Chela

The word chela comes from the Sanskrit चेल (cela) meaning "servant" or "slave." In Hinduism the term is used to denominate the religious student or disciple of a spiritual master or guru.

In modern Theosophy the term is frequently used to denominate a disciple accepted by one Master as a candidate for initiation into the occult sciences. In her Theosophical Glossary H. P. Blavatsky defines it as follows:

Chelâ (Sk.). A disciple, the pupil of a Guru or Sage, the follower of some adept of a school of philosophy (lit., child).

Further reading

• Chelas by H. P. Blavatsky

• Chelas and Lay Chelas by H. P. Blavatsky

• Gurus and Chelas An Article by E.T. Sturdy and a Reply by Annie Besant