A few days ago, I went to manage my dad’s work at a granite mine. Near the mine, there is a temple of a local deity where alcohol is offered every day, and the people living at the mine also indulge in alcohol and other substances. When I was at home, my spiritual practice was going well, but after going there, I feel like I’ve lost control over myself. Irrelevant thoughts come to my mind, and I have no control over them. Strange thoughts start wandering in my mind, and then I get troubled by them🥶. Is this the effect of that environment, or have I internalized all of this?

It is definitely due to the atmosphere created by the presence of lower vital entities. Keep the Mother’s blessing packet with you and call Her Name as well as install Her photograph and Presence in your room. Do not go near the vicinity of the temple and if you have to go for some reason tell the deity that you are the Divine Mother’s child. May Her Grace and Protection be with you. 

Affectionately,

Alok Da

Original question asked in Hindi:

कुछ दिनों पहले में अपने पापा का काम संभालने एक ग्रेनाइट mines पे गया वहां mines के पास में एक स्थानिये देवता का मंदिर है जहा हर दिन शराब चढ़ाई जाती है और माइंस पे भी जो लोग रहते है वो सब शराब और अमल का नशा करते है जब तक मे घर पे था साधना अच्छी चल रही थी पर वह जाने के बाद जैसे मेरा खुद से नियंत्रण खो गया है फालतू के विचार आते है मेरा उनपे कोई नियंत्रण नहीं है अजीब अजीब सी बाते गुमने लगती है मन में फिर उससे परेशान रहने लगता हु

क्या उस माहोल का असर हैं या फिर मेने अपने अंदर यह सब बिठा लिया है ??

All the partners at the mines worship those deities and offer them alcohol. Then, they come to the room where they stay and drink. I have to live day and night in their presence. The temple is just 500 meters away. Is it alright for me to stay there, or if I try, can I still practice spirituality in such an environment?

Of course it is best to stay away from such a place as it is surely harmful for spiritual progress. Not that sadhana cannot be done there. It can be done anywhere and even may end up being a powerful Yoga if one can do sadhana under these conditions invoking the Divine Mother.  But generally it is better to stay away from such places and people. If you are compelled to be there then make Her Name your chief support and practice inner detachment and equanimity. 

Affectionately,

Alok Da

Original question asked in Hindi:

माइंस पे जितने भी पार्टनर है वो सब उन देवता को मानते है और उनके शराब चढ़ाते है फिर उसको जिस रूम मे रहते है वहा आके पीते है और उनकी उपस्थिति में ही मुझे दिन रात रहना पड़ता है वो मंदिर बस 500 मीटर दूर हैं क्या मेरा रहना ठीक है वहा या में प्रयास करू तो ऐसे माहोल में भी साधना कर सकता हु