In the pursuit of spiritual growth, obstacles are not just inevitable, they are essential. Some will be minor, others will be profound, even overwhelming. You might not have recognised them as “spiritual tests” at first, but that’s exactly what they are — and as you immerse yourself deeper into the practice of yoga, you will encounter them more and more.
However, this concept is far from new. These tests have existed across centuries, woven into the fabric of Buddhism, Hinduism, Shamanism, and countless other spiritual traditions. While the methods and interpretations may vary, the core essence is universal.
To break it down, we can categorize these spiritual tests into three core types:
Tests of the Community: Rites of Passage
These tests are tied to a religious or cultural community — the rites of passage that shape our identity and belonging. Think of bar mitzvahs, sacred Hindu ceremonies, circumcision, or the initiation rites where young men prove their courage by undertaking impossible feats — like the notorious “kill a lion to become a man” rituals of old. In the modern world, these rites still exist, albeit in different forms: exams in yoga schools, for instance, or obtaining a certification to teach. Even outside the spiritual realm, society has its own rites of passage — turning 18, receiving your passport, passing your driving test. The message is clear: to move forward in life, you must pass these tests.
Tests from Teacher to Disciple
This category delves deeper into the heart of spiritual discipline. Across nearly every tradition, teachers challenge their disciples, often in ways that shape their entire journey. These tests are divided into two key subcategories. First, there are the preliminary tests — the initial challenges that prove you are worthy of a teacher’s time and attention. They might be based on physical traits (a practice once common in criminal theory, such as Lombroso’s tests) or more intense rituals, like fasting for days to prove your devotion. Or perhaps, like in Eastern traditions, a disciple might spend months waiting at the monastery gates before being allowed entry. These tests are designed to test your readiness, your discipline, your willingness to surrender. Then, there are ongoing tests, which occur after you’ve been accepted as a disciple. These tests often involve personal sacrifice — abstinence, celibacy, humility — and reducing your ego. In yoga, this is where the true work begins: the tough trials that make you confront your own limitations and beliefs.
The Inevitable Natural Tests of Life
These are the tests that come at you, whether you’re ready for them or not. They are the unavoidable hurdles of daily life that come when you start your spiritual path. You can’t anticipate them, and they don’t come with a warning sign. The catch? You don’t always realize you’re being tested. More often than not, people chalk up these challenges to bad luck or random misfortune. “Why would God care about me?” they ask, “This is just a coincidence.” And in doing so, they miss their opportunity for growth.
However, for the more spiritually attuned, these tests are easier to recognize for what they truly are — divine challenges meant to push you forward. Take the biblical story of Job, who lost everything — his family, his wealth — yet never lost his faith. He immediately understood that he was being tested, and with remarkable grace, he responded with acceptance. That’s the spiritual mindset.
It’s important to remember: these tests, though often grueling, aren’t random. They’re there to push you closer to the truth. Without them, there is no progress. So, instead of resenting them, embrace them as part of the path. The ancient Christian mystics had it right when they said, “Do not hate the sinner, hate the sin.” This is the healthiest perspective you can adopt.
The Reality Is This: Spiritual Tests Cannot Be Avoided
The higher you ascend on your spiritual journey, the more difficult they become. Look at Jesus, who was offered all the power and wealth in the world, a temptation most ordinary people could never fathom. Buddha, too, was tempted by Mara, the demon, until the very end. Don’t shy away from your tests; accept them as gifts from the Divine. Remember: the harder the test, the closer you are to your goal. And once you’ve passed a test, it won’t return
If no tests seem to be coming your way, it might indicate you’ve reached a plateau — you’re stuck. The Christian mystics often worried about this, believing that the Devil doesn’t waste his time on those who aren’t progressing.
Each disciple’s path is uniquely personal. Tests will vary, and they’ll often target a disciple’s most unresolved issue. Some yogis are tested on their devotion, others on their attachment to substances like alcohol or drugs. Some are tested on their discipline, others on their ability to overcome envy. The Divine is perfectly attuned to each disciple’s karma — their remaining lessons, whether from this life or past ones.
Spiritual Natural Selection
In conclusion, it’s essential to remember that not everyone will make it to the top. There are always more beginners than there are those who reach the highest levels of spiritual evolution. Even Jesus acknowledged, “For many are called, but only few are chosen.” This is spiritual natural selection in its truest form.
If you want to evolve, you must be prepared to face tests — whether they come from your teacher or from God. While they may seem intimidating, these trials ultimately help you grow and progress. So, embrace them. Love your spiritual tests, because they’re the key to your transformation.
From a lecture given by Swami Vivekananda Saraswati
