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by (2.1k points)
Supposedly positive feelings or virtue gained from.....?....

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by (520 points)
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Blessings can be translated to many things, and in the English language it is usually a loaded word that has connotations to the Abrahamic religion of Christianity ("God bless you"). In Buddhism, I think that Blessing translates more to "good wishes", "fortunate" or "virtue".

I don't think there is such thing as a prayer or blessing in Buddhism that would be directly related to the Christian notion of blessing to gain "God's favor and protection."

However, in Buddhism there is chanting, which can generate wholesome states of mind, there is also taking refuge in the triple gem (the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha), and there is the teachings of sila, samadhi and panna (morality, concentration and wisdom). All of these can be considered "blessings" in themselves because they promote wholesome states of mind, and can contribute to the path of liberation, or freedom from suffering.

Virtue is gained from trying to maintain morality such as the 5 precepts, and practicing generosity, or giving. These are in themselves blessings as well because they promote the welfare of ourselves and others

Positive feelings, although impermanent and not to be clinged to, could be considered a byproduct of wholesome mental states, which are produced when the mind is free from greed, hatred, and delusion, and can also be considered a blessing in itself. This is usually achieved through insight meditation / as one is practicing mindfulness, or temporarily through concentration meditation such as loving-kindness / metta practice.
by (2.1k points)
Thank you for your input.
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"Many deities and men, yearning after good, have pondered on blessings. Pray, tell me the greatest blessing!"

"Not to associate with the foolish, but to associate with the wise; and to honor those who are worthy of honor — this is the greatest blessing.

To reside in a suitable locality, to have done meritorious actions in the past and to set oneself in the right course — this is the greatest blessing.....
- Mangala Sutta
 

by (2.1k points)
Coincidence that I was reading that sutta yesterday trying to find the answer to this question.

I think if you remember me and the questions I have asked before, I am coming from a mahayana perspective trying to now find the meaning and wisdom from the actual Buddhas teachings. So this question was actually bought out of speaking to a mahayamna nun, who used to be my teacher, explaining to me that she went on a pilgrimage to "special" buddhist sites to receive blessings.

I find it nonsense.
I actually passed on and rewatched yuttadhammos teaching at lumbini:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eUYjlEL9iM&t=1508s
by (2.1k points)
Sorry I did not rewatch the teachings, I misspoke.
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