Hi,

I've always wondered about this.

First reading makes sense, but on a second reading...

> But she said it helps to concentrate the mind on the thoughts of
> anumodana. One can see this.

helps who concentrate? If we're the ones pouring water, we're not the
ones who are supposed to be doing the anumodana, but those beings
we are transferring the merit to are supposed to be rejoicing
(anumodana). The person pouring the water is transferring the merit.

Correct me if I am wrong.

I wonder where we can get information on all these rituals. Because
sometimes monks don't even chant for you, they say you can transfer
the merit yourself (just say the words)...and pour water at the same
time.

No one has ever explained it to me, so laziness takes over and I settle
for transferring merit using just mind-power and not the vessels.

Sometimes I post not knowing if I'll be here to read the replies. (My
future is confusing)

Cheers,
June

--- In Pali@yahoogroups.com, "rjkjp1" <rjkjp1@...> wrote:
>
> A very good reply by venerable Yutthadhammo,
> I asked Sujin Boriharnwanaket about the pouring of water - thinking
> (like Paul)it a ritual act.
> But she said it helps to concentrate the mind on the thoughts of
> anumodana. One can see this.
>
> It is like bowing down to a Buddha image, one can do it in a ritual
> way, but too it can be done while remembering the Buddha's virtues -
> and then it is the outward sign of the inner kusala.
> Robertk
>
> In Pali@yahoogroups.com, "Ven. Yuttadhammo" <buffer@...> wrote:
> > > The impetus behind this request is a practice at my local
> Buddhist
> > > Temple. (I'm fortunate to have Wat Carolina Buddhajakra
Vanaram
> > > only
> > > 20 miles or so from my home.) The practice is referred to as
> > > "lustral
> > > waters" and involves the pouring of water from one vessel to
> another
> > > as
> > > the monks chant in Pali.