What to buy a Buddhist at Christmas: the West Chester Buddhist Christmas Guide
Metta Christmas! A little early you say? Bah humbug to you! I may be a Buddhist but Christmas is my favorite time of year! I know that people have many varieties of emotions about Christmas, what it means to them, what it means to Christians, and maybe for Buddhists, how does it fit in for us? Well we all know that part of Christmas has become consumerism. I’ll go so far as to say that even though I am not a financial expert, I’m blaming Christmas for the economic crisis we’re in! And HDTVs! But on the flipside, I feel its a great time that many people spend time thinking about others. Giving is a great thing and I am going to try and compile a list of presents for Buddhist gift givers AND receivers. Happy holidays, everybody. Metta Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Here are some ideas:
The Gift of Nothing by Patrick McDonnell
If you don’t read Mutts, the comic strip by Patrick McDonnell, you are missing a wonderful treat. He doesn’t come out and say he is Buddhist, but much of his writing has that feeling of dharma. The gift of nothing is about finding that perfect present for the friend who has everything. the answer, nothing! Which of course is everything! Ah, impermanence in comic form. Can you ask for anything more!
Seva Foundation Donation
Another way to celebrate giving is to give to someone you don’t even know. Seva is an organization that attempts to help those in need get medical attention, eye surgeries, water systems, and education. I really like this foundation because it gives service without the missionary statement you might find in a Christian organization. You can spend as little as $50 and get 4 cards you can hand out to your friends and family explaining your donation.
more about “Wii Fit Meditation Commercial“, posted with vodpod
For those Wii players out there, you can hock up some change for the Wii Fit game. I guess in the yoga section, the last area to unlock is the meditation level. I don’t understand Japanese, but I think when the candle shakes you are moving on the board and loosing concentration. pretty cool!
Christmas Movies
Sure they’re about Christmas, but you have to admit, most Christmas movies are about being Mindful of others or a reminder to be Mindful of yourself. They’re almost never about the consumerism that everyone rants about these days (accept for Jingle All The Way, which is not on the list).
Buddhist Movies
I’ve compiled a list of films I’ve either seen or always wanted to see on amazon. FYI, I’ve seen the Golden Child.
This is only the begining people! There will be more Metta Christmas lists in the near future!
Sincerely,
Ben
The West Chester Buddhist