Re: Dakkhi.nodaka
From: Noah Yuttadhammo
Message: 2294
Date: 2007-11-16
At 16 Nov 2007 09:45:29 +0100 Ole Holten Pind wrote:
> I think the term is a kammadhaaraya "water as dakkhi.naa." This would fit
> the context very well.
>
> O.H.Pind
The Thai translation is "water for daksi.naa", which would make it a catutthi tappurisa. The Thai dictionary gives this meaning: "water used to wash at the time of giving gifts, in order to dedicate an extra portion of the merit to the deceased." Since the word dakkhi.na had become such a catch-all phrase regarding gifts and dedication, it would make sense that dakkhi.nodaka be ceremonially "for" or even "of" the gift giving instead of as a gift itself. In Thailand, it is still a custom in some places to offer such water to the monks to pour themselves in order to dedicate merit for the donors and their relatives.
Personally, I just assumed this name referred to cultural stigma (and health concerns!) against using the left hand for eating (it being used to clean the other end).
Yuttadhammo