Sadhguru discusses how to overcome moment-to-moment struggles on the spiritual path and emphasizes the importance of making one's spiritual seeking the highest priority, the first and last focus in life.
Article | June 15, 1987
Sadhguru: The journey of spirituality is often romanticized as a path filled with peace, enlightenment, and a deep sense of connection with the divine. However, anyone who embarks on this path quickly realizes that the road is fraught with struggles, distractions, doubts, and intense inner turmoil. These moment-to-moment struggles are not just temporary roadblocks; they are essential parts of spiritual evolution. Overcoming them requires profound insight, patience, resilience, and unwavering dedication.
In this article, we will explore the nature of these struggles, the reasons they arise, and the means to overcome them, focusing on practical approaches and deeper wisdom from various spiritual traditions.
1. Understanding the Nature of Struggle in Spirituality
Spirituality, at its core, is about transcending the ego—the limited sense of self—and connecting with something far greater: the universal consciousness, or the divine. The ego, however, is deeply entrenched in our identities, habits, desires, and fears. When one begins the spiritual journey, it feels as though the entire structure of one’s being is threatened, resulting in resistance and struggle. This struggle is natural and should be viewed as a sign of progress rather than a setback.
Inner Conflicts: As one seeks higher consciousness, old patterns of thinking and behaving come to the surface. These may manifest as doubts about the spiritual path, fear of losing one’s identity, or resistance to the changes that spirituality demands.
External Distractions: The world around us is filled with distractions that pull us away from our spiritual practices. Family obligations, work, societal pressures, and even our environment can become obstacles.
Emotional Turmoil: As one dives deeper into spiritual practices like meditation, contemplation, or prayer, repressed emotions and unresolved traumas can rise to the surface. This can create intense emotional pain and confusion, making the path seem unbearable at times.
The key to overcoming these struggles lies in recognizing that they are part of the process. These challenges are not signs of failure but necessary experiences that lead to deeper growth and self-awareness.
Every struggle on the spiritual path is not an obstacle but a stepping stone, guiding you deeper into the heart of your true self.
2. The Role of Patience and Acceptance
One of the greatest struggles on the spiritual path is impatience. Many seekers expect quick results, believing that enlightenment or profound spiritual experiences should come swiftly. When these experiences do not occur, doubt creeps in. The mind, ever restless, begins to question whether the path is worth the effort.
Patience as a Virtue: Patience is a fundamental aspect of spiritual progress. It is said in many spiritual traditions that the path to self-realization is long and arduous. The results of one’s efforts may not be immediately visible, but every sincere act of devotion, every moment of mindfulness, and every attempt to align with a higher consciousness brings one closer to the goal.
Acceptance of Struggle: Another important aspect of overcoming spiritual struggles is acceptance. Often, we resist the challenges that arise, trying to avoid or escape them. True spiritual growth happens when one learns to embrace the struggle. Instead of running from discomfort, lean into it. By accepting the difficulties with grace, the seeker transforms them into opportunities for growth.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to perform his duties without attachment to the fruits of his actions. This teaching applies perfectly to spiritual seekers. Whether one feels progress or not, the effort must continue without the desire for immediate results.
The moment you surrender your resistance, struggles lose their power to bind you, and you rise beyond them in grace.
3. Surrendering to a Higher Power
On the spiritual path, the ego often struggles to maintain control. It wants to dictate how the journey should unfold, demanding specific outcomes or trying to avoid pain. This need for control is one of the greatest obstacles a seeker faces. To truly advance, one must surrender.
The Power of Surrender: Surrendering does not mean giving up; it means trusting that a higher power—whether you call it God, the universe, or the inner self—knows what is best. This surrender is not passive but active, allowing one to move through life with faith and resilience, trusting that each challenge is part of a divine plan.
Letting Go of the Ego: The ego's fear of surrender is immense. It equates surrender with annihilation, but in reality, it is only the false self that is diminished in this process. The true self, which is infinite and connected to the divine, emerges through surrender. Letting go of control allows one to flow with life’s currents rather than fight against them.
Ramana Maharshi, the great sage of India, often spoke of surrendering to the self. He said that the only true effort required in spirituality is to surrender the ego and let the divine work through you. This surrender is not a one-time act but a continuous practice.
In the silence between struggles, the divine whispers the truth of your inner strength.
4. The Importance of Discipline and Consistency
Spiritual practice requires discipline. In the face of moment-to-moment struggles, it is easy to become inconsistent, abandoning practices like meditation, prayer, or contemplation when they become difficult or uncomfortable. However, the importance of discipline cannot be overstated.
Daily Spiritual Practice: Whether it is meditation, mantra chanting, or any other form of practice, consistency is key. A daily routine anchors the seeker, providing stability amidst the chaos of life. Even when it feels like nothing is happening, the practice is working at deeper levels of consciousness.
Overcoming Lethargy and Distraction: One of the main reasons seekers falter is due to lethargy or distraction. The mind loves to wander, finding excuses to avoid spiritual practice. By setting clear intentions and cultivating discipline, one can overcome these distractions and remain focused on the path.
5. Developing Inner Strength Through Challenges
The struggles on the spiritual path are opportunities to develop inner strength. Just as muscles grow through resistance, the soul grows through spiritual challenges.
Facing Fear: One of the most common struggles is fear—fear of the unknown, fear of losing oneself, or fear of failure. By facing these fears head-on, the seeker builds courage and fortitude. As one faces each challenge, the inner self becomes more resilient.
Building Resilience: Overcoming spiritual struggles requires resilience, the ability to bounce back after setbacks. There will be days when the mind is restless, the heart is heavy, and the path seems dark. But resilience means continuing the journey despite these obstacles, knowing that the light will return.
Struggles are but mirrors reflecting the parts of ourselves we have yet to heal; embracing them is embracing your evolution.
6. Seeking Guidance from a Spiritual Teacher
No one walks the spiritual path alone. While the journey is deeply personal, the guidance of a spiritual teacher or guru can be invaluable. Teachers provide wisdom, insight, and support, helping seekers navigate the complexities of the spiritual journey.
The Role of the Guru: In many spiritual traditions, the guru is seen as the embodiment of divine wisdom. A true guru does not solve your problems for you but helps you see the way through them. Whether it is through direct guidance or subtle inspiration, a guru’s presence can help ease the struggles on the path.
Community and Support: In addition to being a teacher, being part of a spiritual community can also provide support. Sharing experiences, struggles, and insights with others who are on a similar path can help alleviate feelings of isolation and provide encouragement during difficult times.
Incorporating examples from great spiritual masters like Sri Ramakrishna, Vishuddhananda Paramhamsa, and Sri Aurobindo can provide deep insights into how they overcame struggles on the spiritual path and can inspire modern seekers. Each of these masters offers profound lessons in dealing with moment-to-moment challenges and spiritual struggles. Let’s explore how their experiences and teachings can illuminate the process of overcoming difficulties in spirituality.
1. Sri Ramakrishna: Surrender to the Divine Will
Sri Ramakrishna, the 19th-century mystic from Bengal, is one of the most iconic spiritual figures who demonstrated how to face struggles with simplicity, surrender, and unwavering faith. His life was a testament to the power of devotion and surrender to the divine.
Example of Absolute Faith and Surrender: Throughout his spiritual journey, Sri Ramakrishna experienced immense struggles, especially during his intense practices of Tantric, Vaishnavite, and Vedantic disciplines. One striking instance was when he yearned for a direct vision of the Divine Mother, Kali. His desperation grew so intense that he decided to end his life if the vision did not occur. Just as he was about to cut his own throat, the Divine Mother revealed herself to him, filling him with ecstatic joy.
This story illustrates the profound power of surrender. Sri Ramakrishna teaches that the spiritual path can be overwhelming, but when one lets go of personal will and fully surrenders to the divine, grace will manifest. Even in moments of deepest despair, the Divine is always present and ready to respond.
Lessons on Overcoming Doubt: Ramakrishna had periods when he doubted whether he was on the right path or whether his practices were leading him anywhere. Yet, through these doubts, he relied on complete surrender to the Divine Mother. He would tell his disciples that just as a child clings to its mother when in trouble, a seeker must cling to God during times of struggle. This childlike faith is key to overcoming moment-to-moment challenges.
2. Vishuddhananda Paramhamsa: Mastery Through Discipline and Inner Strength
Vishuddhananda Paramhamsa, also known as Gandha Baba, was a yogi from Bengal renowned for his mastery of Surya Vigyan (Solar Science), which allowed him to manipulate matter and produce fragrances, and objects, and perform other miraculous feats. However, his life was marked by intense spiritual struggle and discipline.
Example of Mastering Inner Strength Through Discipline: Vishuddhananda’s early life was filled with rigorous spiritual practices. Under the guidance of his guru in the Himalayas, he was subjected to extreme training to awaken the latent powers of the mind and spirit. His training involved both physical and mental challenges, requiring him to maintain unwavering focus and self-control. At one point, he had to live in isolation in the mountains, where the harsh climate and solitude tested his mental and physical endurance.
His struggles show that spiritual mastery requires immense inner strength, forged through disciplined practice. Vishuddhananda's life reminds us that overcoming moment-to-moment distractions, physical discomfort, and emotional instability is essential to reaching higher states of consciousness.
Facing the Challenges of Skepticism and Misunderstanding: Vishuddhananda often faced scepticism from those who could not comprehend his spiritual abilities. Despite this, he remained undeterred, focusing on his mission to teach others about higher truths. This highlights the importance of staying true to one's spiritual path, regardless of external doubts and misunderstandings.
3. Sri Aurobindo: Integral Yoga and the Challenge of Transformation
Sri Aurobindo’s life and teachings are a profound example of how spiritual struggles can be transformed into instruments of higher evolution. His concept of Integral Yoga—the synthesis of all yogic paths—teaches that every aspect of life, including struggles and challenges, can become a means for spiritual growth.
Example of Overcoming Personal Struggles During Spiritual Transformation: Sri Aurobindo’s early life was filled with revolutionary activities against British colonial rule in India. He faced imprisonment and the threat of execution, yet it was in prison that he had his first profound spiritual experiences. Amid extreme uncertainty and isolation, Sri Aurobindo received the vision of the Divine guiding his life and mission. His imprisonment became a period of intense spiritual growth, where he realized that inner transformation was more important than external circumstances.
This experience shows that even in the darkest moments, the greatest spiritual breakthroughs can occur. Sri Aurobindo teaches that spiritual transformation often requires enduring outer struggles while maintaining inner focus on the divine. His transformation from a political leader to a spiritual master was rooted in his ability to transcend external chaos and focus on inner evolution.
Facing the Struggle of Inertia in Sadhana: In his later teachings, Sri Aurobindo spoke extensively about the difficulty of overcoming inertia in spiritual practice. He noted that the human body and mind are deeply rooted in habitual patterns that resist change. Even advanced practitioners face moments of lethargy and a lack of progress. Sri Aurobindo emphasized the need for perseverance, explaining that these moments of inertia are part of the process of transformation. By continuously aligning with the higher consciousness, one can gradually dissolve these obstacles.
Integral Approach to Struggles: Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga emphasizes the importance of integrating all aspects of life—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—into the practice. Instead of seeing struggles as separate from spirituality, he encouraged seekers to view them as opportunities for transformation. Each difficulty, whether physical illness, emotional pain, or mental confusion, becomes a tool for purifying and refining the individual consciousness.
4. Ramana Maharshi: The Simplicity of Self-Inquiry in Overcoming Struggles
Ramana Maharshi, although not directly asked about here, provides a powerful example of how struggles can be overcome through simplicity and self-inquiry.
The Power of Self-Inquiry: Ramana Maharshi’s teaching of asking "Who am I?" cuts through the complexities of spiritual struggles. When faced with moment-to-moment challenges, such as emotional turmoil or mental confusion, Ramana encouraged his devotees to turn inward and inquire about the true self. By doing this, the identification with the ego, which is the root cause of all struggles, dissolves. His simple yet profound method shows that spiritual struggles are often caused by our identification with transient experiences. By understanding the impermanence of these experiences, the seeker moves closer to liberation.
Key Takeaways from These Spiritual Masters:
Surrender to the Divine (Sri Ramakrishna): Let go of personal will and trust in the divine plan, even when struggles seem unbearable. Faith and surrender are the cornerstones of spiritual growth.
Discipline and Inner Strength (Vishuddhananda Paramhamsa): Rigorous discipline and the cultivation of inner strength are essential for overcoming moment-to-moment distractions and discomfort on the path.
Transforming Struggles into Growth (Sri Aurobindo): Every challenge, whether internal or external, is an opportunity for transformation. Even in the face of immense personal and external struggles, the key is to stay focused on the inner journey.
Self-Inquiry to Dissolve the Ego (Ramana Maharshi): By constantly inquiring into the nature of the self, one can transcend the ego, which is the source of all struggles.
The moment-to-moment struggles on the spiritual path are not unique to any individual. Even the greatest spiritual masters like Sri Ramakrishna, Vishuddhananda Paramhamsa, and Sri Aurobindo faced immense challenges in their spiritual journeys. However, they transformed these struggles into powerful opportunities for growth through surrender, discipline, resilience, and a deeper connection to the divine.
For modern spiritual seekers, these examples serve as reminders that overcoming struggles is not about eliminating difficulties but about shifting one’s perspective. Struggles are part of the spiritual path, and by embracing them with faith, discipline, and inner strength, they become stepping stones toward greater spiritual realization.
The path of spirituality is not smooth, but every struggle is a teacher, preparing you for the vastness of your soul.
7. Transforming Struggles into Growth
Ultimately, the moment-to-moment struggles on the spiritual path are not obstacles to be avoided but opportunities for growth and transformation. Each challenge, whether internal or external, is a mirror reflecting aspects of the self that need to be understood, healed, and transcended.
Seeing Struggles as a Teacher: Every struggle teaches a valuable lesson. Whether it is about patience, surrender, discipline, or resilience, each difficulty on the path is an opportunity to deepen one’s spiritual understanding and practice.
Growth Through Pain: Pain is often seen as something to avoid, but in spirituality, pain can be a profound teacher. It forces one to confront parts of the self that have been ignored or suppressed. By embracing this pain with awareness and love, one can transform it into a source of wisdom and strength.
Conclusion
The spiritual journey is not a smooth, effortless path. It is a dynamic process filled with moment-to-moment struggles that test one’s resolve, patience, and faith. However, these struggles are not without purpose. They are the fire through which the seeker is purified and transformed.
By cultivating patience, surrendering to a higher power, maintaining discipline, and seeking guidance, one can overcome these struggles and emerge stronger, wiser, and more connected to the divine. The spiritual path is not about escaping life’s difficulties but about embracing them as the very means through which one attains liberation and self-realization.
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