View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which plant is used in Hanh's story about people looking for the reason why it failed to grow?

2. What reason does Hanh give for the abuse of children at their own parents' hands?

3. According to Hanh in "Mindfulness of Anger", what kind of problems does anger create?

4. What must occur before one understands another person?

5. What is the basis for real strength when one tries to make a change in the world?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is it impossible to drop all of one's identity from the parents?

2. What theme is expressed in "Look into Your Hand"? Following the theme's message, why should one never feel lonely?

3. According to Hanh in "Mindfulness of Anger", anger is the root of self-control problems. How does anger take away our mindfulness? Why would its power lead to one being out of control?

4. What is the Buddhist concept of "interbeing?" Hanh gives an example of interbeing by stating that poverty cannot exist without wealth. Give at least two other similar examples.

5. After calming an unpleasant feeling, what two additional steps should be taken to insure that the negative emotion is eradicated completely?

6. What instructions on meditating does Hanh give the reader in "Meditation on Compassion"? Why would it be more beneficial to meditate on someone who is obviously suffering?

7. Why should one meditate on an individual who has caused personal pain?

8. What counting analogy could be compared to Hanh's breathing mindfully when one feels anger rising?

9. What steps can be taken to alleviate anger's control and transform it into a positive force?

10. What effect does conscious breathing have on a hug? Why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Family members need to understand one another before living in harmony can be possible. Using mindfulness as a blueprint, explain how siblings can come to terms with the belief that Mom or Dad favors or has an easier relationship with another sibling.

Essay Topic 2

Using at least three everyday activities, explore how their intrinsic values could be discovered through mindful living. Use specific attributes of each activity in your discussion.

Essay Topic 3

Hanh remarks that even the wealthiest can die of suffering. Apply his words to a wealthy country. How could the country cease to exist even though it had tremendous resources?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 854 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample