64 pages • 2 hours read
Roland MerulloA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Otto and Rinpoche join a game of miniature golf at the Boathouse restaurant with Matthew and Eveline Fritton, a couple who are both university professors. Despite Otto’s physical discomfort and hunger, Rinpoche is eager to play. The encounter with the Frittons is marked by a mixture of curiosity and skepticism, particularly from Matthew, who questions Rinpoche’s spiritual beliefs and practices. The atmosphere is somewhat tense, and Matthew uses defensive humor, possibly to mask discomfort or fear.
Surprisingly, Rinpoche demonstrates unexpected skill at golf, winning the game against Matthew. Following the game, Matthew anticipates a complex spiritual question (koan) from Rinpoche as part of their bet. However, Rinpoche poses a simple, reflective question about why his hand doesn’t form a circle despite his intention, highlighting the difference between thought and action. Despite Matthew’s initial competitiveness, the game concludes on a friendly note: Rinpoche invites the Frittons to join them for dinner, although they decline due to prior commitments.