NotYetArahan

The practise of pindabat is beneficial in a number of ways. One of the benefits is that monks will feel grateful for the offerings given by the lay supporters. This will help them keep the right effort to continue practising.

During my ordination I felt this strongly and I know from other monks that they felt the same.

Indeed the habit is to not to thank the giver for the reasons stated in other post above. However, the feeling of gratitude by the monks is still important and supporting their practise.

I understand I can only talk for a few monks. However, how would you feel when people offer you something? I think it is a very human emotion to feel gratitude. I think the vast majority of monks are grateful for the offerings.

Good to know that by offering food to a monk you not only support his body but also stimulate his practise.

You can ask the Dutch consulate in Chiang Mai. He will give you the address of a photographer. We used him and had no problems getting a new Dutch passport.  I am afraid I forgot the address.

If you are interested in meditation as well you can go to a forest monestary. They have only one meal a day at around 8.00 am. The first week you will feel very hungry during the afternoon and evening, but you get used to it. Normally I loose around 1 kg/week.

If you are not interested in meditation, better find another place !

take care

In my daily life I (also) have long stretches of time I forget to be mindful.

One technique I use is to create a "bell of mindfulness". For instance, when I work with wood work tools I regularly don ear protectors. When I do this I breath in/out 3 times mindfully. Many of these "bells of mindfulness" are possible. In this way you will daily regularly be pulled back from forgetfulness.

I find this is helpful.

The bookshop of Suan Mokh in Bangkok has a good selection of dhamma books. Also friendly price.