> 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.

Well, again goodness is in the mind, not in the object. They have to
rejoice at your good deed, and if your mind is not pure at the time of
giving (and before and after), it is not a wholely anumodana-worthy
deed.

> 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.

Saying the words is vacii-kamma.

> 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.

Laziness leads to lack of kaaya-kamma... :) I maybe wrong, but I think
an act is surely more effective when all three karmas are present.

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

atiitaananvaagameyya na paa.tika"nkhe anaagata.m...

Suma"ngalaani,

Yuttadhammo