Chapter 8 Glass Bead Game Master
Knecht decided to postpone his return to Walzell until the early spring of next year, that is, he rushed back to Walzell when the Glass Bead Open Competition was about to be held.This kind of event, which is called Ludus^annlversarlus or Ludus^sdkm-ms, has been held for many weeks in the past, and dignitaries and celebrities from all over the world have come here, and now it has become a memorable peak period.However, the General Assembly, held as scheduled every spring and lasting at least ten to fourteen days, is still Castalia's top priority every year.Holding this celebration in Castalia also has important religious and moral significance, because it can bring together representatives of all independent viewpoints and tendencies in the Glass Bead Game Academy in a symbol of harmony. Together, it truces between various disciplines and various antagonists, and stirs nostalgia for a unity that transcends diversity.All believers can draw the real sacred power from this celebration, and for those who don't believe, at least it has the function of replacing religion. bathe.This situation is similar to the performance of Johann Sebastian Bach's "Passion" in the past-the performance time was not at the beginning of the work, but when it was rediscovered in the next century-for the confidant, Undoubtedly like participating in a naive religious sacrifice, and performing a religious act like prayer, moreover, it was a solemn display of art and "creative spirit" to any kind of person.
Knecht's decision to postpone his return won the consent of both the monastery and Castalian authorities without any difficulty.Knecht could not imagine what kind of position he would get when he returned to the small independent kingdom of the Glass Bead Game, but he guessed that he would not return to the same situation as before, but would soon be assigned to some honorable task and responsibility.
For the time being, he allowed himself to be immersed in the joyful mood of returning home, reuniting with friends, participating in celebrations, and enjoying the happy last few days with Father Jacobs.In the end, Knecht accepted the many farewell parties held by the abbot and monks in his honor with quite restrained joy.When Knecht left, he bid farewell to a place he was attached to in his heart and a stage in his life, not without sadness.However, he still had to prepare for the upcoming Glass Bead Game celebration. Although he did not have the guidance of his teacher and the help of his classmates, he still did a series of subliminal homework in accordance with all the rules of the game.Although Knecht failed to persuade Father Jacobus to accept Master Thomas' invitation to go with him to this year's celebration, he was not upset by it, and he understood the reserved attitude of the anti-Castalian old man.So he put aside all responsibilities and restraints for the time being, and wholeheartedly prepared to devote himself to the celebration.
This activity has its own rules.The entire celebration is unlikely to fail completely, unless there is interference from higher forces, which never happens.All devout believers will not lose their sense of sacred dignity even in heavy rain, and will not lose their clear mind even if it is sweltering and hot.All in all, for glass bead players, the annual celebration is not only a festival, but also somewhat sacred.However, as we know, not every game and celebration goes smoothly.In some celebrations, everything is coordinated and harmonious, and all kinds of relationships support each other, promote and improve each other, just like some dramas or music performances, for some reason that people cannot clearly understand, it miraculously achieves people's success. The climax of intense inner feelings, while other performances are mediocre despite the best preparation.Can the audience get a high-level experience?Knecht gave full play to his imagination for this, but fortunately he had nothing extravagant and had just returned with honors, so he just happily waited for the festival to come.
However, this year's celebration was lifeless. There was neither any sign of miracles slowly coming, nor did it achieve the special sacred brilliance that the ceremony should have.Although many participants feel that they have gained awareness and improvement, the real host and responsible person of the event perceives the harshness of the whole atmosphere, a sense of dullness, a sense of unlucky luck, a sense of restraint and uneasiness, and a dark suppressed the whole celebration.Of course, Knecht also felt this atmosphere, and found that his original high expectations had been damaged to a certain extent, but he did not belong to the group of people who clearly realized that the annual meeting had completely failed, because Knecht Seat did not participate in the celebration work, so he has no responsibility to bear.This enables him to participate in a series of well-conceived game activities these days as a devout believer, to practice uninterrupted meditation to the limit, and to experience this kind of work done at the feet of the gods with all the guests in a grateful mood. The significance of the sacrificial ceremonies, the realization of the mysterious union of members of religious groups, even this year's annual meeting, which has been regarded as a "failure" by a few insiders, has still reached this state.Of course, the ominous star that shrouded the entire celebration also affected Knecht's mood to some extent.The annual meeting itself was beyond reproach, as impeccable in plan and structure as any that Master Thomas had ever presided over, and it may even be one of his deepest, simplest, most rigorous achievements. .It's a pity that the good luck and the evil stars were shining, and this celebration turned out to be an unforgettable regret in the history of Waldzell.
Knecht arrived at the Glass Bead Game Academy one week before the opening of the annual meeting. When he reported to the master of the glass bead game, he was unexpectedly greeted by the master's agent, Beltler.The agent welcomed him politely, but briefly explained almost casually that the esteemed master had been ill recently, and he, Berthler, did not know much about Knecht's duties after his return, so he was awarded I kindly ask Knecht to go to Hillsland, where the headquarters is located, to report to the leader and wait for his appointment there.
When Knecht left as instructed, he unconsciously expressed his surprise at the indifference and shortness of the reception in his tone or posture. Berthler immediately apologized and said: If he disappoints Knecht, I hope Please forgive him, please understand his situation.Master Thomas is ill, and the celebration is imminent. It is not clear whether the master will preside over the ceremony himself, or will have to use him as a substitute.The revered master may also be able to support these critical moments.However, as his agent, he really had to be ready to act on behalf of the game master, not to mention that the deadline was so short that it was hard to find the right amount. At the same time, he was afraid that he would not be able to lead such an important ceremony.
Knecht felt sorry for the man who was clearly terrified, and even more regretful that the burden of the celebration would fall on his shoulders.Knecht had been away from Walzell for too long, and he didn't know why Bartler was so worried. In fact, the most unfortunate disaster as an agent did happen to this agent.A long time ago, Bartler had lost the trust of the elites in the academy, and he had fallen into a difficult predicament.
Knecht was very worried about the condition of the master of the glass bead game, thinking of this great representative of classical form and satire, the perfect master of the game, the perfect Castalian.He had hoped to be interviewed, to be briefed, to be relocated to the small group of players, and perhaps to be given a very important job.Knecht also hoped that this grand ceremony would be presided over by Master Thomas himself, and even hoped to continue to be his subordinate and be appreciated and encouraged by him.Now what he told himself was that the master was sick in bed and instructed him to report to other leaders, which made him sad and disappointed.Fortunately, the secretary of the church organization and Mr. Du Bois received him with great respect and listened to his situation out of the friendship of colleagues, which finally gave Knecht some compensation.Knecht concluded from the first conversation that the Castalian authorities did not ask him to further promote relations with the Holy See.They respected Knecht's own wishes and allowed him to stay in the Glass Bead Game Academy instead of being transferred outside.He was first invited to live temporarily in the guest room of the academy in order to reacquaint himself with the surroundings and to engage in preparations for the annual celebration.A few days before the opening of the celebration, Knecht and his good friend Deglarius fasted and meditated all day long, which is probably why he was different, not only did he have few unpleasant memories of this unique meeting , but with a kind of reverent gratitude to the cause.
The so-called "Shadow in" position of master agent is a very special position, especially acting as an agent of a music master or a master of the glass bead game.Each of the masters of the discipline has his own representative, not appointed by the authorities but chosen by each master himself from among a small number of candidates, and henceforth even the behavior of the masters is the responsibility of the masters.Therefore, all selected candidates will feel that the position of agent is not only a great reward, but also a great favor. From then on, he will be the right-hand man of the powerful figures in various disciplines—the masters of various disciplines.Once the master is unable to perform official duties for some reason, he will be appointed to act as an agent.Of course, there are also differences. For example, when the highest authority discusses a certain proposal for voting, he can only express his approval or opposition in the name of a master, and cannot express his opinions as a reporter or proposer.In addition, there are some restrictions to prevent disadvantages.
Once selected as an agent, his stature rises sharply, occasionally into dazzling positions, but often at great cost.In this hierarchical religious organization, surrogates are anonymous, though often entrusted with important duties and highly respected, and thus lose many of the rights and opportunities that other candidates have.Specifically, there are two aspects: one is that the agent is not responsible for his official duties; the other is that the agent is not allowed to be promoted.This situation is indeed not expressly stipulated, but it is proved by the history of Castalia.There is no "shadow" to take over the Master's position after his death or resignation, although he often represents the Master and performs duties, and it should be filled by him.This historical convention, which seems easy to break, is in fact an insurmountable limitation: the gulf between master and agent is as insurmountable as the line between public and private.Thus, once a Castalian accepts the position of highly trusted attorney, he has to give up any hope of making himself a master someday, and has to consider the day when he will shed the uniform and decorations he has often worn during his tenure.He has only one rather ambiguous privilege: he himself is not responsible for any mistakes that may occur during his tenure, but the master assumes all responsibility.In fact, it is not uncommon for the master to be implicated by the agent he chose, and even had to resign because of the agent's major mistake.In Waldzell, people call the agent of the master of the glass bead game "shadow", which is used to describe the particularity of this position, the close relationship with the master, and the kind of insubstantial responsibilities, which can no longer be described. It couldn't be better.
Master Thomas had appointed Beltler as his agent for many years, and the "shadow" seemed to lack either talent or goodwill, all he lacked was luck.Beltler was, of course, an excellent Glass Bead player, at least a competent teacher and an upright official, and absolutely loyal to his master.However, he has offended many people during his work in the past few years, the youngest generation of elite players especially opposed him, and he does not have the bold and chivalrous demeanor of his master, which affects his psychological balance.Master Thomas did not expel him, but for many years managed to make him avoid conflicts with the young elite, try not to appear in public, and work more in secretarial offices and archives.
This dignified but unpopular agent, or currently unpopular agent, obviously has been unlucky, but now he suddenly became the head of the entire Glass Bead Game Academy due to the master's illness.If he had to assume leadership of the Annual Meeting, he would have to occupy the most prominent position in the Kingdom of Castalia throughout the celebration.If most of the Glass Bead players or the teachers had supported him, he might have been able to take on the task, but unfortunately the opposite was the case.That was why the festival was a serious test for the Glass Bead Academy, and almost a great crisis for Waldzell.
It was not until the day before the opening that the administration officially announced that Master Thomas was too ill to preside over the ceremony.We don't know if it was the master's own wish to release the news so late, maybe he had hoped that he would still be able to cheer up to host at the last moment.Perhaps he was too ill to make a decision, and his "shadow" misjudged, so that the Castalian authorities were not aware of Waldzell's situation until the last moment.
Whether this kind of delay is considered a big mistake is, of course, widely debated.However, there is no doubt that this was done out of good intentions, not wanting to cast a shadow over the celebration before it even started, and not wanting those who admired Master Thomas to cancel their visit plans due to fright.Besides, it might all go well, and the elites of Beltler and Waldzell might come to a settlement, and then—and this makes sense—"Shadow Lands would be the real agent, and the Game Master's Absence may also be scarcely noticed. However, speculation is of no avail, and we do so only in the opinion that it should be pointed out that Beltler was not so ineffective, let alone as the Waldzell public opinion at the time accused him of. So incompetent. It would be better to say that he was the victim rather than the guilty one.
The guests flocked as usual.Many were ignorant of the truth, while others feared that the master's condition would worsen, and thus had forebodings about the future of the entire celebration.Waldzell and the surrounding villages were full of people, almost all the leading members of religious orders and the heads of the highest educational authorities.There were also guests from all over the country and foreign countries, and they all filled the hotel rooms of the Academy with the excitement of vacation.
As in previous years, the opening ceremony of the ceremony was held at the evening retreat the day before the start of the game. As soon as the bell rang to mark the opening, the Waldzell area full of crowds immediately became silent, submerged in pious among.In the early morning of the second day, the first program was music performance, and then the first game was solemnly announced and how to meditate on the two musical themes of this game.Wearing the ceremonial attire of the master of the glass bead game, Beltler looked calm and at ease, but his face was extremely pale.As the festival passed, Bertler's expression became more and more painful and tired, and he seemed to be overwhelmed, so that the last few days were almost a shadow worthy of the name.Rumors spread one after another on the second day of the game competition. Some said that Master Thomas' condition had worsened, and some said that he was dying. At dusk that day, there were crowds of people chatting and whispering, especially among those who knew What started out as a few words among the insiders of the glass bead game eventually developed into a colorful legend, describing the story of the seriously ill master and his "shadow".The legend comes from the glass bead game teachers in the innermost circle of the Glass Bead Game Academy. The content of the legend is: Master Thomas was willing and might have the energy to preside over the conference, but he made sacrifices to satisfy his "shadow" ambition. This solemn event was handed over to Beltler.However, the development of the situation is that Beltler seems to be incapable of this important task. The atmosphere of the whole event is disappointing. The sick master knows that he has to take responsibility for the celebration, the incompetence of the "shadow" and the failure of the conference, so he has to take responsibility for it. Confession of guilt.This may be the only reason for the rapid deterioration of the master's condition and the persistent high fever, because there is really no other reason.
Of course, this is not the only version of the legend. There is another version of the legend among the elites: the group of ambitious young elites saw that the celebration was bad, but they were unwilling to lend a helping hand, or covered it up. lacking.In their balance, the respect and love for the master cannot offset the hatred for Beltler. In order to make this "shadow" fail and collapse, the master himself will inevitably suffer.
Then one day came the following account: Master Thomas had met his surrogates and two of the most respected of the elite on his sickbed, and insisted that they live in peace and not jeopardize the whole celebration.Another day, someone asserted that the master had dictated the will, and proposed to the highest authority the name of the heir he thought was appropriate, and it was rumored that the specific name was even mentioned.At the same time as this rumor, there were other gossip and gossip, probably concerning the deteriorating condition of the master. Whether in the hall where the celebration was held or in the VIP building where the guests lived, people's mood was getting more and more depressed every day. No one announced the abandonment of the game, and no one packed up and left.The whole event was beyond reproach on the outside, and everything was going on in a normal and decent manner, but there was always a dark cloud hanging over people's heads, and the cheerful and lively atmosphere that was always present at previous annual meetings had almost disappeared.Therefore, when the founder of the ceremony, Master Thomas, died in his final rest on the day before the closing of the conference—the news spread despite the administration's efforts to suppress the bad news—a strange thing happened, and many participants breathed a sigh of relief. It seems to be relieved.The students of the academy, especially the elite, were informed that mourning must not be worn until the end of the assembly, and that the pre-established procedures must be strictly followed without any modification or interruption of the alternate performances and meditation exercises , although they worked together until the last project of the last day, all could not help but mourn, as if at a funeral for the honorable dead.They surrounded the sleep-deprived, gray-faced, and exhausted Beltele, while he closed his eyes slightly, with a cold and indifferent expression, and continued to perform his duties as an agent.
Knecht has always maintained close contact with the participating elites through Deglarius. As a veteran academy member, he is also familiar with the atmosphere and circumstances of such disputes, but he does not want it to affect his mood. From the fourth or fifth day of the assembly he even forbade Deglarius to speak to him of the master's illness.
He felt, and well understood, the tragic significance of the dark cloud that hung over the meeting, and he thought not only of Master Thomas with deep sorrow, but also with growing worry and pity for the "shadow" whom people blamed for causing the master's death. ".However, he has always resolutely defended his determination to participate in the game, and will not let any news, real or fabricated, affect his wholehearted attention to those wonderfully conceived games of glass bead, and to pay attention to its maneuvers and evolution.Therefore, despite the divided opinions and the gloomy atmosphere of this conference, Knecht still experienced a kind of spiritual improvement.
"Shadow" Beltler did not receive guests as a vice-leader or meet with the highest education authorities as usual over the years. This time even the traditional celebration party for the students of the glass bead game was also cancelled.Immediately after the final musical performance of the festivities ceased, the Castalian administration announced Maestro Thomas' death.Mourning activities immediately began in the entire Game Academy, and Knecht, who was still living in the guest room, also participated in the memorial ceremony.
A traditional and austere funeral was held for the meritorious old man who is still revered to this day.Master Thomas's "shadow" Beltler, who had devoted himself to taking on the responsibility of the master throughout the festival and exhausted his energy, was now very aware of his situation and asked the authorities for leave to go roaming up the mountain.
In the Glass Bead Game Academy, yes, it should be said that the entire Waldzell area was immersed in sorrow.
Perhaps there was no close relationship that could be called a friendship with the late master, but his graceful and distinguished temperament, combined with his extraordinary wit and elegance, made him a famous figure in all periods of Castalian history. A typical representative of a democratic regency that is rarely seen in the capital.The Castalians have always been proud of him.People see that he personally seems to be far away from all emotional problems such as passion, love, friendship, etc., and this seems to be the reason why the younger generation admires him so much.Master Thomas's dignified and elegant demeanor also earned him an affectionate nickname: "Your Excellency" - indicating that despite serious opposition during his many years of work, he was finally in the meeting of religious groups and the highest educational authorities. And how much special lofty status has been earned in the work.
Undoubtedly, the issue of his successor became the focus of everyone's attention at that time, especially among the elite members of the glass bead game, and the controversy over this matter was extremely fierce. After the "Shadow" left the school for a trip, the elites themselves voted for three interim representatives of the overthrown agent's official duties. Of course, they only acted as agents for the internal affairs of the Glass Bead Game Academy and could not handle the highest level. The official business of the educational and ecclesiastical authorities.According to tradition, the vacancy for the position of Game Master should be filled within three weeks.If it were the case that the dying or retiring master himself had put forward the name of an uncontested and undisputed candidate, it would only take one plenary session of the administration to approve it, and a newcomer would fill the place.This time it may take a long time to solve the problem.
While mourning Master Thomas, Knecht occasionally talked with his friends about the game that had just ended and its disastrous journey.
"This agent, Berteler," Knecht analyzed, "not only endured the humiliation and burden to complete the task, but also dutifully played a real master of the glass bead game-according to my observation, he accomplished more than For this, he gave himself to this celebration as if it were his last solemn and great official business. You all were too harsh on him, nay, it should be said, too cruel, you could have saved this meeting and saved Bell. Teller, but the reluctance to lend a helping hand, I cannot judge, and you may have good reasons. But now I must say that this poor Bertler has stepped down, and you should be satisfied with He would have been more magnanimous. When Bertler returns in a few days, you must meet him and show that you now understand the sacrifice he made."
DeGlarius shook his head and replied, "We've been very aware of it, and we've accepted it. You're lucky to be an unbiased guest at this tournament, so you don't really know the whole process.
Impossible, Joseph, even if we do apologize to Beltler deeply, there is no chance to make it up.
He knew that sacrificing himself was inevitable, and he no longer wanted to return. "
It was only at this moment that Knecht understood the truth of all the facts, and fell silent sadly.He saw clearly that he was in fact not participating in the event as a Walzellian, but as a genuine guest, and he also experienced the essence of Beltler's sacrifice.He always thought that Bertler was a man with a lot of ambition, who had to give up his ambitions because he failed in trying to take on a burden beyond his capacity, and had to try to forget that he was once the "shadow" of the master of the glass bead game. Leader of the annual celebration.It wasn't until now that Knecht learned from his friend's last few words that Berthler had been completely sentenced by those judges and would not return.
They have allowed him to preside over the ceremony to the end, and have given him a lot of help, just so that the family scandal will not be publicized.People did this not for Bertler, but to save Waldzell's face.
In fact, the role of "Shadow" requires not only the full trust of the Game Master - which Beltler has achieved - but also the equal trust of the elite, which unfortunately he has not been able to earn.If he makes a big mistake, the religious authorities will not continue to support him like his master, let alone protect him.He can only turn to his peers and colleagues in the past. If these teachers have no respect for him, they will turn around and become his judges.If they refused to take his favor into consideration, Shadow would be finished.
In fact, Beltler never returned from his vacation, and after a while, people heard rumors that he fell off a cliff and died.
The matter of Bertler came to an end, and no one mentioned him after that.
During these days, senior officials from the church authorities and the highest education authority appeared in the Glass Bead Game Academy every day, and game elites or administrative officials were summoned for questioning at every moment. The content of the discussion was among the elites. There are rumors from time to time.Joseph Knecht was also summoned and questioned several times: once by two gentlemen from the church authorities, once by a master of linguistics, then by Herr Du Bois, and then again by two masters of the discipline.Deglarius was also questioned several times, and not only enjoyed the atmosphere of what he called a "secret meeting," but also told some amusing jokes.As early as during the celebration, Knecht had already noticed that the close relationship he had established with the elites in the past had become very thin, and this feeling became even stronger during the secret meeting.It was not only because Knecht lived like a foreign guest in a guest house, but also because all the leaders seemed to treat him like a peer.The elite, the teachers, no longer treated him as a peer but with a slightly sarcastic politeness, or at least a polite indifference.They began to alienate Knecht as early as when he accepted Mariafel's mission, and this is of course normal: as soon as someone has stepped out of the learning stage and taken on the task, from student or young teacher to member of a religious group, then No longer a companion, but becoming everyone's superior or leader, since he is no longer part of the elite group, he has to understand that people will inevitably judge him.No one in his present situation can escape this dilemma.Knecht felt particularly painful about this kind of alienation and indifference, partly because the elite had recently lost their support and had to accept a new master, forcing them to redouble their defenses against damage to the interests of their camp, and partly because they Just dealt with the fate of the former master "Shadow" Beltler so ruthlessly.
One evening, Deglarius ran into the hotel excitedly. After finding Knecht, he dragged him into an empty room, closed the door, and shouted: "Joseph! Joseph! My friend!" Oh, God!
I should have guessed it, I should have known it, it was so... oh, I'm so happy, but I really don't know if I should be happy or not. "This informant at the Glass Bead Academy reports with impassioned precision that the situation is no longer a possibility, but a fact, - Joseph Knecht has been chosen as the next Glass Bead Game Master. The Director of the Archives, who many had seen as the heir apparent to Master Thomas, was apparently screened out in the re-election the night before. None of the three elite candidates who had been leading the way during the broad consultation period seemed to get Knecht was supported by two members of the church leadership and Mr. Du Bois. In addition, the voice from the former old music master was also very important. Everyone knows that these days, many masters of the discipline have privately visited the old masters of music.
"Joseph, they have chosen you," Deglarius yelled again, and his friend quickly covered his mouth with the palm of his hand.Knecht's initial reaction was surprise, feeling that this was an absolutely impossible guess.And while the other was still excitedly continuing to report various viewpoints in the academy and the situation and process of the "secret meeting", Knecht began to understand that his friend's speculation was not wrong at all.On the contrary, or to be more precise, he felt that there was already a word "yes" deep in his heart. And it's a matter of course.Then he covered the mouth of his agitated friend with his hands, and gave him a cold reproachful look, as if there had suddenly been a great distance between them; Gossip. Go to your companions."
Deglarius originally still had a lot to say, but under Knecht's stranger-like glance, he fell silent, then immediately turned pale and walked away.He later narrated to others that Knecht's composure and indifference at that moment made him feel at first a blow, an insult, and a slap in the face, thinking that Knecht had betrayed him. Friends and friendship, and incomprehensibly inflated expectations of the imminent succession.But just as he was walking away—and it did feel like a slap—the exact meaning of that unforgettable glance gradually dawned on him, a look of unattainable pain, and Deglarius suddenly He realized that his friend was not proud of being favored by fate, but an expression of obedience to fate.He narrates that he had to connect Knecht's worried gaze with the sympathetic tone of Knecht's recent questioning of Berthler and the cause of his death.It seems that Knecht has linked this appointment with his own destiny, and just like the "shadow", he must make sacrifices and disappear.Knecht's face at that time was both lofty and humble, majestic and docile, so lonely, so bowed to fate, yes, the face he saw was almost the same as the faces on the monuments of all the masters in Castalia. Like portraits. "Go to your companion," was what Knecht had told him at the time.Yes, at that moment, at the moment when he learned that he was about to ascend to a high position, Knecht was brought into a world he knew nothing about, and he had to observe the world from a new core position, No more companions, never again.
Knecht could have expected, at least guessed, his last highest calling, which was to be appointed as the master of the glass bead game, but this time he was still taken aback, feeling that it came too suddenly.Afterwards, he told people that he might have expected it, and that's why he laughed at the agitated Deglarius, who at first did not expect this appointment at all, but was still a few days before the appointment decision and public announcement. Estimated and forecasted results.In fact, Knecht's election was unanimously approved within the highest administrative authority. The only slight disadvantage is that he seems a little too young to be a master.His predecessors were at least forty-five to fifty years old when they took office, but Knecht was under forty.Of course, there is no legal provision, because young people can't take heavy responsibility.
When Frieze told his friends about the astonishing results of his observations and associations, Knecht immediately knew that he, as a veteran of the glass bead game elite, had a great understanding of this small and complex game in the Waldzell Game Academy. The machine can be said to know everything in detail, and his observations are absolutely correct, so he immediately understands and accepts the fact and destiny of his election.But Knecht's first reaction was to reprimand his friend, saying "I don't want to hear such gossip".As soon as Frieze left with a feeling of surprise and almost humiliation, Knecht walked into a retreat room, trying to clear up his messy thoughts. At this moment, a past event came to his heart very strongly. .In his hallucination, Knecht saw a small empty room and a piano, and a cool morning sun gleefully shone through the window on a kind and handsome gentleman, a little older with gray hair. And the face is smooth, with a kind and solemn expression.Joseph saw himself as a little schoolboy, half timidly and half joyfully looking forward to the visit of the music master.He finally met the Master from the Academy of Mythical Education, a figure everyone respected.The music master came and showed him the true meaning of music, and then, step by step, he introduced him to the kingdom of education, introduced him to elite schools, and finally entered a religious organization, becoming a colleague and a member of the church.
如今这位老人已引退，已放弃他的权杖或者权力，让自己变成了一个和气寡言，却一如既往地慈祥、可敬而又神秘的老耄长者，但是他的目光、他的榜样总是依旧照亮着克乃西特的生活，总是依旧比克乃西特超出整整一生，超出若干个人生阶段，不论在威严和谦逊上，还是在技艺和神秘上都高出不知多少倍，却始终是克乃西特的支持人和榜样，温和地激励他循着自己的足迹前进，就像一颗上下运转的行星让自己的兄弟沿着它的轨迹运行一样。
克乃西特久久地沉潜在自己漫无边际的内心意象激流之中，听任种种幻景翻腾流转，其中有两个景象在他刚刚放松自己之际便已出现，这是两个画面，或者说是两个譬喻和象征，但都在激流中徘徊流连，一再出现而不肯离去。一个画面是少年克乃西特在音乐大师引导下走着形形色色的道路，明显地一步一步更为接近永恒智慧和尊严的理想境界，作为引路人的音乐大师在前进途中每转身一回，他的脸容就变得苍老一些，举止也变得更为沉稳而庄严，但是驯顺地跟着榜样走的克乃西特却是老样子，始终保持着少年模样，这让他时而觉得羞愧难当，时而又有点儿高兴：是的，这是一种类似倔强孩子获得补偿的感觉。另一个画面是钢琴室的场景，老人走向期待着的孩子，画面一再重复，重复了无数次，老人和孩子互相紧紧跟随，好似在一架机器的钢丝上旋转，转着转着，很快就再也分不清谁来了谁走了，谁在先谁在后，再也分不清老人和孩子的相互关系；时而是青年人追随老者，向权威、向尊严表示敬重和恭顺，时而又是老人对轻松快活的青春、对纯真的童稚自愿承担责任，愿意为之服务，或者也可说是崇拜青春。当克乃西特在这些无休止地环行流转的画面间徘徊，沉潜于似乎毫无意义而又似乎寓含深意的梦境之中时，他这个梦中人不时感觉老人和孩子实为一体，他时而尊敬人，时而受人尊敬，时而是引路人，时而又是追随者，在这类漂浮不定交替变化的过程中，时不时会出现一个合二而一的瞬间，他同时既是老师又是学生，是的，甚至远远超出两者之上，在衰老和年青两者变化交替的圆环中成为了创造者、探索者、驾驶者和旁观者，观察着这个轮回，自己也随着感觉的变化，时而放慢速度，时而又奋力飞速前进。一个全新的意象又从这一过程中涌现出来，其实它更像是一种象征而不是梦境，更像是一种领悟而不是画面，也即是说，与其说它是一种意念，倒不如说是一种醒悟更为恰当。老师和学生间既富于意义又毫无意义的环形旋转，智慧和青春的相互竞争，相互追逐，这种无穷无尽的愉快游戏不正是卡斯塔里精神象征么。是的，这事实上也是整个人生的象征，衰老和青春，白天和黑夜，阴和阳，永远一分为二地汹涌向前，永无尽头。
克乃西特的静坐默修到此境界，也就发现了一条从万象世界进入清静世界的道路，当他从久久静坐入定状态回转日常状态时，他感觉自己已神清气爽，心情愉快了。
几天后，当教会当局召见他时，他便以无所畏惧的从容态度接受了上级的友好问候，掌声和拥抱等等。他们告知他，他已被委任为玻璃球游戏大师，将于后天在典礼大厅举行授职和宣誓仪式，不久前，去世大师的代理人就是在这个场地举行了上一届令人忧心忡忡的盛大庆典。举行授职典礼的前一天，克乃西特在两位上级的指导下详细熟悉了宣誓仪式的程序以及“小小的大师条例”，这次担任指导的是教会当局秘书处主任和数学大师。度过了十分紧张的上午之后，克乃西特在中午休息时分回忆起了自己初入教会的情况和音乐大师事先教导的场景，一切都清清楚楚如在眼前。当然这回不同寻常，以往是成白人每年同时进入宗教团体的广阔大门，如今却只有他独自一人穿过小小的针眼，进入最高最窄的圈子，进入了大师圈内。克乃西特后来向音乐大师坦白说，那天曾有一个反省自我的念头令他十分苦恼，其实是一个十分可笑的想法：他那时候担心届时会有某位大师临时发表不同意见，指出他过于年轻不宜担任如此至尊职位。他还认真地考虑了这突如其来的恐惧和孩子气的自命不凡，对可能就年龄提出的质疑作了虚拟答复：“那么为什么不等我再长大几岁呢，我从未有过高升的志向。”当他进一步自我反省时，事实却是他下意识地想得到任命，不自觉地期待着这并非遥远的荣誉。他接着向音乐大师坦白道，他已认识自己思想上的虚荣性，决心加以排除，尤其那天会上并无人提出年龄问题，后来任何时候也无人就年龄提出任何质疑。
当然，对新大师的人选还是有过热烈争论，尤其在与克乃西特同时竞选的人士之间。克乃西特没有特别明显的敌人，却有许多竞争对手，其中不乏资格较老和较成熟的人。因而这个圈子里的人士不打算让他轻松上任，而要考验一番，至少得受到一次极为严酷的审察。每一位新大师上任之前，或者就职初期，几乎都有过类似进了炼狱的经历。
大师授职典礼是一次不公开的仪式，除去最高教育当局的领导和教会领导之外，仅有精英学校的少数高年级学生、精英学校的教师们和一位即将在新大师手下任职的该学科行政官员参与典礼。新玻璃球游戏大师得在典礼大厅宣读就职誓言，接着领受标志自己官职的证物——若干钥匙和印章，随即由一位教会组织的发言人替他穿上大师的官服，那是一件新大师参加各种重要庆典——首先是玻璃球游戏年会时——必须穿上的宽大礼服。这一典礼缺乏公开庆典活动的热闹、轻松和令人陶醉，仪式的性质很严肃，因而气氛也就很冷静。但是，单单两大团体领导的全体出席就足以给典礼平添了一重非同寻常的威严气势。小小的玻璃球游戏王国即将有一位在他们所有人之上的新主子了，他将在一切会议上代表他们的利益，这可是他们罕遇的重要大事。比较年轻的学生们也许还不能够完全把握它的重要意义，也许只能够体验到眼睛所见的礼节情景。所有其他与会者则大不一样，他们完全能够确切领会事件的重要性，充分意识到其中所体现的他们与团体之间休戚与共的关系，感受到整个过程好似自己生命过程的一个部分。
这次典礼的欢乐气氛不同往常地蒙上了一重阴云，不仅由于哀悼前任大师的逝世，还由于整个年会期间的不安情绪，以及代理人贝尔特勒的悲剧。教会团体发言人和档案馆主任共同主持了加袍典礼，他们两个人一起高高举起礼服，随即披在新游戏大师肩上。来自柯普汉的古典语言学专家，也即语言大师宣读了卡斯塔里当局的简短贺词。一位精英分子作为华尔采尔学园的代表移交了钥匙与印章，人们还看见老耄的音乐大师独自一人站在管风琴旁边。他是专程来观摩自己一手培植的学生披上大师官袍的，也想以这种意外的到场让克乃西特感到惊喜，此外，也许还可以再在某些事上提供若于忠告。他本来极想自己亲手为典礼演奏音乐的，然而担心不能胜任这般紧张吃力，便让游戏学园的一位管风琴手演奏，自己则站在演奏者身后，替他翻动乐谱。老人含笑凝神注视着约瑟夫接过钥匙印章，穿上礼服，又倾听他先是朗读誓词，随即向自己未来的同事、行政官员和学生发表了即席演说。老人觉得这个男孩约瑟夫从不曾像今天那么令人喜爱又令人高兴，如今他已几乎不再是往日的约瑟夫了，也不单单是身披官服的官员，他已成为皇冠上的宝石，宗教团体的栋梁了。然而老人只能够与他的男孩约瑟夫单独交谈几分钟。音乐大师愉快地微笑着向克乃西特走去，加快速度简短告诫他说：“注意着，会后这三四个星期要特别小'心谨慎，会有许多情况要你留心对付。此后考虑问题要牢记总体，要顾全大体而不拘泥小节。目前你得倾注全力于精英学校的工作，其他事情都可置之脑后。人们会派给你两个助手，其中之一是瑜伽学者亚历山大，我曾亲自教过他，请好好善待他，他是自己行业的专家。你现在最需要的是：坚如磐石的信心，相信领导们让你也成为领导绝对正确。你得相信他们，也得相信奉派来帮助你的人，你更得绝对无保留地相信自己的能力。而精英分子们正幸灾乐祸等着你事事疑虑呢，他们期待你丧失信心。约瑟夫，我知道你，你会获胜的。”
这位新玻璃球游戏大师对大部分公务和日常事务都很熟悉，因为他曾为前任大师服务或者说当过大师的助手，因而事事颇能胜任。最重要的工作莫过于玻璃球游戏课程——从学童班，低级班，假期短训班，外宾班，直到为精英分子们开办的实习班，演讲班以及种种研讨班等，工作多不胜数。对于新游戏大师来说，前几项课程自然不成问题，后几项却未必能胜任愉快。因为那都是他以往工作中没有机会实践的内容，必得付出更多的脑力与体力。约瑟夫的情况也不例外。最初他颇想全力以赴先做好玻璃球游戏大师的本职工作：出席最高教育当局的会议，参加各学科大师会议和宗教团体当局会议，代表玻璃球游戏者和玻璃球游戏学园和大家共同合作。
克乃西特迫不及待地努力熟悉这些新工作，试图替它们排除一切未知的可能威胁。
他但愿自己在最初几星期内就能够精确地熟知一切组织规章、工作程序，会议记录等等。他知道，这一范畴内的相关材料和情况资料，他随时可取用。他也知道，除了杜波依斯先生——他是熟知大师规章和传统习惯的头号专家——，那位教会组织发言人也可为自己提供帮助。这位发言人虽然不是大师，地位也相对较低，但是他却可以参加宗教团体的一切会议，而且拥有管理人们遵守教会秩序的职权，就像宫廷里的掌礼官。
克乃西特非常乐意向这位聪明老练、彬彬有礼、刚以庄严姿态替自己披上官服的人，进行一次私人请教访问，可惜他不住在华尔采尔而是住在离华尔采尔有半日行程的希尔斯兰！克乃西特更乐意一下子就飞向蒙特坡，能够就种种问题亲聆老音乐大师的教诲指点！然而，现在身为大师，这类私人请教的事和学生式的愿望，是想也不许想的事情。相反，他必须一开始工作便亲向解决一切问题，并已恰恰得把全副精力用于原本预料不存在什么问题的工作上。
贝尔特勒主持庆典期间，克乃西特便曾亲眼目睹团体的大师受到自己辖下精英分子的抛弃，就像把人关在没有空气的房间里闷死一般，当时他所感到的以及老音乐大师在自己就职典礼上所说的话，现在得到了证实，如今他无时无刻，不论在公务时间，还是在静息时间，都得集中精神思考自己目前的处境：他必须把涉及精英分子的事放在任何其他工作之上，把研究高级玻璃球游戏课程、把研究各种研讨会的事项以及与教师们的纯粹私人交往列于首位。他可以把档案馆交给管理员，把玻璃球游戏初级班交给现在任课的教师，公务往来事务交给秘书们去处理，全都不会耽误大事。对于这些精英分子他却不敢稍有懈怠，他必得事事为他们服务，又步步强迫他们，使他们感到不可须臾缺少自己，因而认识到自己的真才实学以及纯洁善良的愿望。他必须征服他们，争取他们，最后赢得他们，他必须与每个有意向他挑战的竞选者较量——而这样的竞选者为数颇为可观。
克乃西特在应付这类较量的过程中，发现自己一贯认为颇为不利的因素——尤其是他的长期远离华尔采尔——反倒成了有利因素，因为直到如今精英分子们几乎还称他为“一个新人”。事实表明，甚至连他和德格拉里乌斯的友谊也对自己颇有好处。因为德格拉里乌斯虽颇有才气，而体弱多病，是个局外人式的人物，对往上爬之类显然毫无兴趣，也似乎不看重什么声望荣誉之类，故而尽管颇受新任大师偏爱，却并未被那些精英分子视为有损他们的利益。然而克乃西特知道，这批处于最高层次的、最生气勃勃、最难控制、又最为敏感的人是玻璃球游戏王国的精英，研究他们，渗透他们，像骑士驯服一匹烈性良马般占有他们是自己必须亲自去做的头等重要大事。因为这批青年俊才不仅已完成玻璃球游戏的学业，也已各自从卡斯塔里的每一种研究机构里结束学业，如今全都在进行自由研究，全都是将会选派入最高教育当局或者宗教团体领导层的候选人。他们是卡斯塔里最宝贵的财富，是它的未来和希望。而这群桀骛不驯的青年才子不仅在游戏学园里，而且在一切他们所到之处，全都对他们新上级和大师持抗拒与批评态度，对于这位新上任的主管简直连一点儿礼貌都没有。克乃西特不得不以完全私人的方法-一加以制服和收服，直至他们承认他的地位，自愿服从他的领导。
克乃西特毫不畏惧地挑起了自己的担子，困难之多令他吃惊，然而当他一个个解决难题之际，当这场消耗了他巨大精力的游戏逐渐接近胜利之际，他发现自己原先颇为担忧的其他诸多难事，均已自动迎刃而解，不劳他再去费力操心了。他后来曾向一位同事坦诚叙述自己的心情：他第一次参加最高教育当局全体领导成员会议时——来回都乘坐了特快列车——简直好似置身于迷迷糊糊的梦中，事后既想不起，也无暇再回想会议内容，他的精力完全彻底被眼前的工作占据了。是的，即使会议讨论的是他很感兴趣的问题，即使他因第一次以领导身份与会而略感局促不安，他仍然在会议过程中多次走神，他的思绪飞回了华尔采尔，而不在会议所讨论的问题上。他看到自己坐在档案室那间粉刷着蓝色的房间里。克乃西特正在那里举办一个辩证法则研讨班，每隔三天开一次，参加者只有五人，但是研讨会上的每一个钟点都比任何其他日常公务——当然也并不轻松容易，尤其不可以回避或拖延——都更加紧张，因而需要他付出更大精力。幸而正如老音乐大师所说，他刚刚上任，最高教育当局便给他指派了督导员和管理员，监督他每一个钟点的工作进程，规劝他按时休息，既得避免工作过度而累垮，又得避免工作片面而顾此失彼。克乃西特对亚历山大十分感激，他不仅是当局派来的官方代表，而且深谙静修之道，在这方面享有盛名。这位亚历山大细心照料克乃西特，无论克乃西特工作忙到什么程度，都督促他每日必须进行三次“小小的”或“短短的”静坐课，每次都得坚持极严格的规定的时间，一分一秒也不得差错。
每天傍晚，在夜间的静修课程开始之前，克乃西特和两位协助者，督导员和静修指导员，共同回顾一天的公务，检查有无不妥或成功之处，如同静修老师形容的“每天给自己把把脉”，也就是说，让他认识并且衡量自己当前的处境、状态、精力分配情况、希望与隐患所在等等，总之，让他能够客观地认识自己和一天的工作，而不把问题留到夜里和第二天。
青年精英们、教师们怀着半是同情半是挑战的心理冷眼旁观着自己新大师重任在肩，繁忙非凡，却从不放过即兴考验他的机会，考验他的耐心、应变能力等等，他们时而增添他的工作，时而又阻挠他的工作，以致让他的朋友德格拉里乌斯觉得他好似己被包围在一种危险的真空里。但是此时的克乃西特已分不出任何精力、任何时间、任何思想来帮助德格拉里乌斯，尤其令他感到失落的是这位朋友似乎也在一天比一天更加远离自己，而且发现弗里兹也多少成了同事们的怀疑对象，很少人肯与他交谈。这情况当然也不足为奇，尽管德格拉里乌斯不会妨碍那些往上爬的人的出路，然而他毕竟总是新大师同党，宠信人物。
克乃西特想象到了诸如此类问题，但他目前忙得不可开交，实在抽不出时间处理私事，只能暂且搁置他们的友谊。然而德格拉里乌斯却不这么认为，据他后来向克乃西特坦白，克乃西特当时的行为并非有意识的决定，而纯粹只是把朋友完全忘记了，因为他让自己彻头彻尾成了机器，任何私事、私人关系都忘到九霄云外。例如，在克乃西特主持的五人研讨会上，当德格拉里乌斯的身形和脸容出现在他眼前时，他并没有看见朋友、熟人德格拉里乌斯，他看见的只是一个玻璃球游戏选手，一个精英学生，至多是一位教师，属于工作的一小部分，或者是他整个军团中的一名士兵，这是他为获取胜利而组织起来进行训练的。当新大师第一次以这种态度同弗里兹讲话时，曾让对方不寒而栗。德格拉里乌斯从他的眼光观察到，克乃西特的冷漠和客观并非故意伪装，而是一种可。伯的现实，自己面前这位彬彬有礼却彻头彻尾公事化了的人，已经不再是他的朋友约瑟夫，而只是一位教师、监考官，一位玻璃球游戏的大师，被自己的职务既沉重又严厉地紧紧裹着，就像一只陶器经过烈火烧炼、又经过冷却硬化后，被裹在闪闪发光的厚厚的彩釉里面一样。
另外必须提一下，在这近似发热发烧般的最初几星期内还发生了一件小小的意外事件，事情出在德格拉里乌斯身上。由于连续失眠和心情紧张，德格拉里乌斯在研讨会上发了一次小小的脾气，犯了一次失礼的错误，不过并非针对大师，而是对一位同事，后者说话时的挖苦声调大大刺激了他的神经。克乃西特注意到了不和场面，也发现惹事者的过分紧张心态，没有说话，只举起手指示意他沉默。事后，克乃西特派遣自己的静修老师去进行精神安抚。德格拉里乌斯感到这种关怀是他们恢复友谊的第一个吉兆，便心甘情愿地接受了对他个人的关照，进行了数星期治疗。
事实上，克乃西特几乎完全没有注意自己关照的对象是谁，他做的只是一位游戏大师该做的事而已。他发现一位教师精神紧张又举止失控，立即作出了纯粹教育家式的反应，一分一秒也没有考虑这个教师是什么人，更不曾联想到他和自己的关系。
数月后，当朋友向他提起这幕可笑场景，又让他确信，他的友好表示令自己得到了极大快慰时，克乃西特完全无言以对，他早把这次事件忘得干干净净，但是他没有纠正朋友的误解。
克乃西特最终还是赢得了胜利，达到了自己的目标。这是一项艰巨的工作，要制服一批精英分子，把他们操练得精疲力竭，把野心家的欲望抚平，把骑墙派争取到自己身边，让狂妄自大者折服于自己——全都不易办到，而如今却统统完成了。
玻璃球游戏学园的教师们都已承认这位新大师，也都乐意服从于他。一切都顷刻之间妥当了，好像一架旧机器只消点一滴油便可轻松运转自如似的。监督员和克乃西特共同拟定了最后一份工作计划，向他转达了最高教育当局的嘉奖后，便告辞而去，静修教师亚历山大也接着离开了。于是，克乃西特又恢复了清晨散步，而不再作按摩推拿，至于继续研究或者读书之类还没有时间考虑，总算每星期有几天晚上睡觉之前可以演奏一会儿音乐了。
克乃西特后来再度参加教育当局领导成员会议时，清楚地觉察到——尽管没有任何人明说出来——，人们已视他为可靠的、完全平等的同事。经过这场炽烈的斗争考验后，一种觉醒之感又突然向他袭来，这是一种冷静而清醒的感觉。他看到自己已置身卡斯塔里的核心，己抵达宗教团体的最高层，却惊讶地、几近于失望地发现，这里的空气也十分稀薄，当然，他目前所呼吸的与过去呼吸的空气并无两样，完全变了的是他自己。这却是一场无情考验的结果，这场考验把他烧成了灰烬，以往没有任何工作如此消耗了他的全部精力。
这一回，精英分子们以一种特殊的表态方式承认了克乃西特的领袖地位。当克乃西特觉察到他们已停止抗拒，感觉他们已表露信赖和认可时，明白自己已渡过难关，已到了挑选“影子”的时机。此时此刻，他确实比以往任何时候更迫切需要一个人来减轻自己的负担，因为从那场耗尽超人精力的硬仗中得胜之后，他猛然觉得自己确乎比较自由了。过去确有若干人恰恰在这个当口处置失当而最终垮台。克乃西特便决定放弃自选代理人的权利，而要求教师们以团体的名义、按照他们自己的意愿替他挑选一位“影子”。大家对贝尔特勒的前车之鉴印象犹深，精英分子们对大师这个安抚姿态便格外认真，召开了许多次会议，又秘密征询了个人意见，最终挑出了最佳人选——这位代理人在克乃西特被正式命名之前曾是最有希望获得游戏大师职位的候选人。
显然，克乃西特已渡过了最艰难的时期，他总算又可以悠闲地散步和欣赏音乐了。随着时间的推移，他又逐渐恢复了研究工作，恢复了与德格拉里乌斯的来往，也能够常常和费罗蒙梯通信了，是的，他现在还不时整整休息半天，甚至还出门作一次小小的旅行。但是，所有这一切赏心乐事对另一个人也许颇有种益，却无助于目前情况下的克乃西特——他曾自认为老练的玻璃球游戏选手和过得去的卡斯塔里人，然而对卡斯塔里体系的最核心的内在实质毫无所知，因而曾那么天真无邪、幼稚无知而又不负责任地生活着。有一天克乃西特突然想起了托马斯大师对他的尖刻斥责，当时他向大师表示要延长自由研究工作“一段时间”，答复是：“一段时间……
你现在仍然用学生的语言说话，约瑟夫。“这只是几年前的事情。当时他是怀着深深的敬畏之情聆听教诲的，面对着这个男人冷静而自律的完美态度不免内心略感恐惧，同时也领会到这是卡斯塔里在召唤他，吸引他，为了有朝一日把他也造就成一个托马斯大师式的人，一个领袖兼仆人，一件完美的工具。如今他正站在托马斯大师当年的同一地点，当他与那些教师中间的一位教师，与那些足智多谋的玻璃球游戏者中的一位选手，与那些持才傲物的精英分子之一进行交谈的时候，他便会在对方身上看到一个与自己不同的、陌生而美丽的世界，这正是当年托马斯大师在他身上看见的同样美妙惊人的学生世界。