Breakfast With Buddha

Otto reflects on the concept of coincidence and its intriguing role in life’s events. He recalls how a chance encounter in a bar led him to a career opportunity in the food publishing industry, which leaves him pondering whether such events are mere coincidences or part of a larger plan. Along their journey, Otto and Rinpoche make a detour to Oberlin, Ohio, where Otto considers the college town for his daughter, Natasha. In Oberlin, they stop at the Java Zone, where Rinpoche converses in Russian with the barista, sparking Otto’s curiosity. Underscoring this encounter is his previous observation of a street named Russian Road, hinting at synchronicity in their journey.

Otto, exploring a nearby shop, discovers books authored by Rinpoche, including one titled The Greatest Pleasure. He discreetly purchases it, hiding it in the car’s trunk to avoid Rinpoche’s notice. Later, as they discuss language and Rinpoche’s heritage, Rinpoche reveals his connection to the Ortyk people and his unique place within their spiritual lineage. Rinpoche recommends The Greatest Pleasure to Otto, humorously referring to him as an “advanced soul,” and Otto says he plans to purchase it later in South Bend, weaving additional threads of curiosity and coincidence into their journey.

The drive along Ohio 20 offers a flat but intriguing landscape under a stormy sky. Amid fertile farms, signs of political and religious fervor dot the roadside, reflecting deep-seated beliefs and societal tensions. Otto’s radio tuning reveals a spectrum of fervent opinions, from “so-called Christians” advocating for strict observance of the Sabbath to debates on “biblical corporal punishment” (153). Rinpoche, usually detached during drives, pays keen attention to these discussions, puzzled by the pervasive anger in American discourse. Otto interprets this as a fear that the country is morally astray and certain groups feel divinely ordained to correct its course. As they pass through Monroeville, the sight of a police scene vividly illustrates the societal issues under discussion. Rinpoche’s succinct response, “Ah,” encapsulates his take on the complex and intense US societal landscape.

In South Bend, Indiana, Otto reflects on the financial and spiritual logistics of Rinpoche’s life as they stay at the Inn at Saint Mary’s, courtesy of Rinpoche’s hosts. Otto muses about his own preoccupation with money and wonders how Rinpoche manages his finances, considering his sporadic income from speaking engagements. They settle into a comfortable routine at the inn, and Otto finds himself contemplating the true essence of his beliefs and passions. Jokingly, he imagines himself as the leader of a “Love Party,” advocating love in various aspects of life. However, a voice within prompts him to seriously consider what truly occupies the center of his life.

Later, Otto inquires about Thai food and is directed to a restaurant called Siam in downtown South Bend. As they head out to dinner, Otto reveals to Rinpoche that he secretly bought one of Rinpoche’s books, hiding it in the trunk. In response, Rinpoche, with a sly smile, presents a book that Otto edited, Mending Your Life with Food, causing Otto to feel astonished and leading to a moment of laughter between them. The encounter highlights the mutual understanding and connection growing between the two men despite their different backgrounds and perspectives.

Otto and Rinpoche dine at the Thai restaurant Siam. The attentive staff and quality of food impress Otto, who finds joy in the cuisine. Rinpoche, sticking to his simple tastes, orders white rice and a vegetarian Pad Thai. Otto observes a father at another table tenderly speaking to his daughter over the phone, reminding him of his loving conversations with his own daughter. However, Rinpoche misunderstands the situation, thinking that the man is talking to his food. This leads to an uncontrollable burst of laughter and an abrupt exit from the restaurant.

Later, they learn that Rinpoche’s planned event at Notre Dame has been unexpectedly rescheduled for the following morning. Otto takes this change in stride, deciding to embrace the moment and seek out some “American fun.” With a lighthearted attitude, he asks Rinpoche if he’d like to go bowling, a suggestion that delights Rinpoche, despite his not knowing what bowling is or what it entails. Rinpoche enthusiastically consents, conveying a humorous curiosity about what “bohling” means.

At the Chippewa Lanes in South Bend, Otto and Rinpoche have a unique bowling experience. Jeremy, a jovial staff member, warmly welcomes them, assigning them to Lane 1, right next to a group of intimidating, tattooed motorcyclists. Rinpoche’s initial attempt at bowling goes awry, sending his ball into the neighboring lane and drawing attention from the rough group. Otto, recalling the hard-edged individuals from his past, approaches cautiously, hoping for understanding rather than conflict.

Surprisingly, the encounter turns amicable when Rinpoche offers a heartfelt blessing in his native tongue, transforming the atmosphere. The man with the snake tattoo, initially standoffish, visibly softens, displaying a long-lost innocence. As the evening progresses, the ambiance mellows, and Rinpoche grows increasingly enamored with bowling.

Otto and Rinpoche reflect on the night’s events, with Rinpoche expressing his delight in “bohling.” Back at the hotel, Otto reads Rinpoche’s book and ponders a metaphor about life’s limitations and self-imposed barriers. Otto, deep in thought, reaches out to connect with Jeannie by phone.

Otto and Rinpoche visit a shrine in South Bend dedicated to the Virgin Mary before attending Rinpoche’s scheduled talk at O’Malley Auditorium. Surprisingly, Rinpoche reveres the Christian figure, leading Otto to contemplate religious icons and their significance. The talk, hosted by Catholics for Interfaith Dialogue, initially goes smoothly, as Rinpoche eloquently discusses commonalities among various faiths. However, during the Q&A, a stern nun challenges Rinpoche, questioning the notion of interfaith commonalities and noting the uniqueness of Christian beliefs about resurrection and the nature of Jesus Christ.

Rinpoche responds gracefully, affirming the greatness of Jesus and suggesting that the essence of his teaching was about inner transformation and seeing the world as interconnected and sacred. When the nun presses him further, Rinpoche’s answers highlight a universal spiritual message, emphasizing personal growth and interconnectedness. The session ends on a harmonious note when an elderly priest compliments Rinpoche, leading Otto to reflect on life’s fragility and interconnectedness, reminiscent of the day his daughter Natasha was born, a day marked by fear and relief.

After Rinpoche’s talk in South Bend, he and Otto visit another nearby shrine, where Rinpoche displays reverence for the Virgin Mary. They then set out to find lunch, passing an Adult Emporium and eventually stopping at a Mexican American store with a small eatery inside. The eatery, a contrast to their usual environments, is a modest but vibrant place where they’re the odd ones out among the local clientele. They order chicken and bean burritos, sharing a moment of cultural and culinary immersion.

Rinpoche enjoys the meal, taking his time with every bite, while Otto reminisces about his honeymoon in Mexico, reflecting on the simplicity and depth he found in the Mexican people he encountered. This reflection leads him to appreciate the complexities of Rinpoche’s teachings and the universality of human experiences. They leave the eatery content and thoughtful, driving past various local establishments and ultimately rejoining the westward highway, pondering the stark realities of the world as they learn of violence abroad.

Otto’s internal world undergoes a notable shift. He reflects on a passage from Rinpoche’s book and the experiences from their trip, feeling “the shell cracked” (188) within him. After a chance sighting of crosses by the road, Otto contemplates the loss of his parents and the fundamental uncertainties of life.

To break the monotony of their drive and his introspection, Otto turns on the radio, tuning into a religious talk show discussing gluttony and sexuality, which triggers his irritation and skepticism about religious dogmatism. He debates with Rinpoche about the nature of pleasure, questioning whether enjoying life’s pleasures hinders spiritual growth. Rinpoche’s simple yet insightful responses, emphasizing balance and the purity of intention, resonate with Otto. He humorously yet insightfully addresses Otto’s skepticism about spirituality and enlightenment, suggesting that letting go of constant thinking can offer a new perspective on life.

Otto finds himself surprisingly open to Rinpoche’s ideas, feeling a change within himself, softening his skepticism and opening up to the possibility of experiencing life differently. He acknowledges a fear, not of danger but of venturing into unknown realms of his identity and beliefs.