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What should I put together for a meditation gift?

A buddy of mine has begun a more spiritual path in life and has started to meditate. I thought I might give him a gift package to celebrate an upcoming anniversary of a milestone. What do you think might be appropriate to include? I don't think he follows a specific religion, though to be honest, I just dont know. Thanks for the help Be well

Public Comments

1. A bottle of wine is never a rude gesture.
2. A deerskin. Seriously, many in the Far East sit on a deerskin when they meditate. It is the preferred seat. Springbuck is best, but a deerskin will do. Or for wintertime, a cashmere wrap around (thin blanket). These are expensive things, but if money is tight, sandalwood incense.
3. You could probably give him a Rosary, or some other prayer beads.
4. Yeah, give him the truth. The King James Version of the Bible. Tell him that he doesn't need an organized religion based on man made doctrines, traditions and rituals. Tell him you think he's intelligent enough that he can read the Bible, pray and talk with God all by himself. God is just waiting for him.
5. That's really nice of you. Incense is great, candles, a relaxing CD of ocean water or something to that effect, a bamboo plant ( I received one and fell in love with it) and meditation balls if you can find them.
6. Maybe candles, incense, a nice, big, comfy pillow (if he is so inclined as to use one). I'd go with white candles just to be safe - if he does have a specific path, the color might matter.
7. Well, you will never go wrong with art pieces, for instance handmade portraits on Oil, Acryl or Canvas. They really look classical! You simply select a suitable photo and send it to the professional artists at http://www.paintyourlife.com to be turned into a unique portrait. It is a reliable address for all sorts of gift ideas for every occasion! They also do wonderful photo-printing on canvas in different designs. Please take a look at http://www.photo-print-on-canvas.com for more information.
8. Your gift is well intended and thoughtful but, from my perspective, I think I would try to determine from your friend where his meditative interest lies. For example, if his interest is in Buddhism, a small statue of Buddha would be appropriate but not a statue of Ganish. If his interest is in Hinduism, the converse would hold true. You may be able to ask some well pointed questions without divulging your reason if this is to be a surprise gift. In addition to the excellent suggestions above (candle, incense, mala [prayer beads] and perhaps an incense holder) you may want to consider a CD of relaxing music conducive to "setting the mood" for meditation and / or perhaps a small inspirational text (there are many pocket readers available from Shambala Press in most bookstores). Assemble this in a tasteful box for storage when not in use and upon which he could display the items during his meditation sessions. Essentially, you can make your gift inexpensive yet extremely meaningful but I'd do a little leg-work before I start assembling it depending upon his interest. I hope this is some help. Again, this is most thoughtful and I'm sure will be a most appreciated gift. May all be at peace. John