Discipleship

Most people knows what is spiritual Disciple and Discipleship but some don't.You would think this should be obvious, but for some it is not.

 Here is some info about it.

Chela (devanāgarī: चेल cela) is a Sanskrit word that literally means "servant". In Hinduism the term is used to denominate the religious student or disciple of a spiritual master or guru. In Theosophy the term is frequently used to refer to a person that has become a disciple of one of the Masters of Wisdom, being thus a candidate for initiation into the Esoteric Philosophy. Generally, speaking, there are three degrees of chelaship--that of a lay chela, a probationary chela, and a regular or accepted chela.[1] Some synonyms frequently found in the Theosophical literature are "Disciple" and "Lanoo".

According to H. P. Blavatsky, a Chela or Disciple:

. . . is one who has offered himself or herself as a pupil to learn practically the "hidden mysteries of Nature and the psychical powers latent in man." The spiritual teacher to whom he proposes his candidature is called in India a Guru; and the real Guru is always an Adept in the Occult Science.[2]

The period of chelaship typically involves several incarnations and a number of initiations. During this stage the aspirant will develop power and attain knowledge to become a helper of the Master's work for humanity. This is why a prerequisite to be accepted as a chela is selflessness and love for humanity. Master M. wrote:

It is he alone who has the love of humanity at heart, who is capable of grasping thoroughly the idea of a regenerating practical Brotherhood who is entitled to the possession of our secrets. He alone, such a man - will never misuse his powers, as there will be no fear that he should turn them to selfish ends. A man who places not the good of mankind above his own good is not worthy of becoming our chela - he is not worthy of becoming higher in knowledge than his neighbour.[3]

Accordingly, the Master's attention is attracted to a person by his or her acts of service and the development of purity and selflessness. This was explained to C. W. Leadbeater in the first letter he received from Master K.H.:

To accept any man as a chela does not depend on my personal will. It can only be the result of one's personal merit and exertions in that direction. Force any one of the “Masters” you may happen to choose; do good works in his name and for the love of mankind; be pure and resolute in the path of righteousness (as laid out in our rules); be honest and unselfish; forget your Self but to remember the good of other people – and you will have forced that “Master” to accept you.

Mme. Blavatsky describes the qualifications of a perfect chela, adding that a lay chela should acquire these qualities to some extent before he can expect to be accepted by a Master of Wisdom:

From Book IV of Kiu-ti, chapter on “the Laws of Upasana,” we learn that the qualifications expected in a Chela were:

1. Perfect physical health;

2. Absolute mental and physical purity;

3. Unselfishness of purpose; universal charity; pity for all animate beings;

4. Truthfulness and unswerving faith in the law of Karma, independent of any power in nature that could interfere: a law whose course is not to be obstructed by any agency, not to be caused to deviate by prayer or propitiatory exoteric ceremonies;

5. A courage undaunted in every emergency, even by peril to life;

6. An intuitional perception of one’s being the vehicle of the manifested Avalokitevara or Divine Atman (Spirit);

7. Calm indifference for, but a just appreciation of everything that constitutes the objective and transitory world, in its relation with, and to, the invisible regions.

(8) Blessing of both parents and their permission to become an Upasan (chela); and

(9) Celibacy, and freedom from any obligatory duty.

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The non-dual experience will only be attained by those who have completely given up desires. For those with desires, it is far, far away. 

Hence it is proper for those with desires to direct their desires towards God, who is desireless so that through desire for God the desires that arise through the delusion that objects exist and are different from oneself will become extinct.

 - Guru Vachaka Kovai, verse 149

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The Six Stages of Discipleship

https://holderofthelight.com/six-stages-discipleship/

The stage wherein a disciple is contacted by the Master through another chela on the physical plane. This is the stage of “Little Chelaship.”

The stage wherein a higher disciple directs the chela from the egoic level. This is the stage called a “Chela in the Light.”

The stage wherein, according to necessity, the Master contacts the chela through:

a. A vivid dream experience.

b. A symbolic teaching.

c. A using of a thoughtform of the Master.

d. A contact in meditation.

e. A definite remembered interview in the Master’s Ashram.This is definitely the stage of Accepted Disciple.

The stage wherein, having shown his wisdom in work, and his appreciation of the Master’s problem, the chela is taught how (in emergencies) to attract the Master’s attention and thus draw on his strength, knowledge and advice. This is an instantaneous happening, and practically takes none of the Master’s time. This stage has the peculiar name of a “Chela on the Thread” or sutratma.

The stage wherein the chela is permitted to know the method whereby he may set up a vibration and call which will entitle him to an interview with the Master. This is only permitted to those trusted chelas who can be depended upon not to use the knowledge for anything except the need of the work; no personality reason or distress would prompt them to use it. At this stage the chela is called “one within the aura.”

The stage wherein the chela can get his Master’s ear at any time. He is in close touch always. This is the stage wherein a chela is being definitely prepared for an immediate initiation or, having taken initiation, is being given specialized work to do in collaboration with his Master. The chela at this stage is described as “one within his Master’s heart.”There is a later stage of still closer identification, where there is a blending of the Lights, but there is no adequate paraphrase of the terms used to cover the name. The six stages above mentioned have been paraphrased for occidental understanding and must in no way be considered as translations of the ancient terms.