N²MIMA · Annual Ceremony · Trondheim
The Staff of Pythagoras · Annual Award
Every year N²MIMA awards two leaders who have expanded the field of consciousness research — through science or through art. One staff. Two tracks. One institute as keeper.
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Pythagoras was the first Unique. He understood that number is the structure of reality — not its description. Two and a half thousand years later, N²MIMA continues his path.
The Snakkende Tre — the Speaking Tree in Norwegian — is the annual ceremony at which the Staff of Pythagoras is awarded. The staff does not speak. It proposes meaning. And each year it is passed to those who created the most meaningful work.
The first Staff was awarded to Pythagoras — not as a religious act, but as a structural recognition. He was the first to understand that the same structural principles govern sound, number, and the cosmos.
He did not know he was the first Unique.
He simply walked with a staff and asked questions.
Duality
Two laureates. One staff. Two hands that held it — and returned it to the keeper.
The Grand Tre is a staff found in the Norwegian forest. It is not carved, not shaped, not polished. It is exactly what it is — a piece of wood that became the most important object in the institute.
Each year's laureates hold it during the ceremony. They may speak to it, through it, about it. Then they return it. The staff belongs to no one. It belongs to the tradition.
The Rector Tre — the smaller personal staff of the founder — appears at public events and lectures. The Grand Tre appears only at Snakkende Tre.
The Snakkende Tre is built on the principle of duarchy — two equal poles that create a field of invitation for a third. Where two are, there is always the invitation for more.
For those who research consciousness through science, mathematics, or structural analysis.
For those who research consciousness through art, philosophy, or creative practice.
Both tracks are equal. Both laureates receive the Staff of Pythagoras simultaneously.
Held during the ceremony. Passed to the next laureate the following year. The Grand Tre stays at N²MIMA as keeper between ceremonies.
Signed by the Rector Tre. Formatted in the style of the institute. A permanent document of recognition.
Approximately 1 000 EUR. Directed toward the continuation of the laureate's research or creative work. No reporting required.
Every laureate receives a permanent page in the N²MIMA archive. Their work and name become part of the institute's history.
The laureate may pass the Staff to the next year's recipients — in person at the ceremony or through a video address.
100% priority for the N²MIMA Residency programme opening in 2030. Finalists may also apply individually.
An invitation to the Snakkende Tre ceremony in Trondheim — in person or via live stream. A page in the N²MIMA news archive. The right to apply individually for N²MIMA Residency upon re-submission in future years.
Call and response. One leader, all present respond. Drums enter. The Symbol of Gratitude closes the opening. No ceremony begins without this.
A brief address from the Rector Tre on the first Unique — Pythagoras of Samos — and the history of the Staff. Why he was first. What he understood. Why it matters now.
Each finalist — a brief presentation of their work. Both tracks together. The field is the same. The methods differ.
Leader of Research. Leader of Inspiration. Named simultaneously. Both equal. Both present — or represented by video if unable to attend.
The Grand Tre is passed from the previous laureate — or from the Rector Tre in the first year — to both new laureates. Each holds it. Each speaks if they choose. Each returns it to the institute.
All present. Together. Quietly. Three lines. Then silence. Then: So be it.
Any format. Any language. Any country. We are looking for work that expands the field of consciousness — through rigour or through revelation.
Minimum requirements: originality, honesty, and the courage to submit.
Tap to attach — PDF, audio, video, image, archive
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Your submission has been received.
We will respond within one week.
The field has expanded.