Breakfast With Buddha Book Report

Throughout Breakfast with Buddha, Merullo writes about the lessons Rinpoche teaches to Otto. More of the straight forward lessons and guidance occur in chapters 23-34. These lessons are more like ideas for Otto to think about and if it would be acceptable to apply to his daily life. But, not only are the lessons for Otto to consider, they are meant for the audience to consider for themselves personally.
When Otto and Rinpoche settle back in at the St. Mary’s Inn, Otto begins reading Rinpoche’s book. He begins learning of a story about a boy who was never self-indulged by the way he played the piano. He never believed he was good enough to play professionally. “…it requires effort and sacrifice to improve” (Merullo 173). Otto has been trying to identify what the purpose of life is and if there is more to what he already knows. He lives an average life with a good wife and two decent children. Nothing extraordinary has occurred in his lifetime so far until he meets Rinpoche. He decides to consider the ways Rinpoche teaches his to live a better life, if not satisfied already. However, Otto has a hard time transitioning into the man he wants to be. In Rinpoche’s book, he claims that no one is going to be perfect. Everyone has a specific area that could use …show more content…
“In your tradition, is pleasure bad? I mean, sex, eating, and so on, does it keep you from holiness? Does it keep you from God?” Rinpoche’s response, “It leads you to God” was perfect! Too much sin in one’s life can lead them to becoming lost. Fortunately, to find the way back on track is to put trust in God. Rinpoche for once gave a direct answer because it is not something to think about; it is the real answer. Otto humors to the audience that in his mind he ready to convert. While bringing up the dirt glass analogy again, Rinpoche says that even though one can have much greed, it will just clog up their water (mind) with