"999: Playing the Glass Bead Game with Pythagoras" by Nataša Pantović is a thought-provoking exploration of ancient wisdom, mathematics, and spirituality. In this work, Pantović delves into the idea of using mathematical principles and symbolic systems to understand the deeper aspects of reality, consciousness, and the universe. The title evokes a reference to Hermann Hesse's famous novel The Glass Bead Game, where intellectuals and artists use a highly complex, symbolic game to reflect on universal truths. In this context, Pantović integrates the concept of the glass bead game with the teachings of Pythagoras, an ancient Greek philosopher who was deeply engaged with the mystical and mathematical aspects of life.
Key Themes and Concepts in "999: Playing the Glass Bead Game with Pythagoras":
The Glass Bead Game: In Pantović's interpretation, the Glass Bead Game is a metaphor for the search for universal truths through the integration of various systems of knowledge—including mathematics, music, art, philosophy, and spirituality. Just as in Hesse’s novel, where players weave complex patterns that symbolize the connections between different fields of thought, Pantović explores how symbolic systems and patterns are woven together in the search for deeper understanding. The game represents the interconnectedness of all things and the attempt to find meaning in life's complexities.
Pythagoras and Sacred Geometry: Pantović brings #pythagoras into this exploration as a guide for understanding the role of numbers, geometry, and mathematics in the spiritual realm. Pythagoras believed that the universe could be understood through mathematical ratios and harmonies, and his teachings explored the connection between numbers and the divine. Pantović aligns this view with sacred geometry, the study of geometric shapes and patterns that are seen as representations of divine order and the structure of the universe (e.g., the Flower of Life, Golden Ratio, and Fibonacci sequence).
The Role of Numbers in the Universe: Throughout the book, Pantović emphasizes the mystical significance of numbers.
📍 Country: Malta, Serbia 🗣 Languages: English, Serbian 📚 Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy, History, Poetry, Fiction 🏢 Publishers: Poslovni Biro & Artof4Elements 🕰 Active Since: 1991 – Present
“Seated on a panel with her fellow writers, Maltese-Serbian novelist Nataša Pantović has been known to use slam poetry to perform her poetic body of work…” — Sunday Times of Malta, "A Beautiful Mind"
About the Author
Nataša Pantović, MSc Economics, is a Maltese-Serbian author, management consultant, adoptive parent, and ancient worlds researcher currently based in Malta. Her work is a unique blend of esoteric philosophy, mindfulness, parenting, education, and poetic expression.
With a background in business and management consulting, Nataša spent 20+ years working with the Office of the Prime Minister of Malta and major consultancies like KPMG, Reeds, and Deloitte, contributing to large-scale management and ICT transformation projects across Malta, the UK, and the Netherlands.
As the Head of Business Development of UK-based Crimsonwing (later acquired by KPMG), she played a leading role in promoting Malta’s IT industry internationally. Her speaking engagements included high-level conferences like the Euro-Med Economist Summit in Marseille, where she presented on “Strategies for Growth in the Euro-Med Region.”
Her life journey shifted dramatically after adopting two children from Ethiopia as a single mother. Inspired by this transformative experience, she became a passionate advocate of conscious parenting, mindfulness, and education rooted in love and inner growth. She also supported building a school in rural Ethiopia and has organized over ten cultural festivals and conferences, including the Neolithic Conference in Birgu, Malta.
Having traveled to over 50 countries and lived in five (Serbia, Malta, UK, New Zealand, and the Netherlands), her global experiences deeply influence her philosophical and spiritual work.
📚 Published Works by Nataša Pantović * Contracts for Companies and Individuals (1991) A practical guide on legal and business agreements.
* A-Ma: Alchemy of Love (AoL Mindfulness Series #1, 2017) A spiritual historical novel exploring the Taoist way and alchemical transformation.
* Art of 4 Elements: Discover Alchemy Through Poetry (AoL Mindfulness Series #2, 2016) A meditative fusion of photography, poetry, and mindfulness.
* Intro to Mindful Eating with Delicious Raw Vegan Recipes by Olivera Rosić (AoL Mindfulness Series #3, 2015) A mindful guide to conscious eating and raw nutrition.
* Mindful Being: Towards Mindful Living Course (AoL Mindfulness Series #4, 2015) A transformational workbook designed to help integrate mindfulness into everyday life.
* Conscious Parenting: Mindful Living Course for Parents (AoL Mindfulness Series #5, 2016) A practical and spiritual guide for intentional, heart-centered parenting.
* Intro to Chanting Mantras with Best Chords by Goce Nikolovski (AoL Mindfulness Series #6, 2017) A musical and spiritual journey through sacred sound and chanting.
* Tree of Life: A Journey into the Field of Dreams (AoL Mindfulness Series #7, 2017) A mystical narrative connecting ancient symbols and personal transformation.
* Conscious Creativity: Ancient Europe’s Mindfulness Meditations (AoL Mindfulness Series #8, 2017) A journey into the spiritual traditions of Europe, combining meditation and creativity.
* Spiritual Symbols and Their Meanings (AoL Mindfulness Series #9, 2018) A visual and symbolic exploration of the world's ancient spiritual languages.
* Metaphysics of Sound: In Search of the Name of God (2021) A philosophical and archaeological investigation into the power of sound and sacred vibration.
* 999: Playing the Glass Bead Game with Pythagoras (2022)
A symbolic and numerological journey blending science, metaphysics, and mysticism.