I understand your feelings as a kind-hearted, sensitive human being with a sattwic predisposition to witness these outdated practices. Unfortunately, much of humanity is still animal-like and brings this early primitive state in all they do, including their religious practices.ย
Naturally, we cannot stop others from following their religious practices as long as it is not disturbing the functioning of society. But then, if we choose to stay with someone, we automatically bind ourselves to their ways. Of course, we can try to discuss or even revolt, but it is unlikely to change their ways; rather will only bring discord and disharmony in the relations.ย
Now, sometimes destiny brings us to places and people wherein we have little choice for the moment except to bear with the outer circumstances. In such a case, we must try to practice equanimity, offer a prayer to the Divine Mother not only for the poor animal but also for the people involved and through them a whole layer of mankind, that may the light of true understanding grow in them and they take to better and nobler ways.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
