Expert: Joe McSorley - 12/11/2006

Question
Hello friend,

I know that this seems superficial and I am not really asking about you religion, but just wondering if you could help me help my friend who is so dedicated to Buddhism.
My email is in reference to a Buddhist friend that I have that use to be a monk. His birthday is coming up and I would really like to get him something that coincides with his religion that he is so fond of. I am still new to the whole Buddhist thing and am quite uneducated on the majority of it. I know it would make him very happy if I could get him something special like this. Is there any place around Calgary or Edmonton or Red Deer (Alberta, Canada) where I can buy prayer beads or anything in that nature? He is also into Zen, Taoism and all that kindof stuff. I really appreciate your time and effort.

Thanks,  

Answer
Hi,
 I don't know how much I can help you here but I'll try.  Buddhism isn't like other religions, in fact isn't a religion, so it does not have the icons that are so prevalent in the western traditions.  It's not like you can go out and get a leather backed Bible for Buddhists or something like that.  Also, it is highly dependent upon what tradition he follows what he might like.  There are plenty of things in the Tibetan tradition that do not exist in other traditions.  I know your task is difficult because folks have tried to do the same for me which is why I have a collection of "The Tao of Pooh" books though I don't really understand why they thought I'd like them, but I do appreciate the thought.  If there is a particular author he likes you might do a web search or go to Powell's books on the web and find an original printing or perhaps something that is signed.
  I think ultimately that your friend is your friend, Buddhist or not, if you know his taste in music, food or literature you could go in that direction or I could send you a "Tao of Pooh" book for his shelf.
 Good luck and take care,
           Joe