The first time I went to a Buddhist temple I was surprised they had a gift shop. Which sounds ridiculous, I know. It's a cultural attraction and a tourist site that has to maintain itself like any other. Rosary beads and bracelets are sold according to birth details and are said to have properties beneficial to the wearer. You can also purchase the prayers of the resident monks for a number of days. 100 days for around 25 dollars. You write down what you want to receive and pin it to a lantern. The nun working there smiled as she swiped my debit card and assured us that our wishes really will come true. The ones I could read asked for the expected things, often money, which also struck me as odd but not surprising. I made my list in a thick sharpie that made it hard to distinguish the letters. (When the lady in front of me asked for a regular pen she was told it was impossible - the sharpie was necessary.) I wrote down my country of origin and name and my list. I didn't ask for money, though. Walking out, I saw the grey-clothed nun sweeping the grounds with a traditional broom and then saw the most beautiful reflection of rocks and trees on the water as the sun was setting. I felt better already.