Challenge for Discipleship

By Torkom Saraydarian

Book Overview

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• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0911794506
• ISBN13: 9780911794502
• Release Date: January 1994
• Publisher: TSG Publishing Foundation, Inc.
• Length: 532 Pages
• Weight: 2.95 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Esoteric Wisdom for the Aspirant on the Path of Discipleship

Perhaps, never before has there been so much esoteric wisdom contained in one book dedicated to the aspirant on the Path to discipleship. It is filled with beauty, goodness, truth, warnings, suggestions, wise ad- vice and counsel for those truly seeking. There is a lifetime of study here, as well as spiritual experience and wisdom the author, Torkom Saraydarian, shares with his reader/students. The book has many interesting definitions of what a disciple really is. Take this one for instance: "The new-age disciple is an independent human being. He initiates his own labor, his own tasks; he determines the field of his own responsibility-" The author further says, "New-age disciples are not trapped in any organization, church, or group. They belong to the world, and they think in terms of the interests of the world. This inclusiveness is so strong in their hearts that it urges them to be somebody to be able to satisfy that urge-" In the heart of a disciple, "there is only one great goal in mind: TO HELP SAVE HUMANITY-" We are told that a disciple cooperates with the Plan of the Great Ones as he understands it and can serve it. Three main aspects of the Plan are given in the book. They are a. to increase light and understanding in the world, b. to increase love, right human relations, goodwill and inclusiveness, and c. to create the urge to perfection in others and in your own Self-" Condensed in this book from the Ancient Wisdom Teachings, handed down from Teacher -to student, are rules for aspirants toward discipleship, rules for advanced disciples, the duties and tasks of a disciple are enumerated, warnings about glamours and illusions are stated, watchful- ness is explained and fifteen points are given to help the aspiring disciple advance on the path of discipleship. The author tells us WHY we are here in very concise language, He says: "We are here on Earth to enter the path of perfection. We are here on Earth to finish our schooling with honor. We are here to unfold the beauty that exists within our Core. We are here to establish greater communications with the higher forces of Nature. We are here to create human unity. We are here to master time, space, matter, and death. We are here to release the light in our Core. We are here to learn the value of life and how to continue to live in higher spheres consciously. These are our main lessons, if we do not learn them, we will perpetuate suffering, pain, again and again, in the Subtle World and on Earth." Every chapter in this book is a CHALLANGE for DISCIPLESHIP. To those truly seeking to walk the path of discipleship, this book is an inspira- tion, is encouraging, is enlightening, is a GUIDE, throwing Light upon the aspirant's Way, enabling him to avoid serious pitfalls, and/or to a- rise from failures, striving on with renewed courage toward success. It is 'as if' the Guiding Hand of one's Solar Angel, one's Teacher and Masters all Helping the strivi

Instructions on developing readiness for discipleship

According to Challenge for Discipleship, a disciple is an "efficient person", a person with command of one's mechanism and of life in general. Discipleship is becoming a Soul and having a Soul, and not one's appetites, urges, drives, or ego control one's mechanism. A disciple efficiently controls his mechanism so his time and energy can be used for helping the world.Discipleship is the commitment to the service of humanity, to a vision, to an ideal to the spiritual laws and principles brought to humanity by the Great Ones throughout the ages..In addition to providing insight into the Plan of Christ, His reappearance, and the externalization of His Hierarchy, Challenge for Discipleship provides instructions on developing readiness for discipleship. Saraydarian explains in detail the steps, rules, duties, and responsibilities of disciples. In doing so he brings to light the various levels of discipleship, the qualities, achievements, and characteristics of the differing stages. An aspirant or disciple cannot read the book without facing himself, sometimes painfully. The book reveals how glamor, illusion, vanity, and ego hinder the disciple's progression on the path. The author describes how a disciple overcomes along the way, as well as the causes behind most failures of disciples. The book, while creating confrontation, also brings tremendous encouragement and regeneration to anyone who may be stuck or discouraged. The author describes the virtues and attitudes needed at each level. Challenge for Discipleship is a practical yet incredibly in-depth guide on discipleship which enables all aspirants to see exactly where they are on the path while at the same time encouraging disciples to focus on the future. From the chapter entitled "Looking Ahead", Saraydarian provides the most important keys to successful discipleship:"It is more important to see what possibilities can exist in the future than to concentrate our minds on eliminating our limitations. As we look ahead to the future, we will realize that most of our limitations are imaginary, and we will develop daring and courage to overcome those limitations that we really have. Once the images of success inspires us, we will run toward it with increasing speed. Do not blind yourself with what you are, but look ahead and think what you can be and what you can do, and visualize as if you already are and you are already able to do" (p. 473).