) Seek wisdom universally—like Apollonius, don't limit yourself to one tradition. Truth appears in multiple forms. Travel (literally or through reading) to encounter other wisdoms. 2) Embody what you believe—Apollonius didn't just teach Pythagoreanism; he lived it completely. Integrity requires matching lifestyle to philosophy. 3) Confront injustice—Apollonius challenged tyrants. The philosopher isn't passive or withdrawn but actively opposes evil. Wisdom includes courage. 4) Consider the parallels—if Apollonius and Jesus performed similar deeds, what does this mean? Perhaps: one God works through multiple instruments; perhaps: human potential is greater than we suppose; perhaps: hagiography follows universal patterns.

India and the Brahmins: The Wisdom Journey

Historical Context: A major section of Philostratus's Life describes Apollonius's journey to India and his dialogues with the Brahmin sage Iarchas. The Brahmins live on a hill beyond the Ganges, practicing advanced philosophy and possessing supernatural powers. Whether Apollonius actually reached India is debated; the literary depiction presents an idealized Eastern wisdom that Greeks associated with the Indian subcontinent.

Core Teachings: The Indian journey teaches: 1) Eastern superiority acknowledged—Iarchas tells Apollonius that Greek philosophy derives from India. The student comes to the teacher. This reverses usual Greek chauvinism. 2) Reincarnation confirmed—the Brahmins teach reincarnation, which Apollonius (as Pythagorean) already believed. East and West agree: the soul transmigrates. 3) Cosmological wisdom—Iarchas discusses the structure of the cosmos, the gods, the elements. Deep knowledge of natural and supernatural realities is demonstrated. 4) Ethical emphasis—despite supernatural powers, the Brahmins stress virtue. Powers are byproducts of moral development, not goals.

Esoteric Significance: The Indian episode reveals: 1) Perennial philosophy ante litteram—the Brahmins' teaching resembles what Apollonius already knew from Pythagoras. This suggests: truth is universal; different traditions discover the same reality. 2) The initiate's journey East—from Pythagoras to Apollonius to later Theosophists, the journey to India represents seeking the source. Whether literally or metaphorically, 'going East' means approaching primordial wisdom. 3) Power subordinate to wisdom—Iarchas's supernatural abilities never become the focus. They serve teaching and healing. This contrasts with magical traditions where power is the goal. 4) Dialogue of equals—though Apollonius comes as student, the conversation is philosophical exchange. East and West mutually enrich. Neither merely submits to the other.

Practical Applications: 1) Study Eastern traditions—Apollonius's example validates seeking wisdom in Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism. Don't limit yourself to your culture of origin. 2) Seek living teachers—Apollonius didn't just read about India; he went there, met the sages, conversed. If possible, encounter living masters, not just texts. 3) Recognize the goal—powers impress but virtue matters. If you develop capacities, keep them subordinate to ethical development. 4) Prepare for the journey—Apollonius prepared long before reaching India. The outer journey requires inner readiness. Work on yourself before seeking advanced teachers.

The Ascension and Deification

Historical Context: Philostratus records various accounts of Apollonius's death—or rather, his non-death. One version: he vanished from Domitian's court. Another: he entered a temple in Crete, the doors closed behind him, and chanting was heard: 'Leave the earth, come to heaven!' He was seen no more. Later, he appeared to a doubting disciple in vision, confirming his immortality. Temples were established for his worship.

Core Teachings: The ascension teaches: 1) The philosopher transcends death—Apollonius's deathless departure demonstrates what Pythagoreans believed: the purified soul escapes the body without ordinary death. This is jivan-mukti (liberation while living). 2) Apotheosis is possible—the human can become divine. Apollonius joins the gods, is worshiped in temples. This is not metaphor but claimed reality. 3) The sign of completion—miraculous death or disappearance marks the accomplished sage. Similar stories surround other masters: Elijah, Enoch, Romulus. 4) Post-mortem appearances—like Christ's resurrection appearances, Apollonius appeared after 'death' to instruct followers. The master continues teaching from beyond.

Esoteric Significance: The ascension reveals: 1) The mystery of translation—certain humans 'translate' directly to higher existence: Enoch, Elijah, Mary (in Catholic belief), Apollonius. This represents complete success in the Great Work. 2) The cult of the philosopher—Apollonius was worshiped. Philosophy, at its height, produces beings worthy of worship. This challenges modern separation of philosophy and religion. 3) The deathless state—Apollonius's body wasn't left behind. Either: 1) his body was transformed and taken up, or 2) he was never fully embodied (docetic interpretation), or 3) the story is symbolic of spiritual achievement. All interpretations are instructive. 4) Continuity of teaching—Apollonius's post-mortem appearance suggests: the master's relationship with disciples survives death. Inner connection persists beyond physical separation.

Practical Applications: 1) Live as if you could ascend—even if you don't expect literal ascension, living as if transformation is possible changes how you live. The goal elevates the path. 2) Prepare for death consciously—Apollonius prepared throughout life. Whatever death brings, conscious preparation enables conscious navigation. 3) Connect with masters beyond death—through contemplation, study, and invocation, connection with departed masters is possible. They still teach, still guide. Call on them. 4) Consider what's possible—Apollonius's life suggests human potential exceeds normal assumptions. Don't foreclose possibilities prematurely. The sages knew things we've forgotten.