Websites to buy Buddhist items? Looking

[Chikyou]

Hi, I'm looking for websites that sell Buddhist items that are a bit cheaper than Google searches show.(Cloths, statues,etc). I searched for Buddha statues and saw some nice ones but they were priced hundreds of Dollars. I figure some of you may know sites that specialize in these kind of items for much less prices, that's why I ask. Thanks

[Chikyou]

I have bought from both Still Sitting and DharmaCrafts, and had good experiences with both. They might be outside your budget though.

I got my Buddha painting from one of these two sites, my candle is actually an electric candle from Target and is in a plastic holder also from Target, and my incense burner came from Amazon, I already had it and when I set up my altar I just moved it there. My altar is set up on a wooden TV tray! The vast majority of the money was spent on cushions for sitting.

Gassho,
SatLah,
Chikyō

[Ankai]

To echo what others have said, when I was "new" I was very enthusiastic... I wanted all the cool stuff. Zafu, statues, wall hangings, every book... I now, many years later, have a huge library, and an enormous collection of Buddhist art.
...I sit now, every day facing a blank spot on the wall.
I spent a load of time and money on the trappings of Buddhism, and, ended up finding my practice where there's literally nothing to look at, and live it out in other people's smiles.
Just my experience. No deep wisdom, just the perspective of another guy feeling his way along the path.

Sat today.
Lent a hand.

[Onki]

Hi Patrick,

Similarly to Ankai, I also wanted all brand new everything when I began seriously practicing: brand new robes, bells, mokugyo, clappers, statues of Buddha and Kannon, a fancy altar, zafu, zabuton, books, materials, etc.

As I searched and searched for these items (and I searched for years) I realized these items weren’t the point. I could practice without any of these items. I could practice with a printer printout of the Buddha taped to my wall. I could practice sitting on a pillow I already owned. I spent so much time, effort, and money thinking that I needed to have these things in order to be a “good Buddhist ” when I already had everything I needed: dedication to the Three Treasures, good intentions in following the Precepts to the best of my abilities, and upholding the Bodhisattva Vows. Nothing more, nothing less.

I have been graciously gifted many items that I use/have used to which I am beyond grateful and thankful for. Purchasing these items brand new can be very expensive, especially if you want quality items that will last a long time. It really all depends on what your budget is. You could get a robe from Ali Express or Amazon for $20 that will most likely need to be replaced within a year or two, or you could invest in a custom made robe that will last a very long time. Having said that, there are a lot of folks, like myself, who cannot afford a custom made robe.

My point is to work with what you have. If you are able to upgrade items, do it slowly. Consider your budget but also the quality of the item. I hope this helps!

Gasshō,

On