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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Where did the Buddha teach groundlessness?
(a) The Imperial Forest.
(b) A beach.
(c) Vulture Peak Mountain.
(d) The Firefly River.

2. Why can our good fortune be hard to miss?
(a) Because society pressures us to have so much that we focus on our lack.
(b) Because it is not "our habitual human behavior."
(c) Because of its "ordinariness."
(d) Because it is easier to focus on negativity.

3. What is the role of forgiveness in bodhichitta training?
(a) It is what warriors begin with, and can later leave behind.
(b) The author has concluded in recent years that it is very important.
(c) It is not important.
(d) It is an essential part of it.

4. Why are students taught to bow to others and to objects in the Zen tradition?
(a) To demonstrate their status.
(b) To show respect.
(c) To demonstrate their devotion to others.
(d) To show humility.

5. How does Chodron argue that our diet and health affect our strength?
(a) She writes that it is important that we care for our health as it does affect our minds.
(b) She does not deal with these topics directly.
(c) She argues that it is impossible to withstand the rigors of sitting meditation if we are physically unhealthy.
(d) She writes that we must use moderation in all things.

6. How many strengths does Chodron count in summarizing Chapter 15?
(a) Four.
(b) Two.
(c) Five.
(d) Three.

7. How does Chodron view strength from a historical perspective?
(a) She writes that strength came more naturally to spiritual teachers in other time periods.
(b) She does not touch on this theme.
(c) Chodron writes that it is easier to access strength in the modern world.
(d) She argues that there has not been a change over time.

8. What is strong determination?
(a) A determination to respect "whatever life brings."
(b) Our desire to feel joy.
(c) A desire to enjoy "full personal responsibility for our own happiness."
(d) Our determination to be good people, and act responsibly in the world.

9. Which of the following does Chodron claim most of us are not satisfied to do?
(a) Long for company.
(b) Retreat from the world.
(c) Hope for change.
(d) Create a career in spiritualist practice.

10. How long does Chodron say that cultivating equanimity takes?
(a) "It will take less time if you start now."
(b) "As long as you make it."
(c) "Less time than it does to cultivate unhappiness."
(d) "At least until you die."

11. How does equanimity compare with our usual perspective?
(a) It is less confusing.
(b) It is bigger.
(c) It is less happy.
(d) It is happier.

12. What is threefold purity?
(a) Peace, quiet, and goodness.
(b) No big deal about the doer, the action, the result.
(c) Heart, mind, and hands.
(d) Love, kindness, and hope.

13. What is most important in doing good deeds?
(a) Being frank.
(b) Attitude.
(c) Respect.
(d) Confidence.

14. What will happen if we "stay with" sorrow or pain?
(a) We will feel worse.
(b) We will have strengthened personal relationships.
(c) We will feel lighter and more courageous.
(d) We will understand why we have so many psychological issues.

15. What ritual did Trungpa Rinpoche teach Chodron could be enjoyed?
(a) Setting the table.
(b) Serving tea.
(c) Making the bed.
(d) Cutting hair.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Chondron claim is required to forgive?

2. What is the final of the five strengths?

3. What tendency is comfort orientation based on?

4. What kind of harmful conduct does the warrior avoid?

5. What is the far enemy of loving-kindness?

(see the answer keys)

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