...with Buddha.
I am thoroughly and un-apologetically loving this book. Breakfast with Buddha came across my path thru my audio book service and I can't remember when I've been as enthralled with a book.
The story line is simple. Otto Ringling, your average middle aged American man, is hoodwinked by his sister to chauffeur a Rinpoche on a journey from the east coast to North Dakota, where Otto must decide what to do with his late parent's farm and estate. The two men travel across the base of the Great Lakes, and while Otto attempts to show the Rinpoche some "American Fun", Rinpoche is quietly modeling and teaching him the ways of Buddhism (altho it's never really stated as such).
The themes of mindfulness, choice, and kindness float thru the pages as the duo experiences "furniture" (miniature) golf (complete with a total know-it-all in their foursome), bowling, and a variety of non-chain eating establishments.
At one juncture, Otto asks about the "evil" in the world. Those who choose to rape, kill, break laws, hurt other humans, etc. And Rinpoche explains that those downtrodden souls are in practice for their next lives. That they are making choices on a moment to moment basis... Otto later ponders if there are teachers or angels among us... and asks what is the cost if we choose to ignore them
I think of my teacher, back after the illness-induced hiatus, and how well we once again fused in our lessons and picked up where we left off, going deeper with each week into that realm of spirit. What is the cost if I chose to ignore him and our discussion. My life is indeed richer since we've worked together and I knew in that moment that I choose to listen, to absorb, to practice all that he has taught me, and to willingly seek the depths of my soul.
I finished the audio book as I came home from work tonight. Tears streamed down my face as I listened to the final moments of the book. Tears for Otto who has found his teacher, and who has said Yes. And reaffirmed my quest, saying Yes as well.
