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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does the yogi Patrul Rinpche suggest we do to arouse compassion?
(a) Relax our body in order to feel physically.
(b) Imagine ourselves in the place of someone in pain.
(c) Meditate on the feelings of others.
(d) Write letters to our enemies.

2. What does the author cite Trungpa RInpoche as teaching?
(a) "Everything has meaning."
(b) "Life is always best when you try to look on the bright side."
(c) "There is no cure for hot and cold."
(d) "Anger is natural, but not helpful."

3. Who are the two witnesses that Chodron writes about?
(a) The teacher and student.
(b) The male and female.
(c) The self and other.
(d) The inner and outer critic.

4. What does the author claim is the gift of understanding that uncertainty is part of life?
(a) Knowing that even Nirvana is uncertain makes it all the more exciting for believers.
(b) Knowing that nothing can be counted on saves us from disappointment.
(c) Understanding that certainty is not necessary to find happiness.
(d) Not believing that others can avioid uncertainty.

5. What are the three lords of materialism?
(a) Obstacles to achieving Nirvana.
(b) An attachment to status and material goods.
(c) Sins.
(d) Ways we maintain an "illusion of security."

6. What is the fifth step in the formal practice of maitri?
(a) Going from a sitting to standing position.
(b) Engendering kindness for our enemies.
(c) Teaching others about the process.
(d) Breathing deeply.

7. According to Chodron, what two things do all those who set out on this path discover that we all have?
(a) Neurosis and wisdom.
(b) Changing emotions and difficulty focusing.
(c) Anxiety and attention problems.
(d) Difficulty in life and diminished hope for the future.

8. What does the author experience after finding her boyfriend "passionately embracing" another woman?
(a) The horror of causing a tragedy after the rush of anger was released.
(b) A deep sadness stemming from her unmet need to be loved.
(c) An inability to release her own emotional energy.
(d) Absolute disgust with another human being.

9. Which of the following does Chodron recommend?
(a) Relax slowly into meditation, and it will be less strenuous on your body.
(b) Remember only positive moments from the past.
(c) Do not eat food that will make your mind race.
(d) Do not expect applause.

10. What made Geshe Chekawa interested in publicizing the lojong slogans?
(a) Seeing their effect on his brother.
(b) Hearing that it cured a man from an incurable illness.
(c) The urging of his own spiritual teacher.
(d) Learning how much money he could make from students.

11. What is the compassionate aspiration that the author begins with as she begins to teach?
(a) The desire to help all of her students to feel enough compassion for themselves that the students can reach Nirvana.
(b) The wish that her students can apply the teachings to free themselves and others from suffering.
(c) She expresses her wish to introduce her students to ideas that will open their minds to a new kind of Buddhist thought.
(d) The aspiration that her students enjoy their class as much as she enjoys teaching.

12. Where does the title of the book come from?
(a) A quote from Ghandi.
(b) A sacred scripture.
(c) Buddha.
(d) A quote between a teacher and student.

13. How does Bodhi translate?
(a) As dream, hope, and illusion.
(b) As health.
(c) Awake, enlightened, or completely open.
(d) As effort or work.

14. What are the lojong teachings for?
(a) Training the mind.
(b) Finding a good feeling.
(c) Seeking spiritual guidance.
(d) Opening the heart.

15. Who do we first practice Maitri on?
(a) Ourselves.
(b) Our enemies.
(c) Animals.
(d) Our loved ones.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which does Chodron consider more emotionally challenging: loving-kindness or compassion?

2. What does the author claim that sitting meditation cultivates?

3. What does Chodron claim is the most difficult step in any practice?

4. What does the author claim "cannot proliferate" without our thoughts?

5. What relationship does Chodron claim we are predisposed to have with others?

(see the answer keys)

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