View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What three difficulties does the slogan "train in three difficulties" encourage?
(a) Acknowledging our neurosis as neurosis; doing something different; and aspiring to continue practicing this way.
(b) Not listening to spiritual teachers; feeling superior to others, identifying with material things; and focusing on emotional comfort.
(c) Meditation, generosity, and good health.
(d) Not insiting on permanence; loving onself; and loving others.

2. What does Chodron write we cannot do without loving-kindness for ourselves?
(a) We cannot give up control, or "truly understand" that the world is full of love.
(b) We cannot achieve our optimum physical health.
(c) It is difficult, "if not impossible," to love others.
(d) We cannot be happy, and enjoy our own good fortune.

3. According to Chodron, what happens when we consciously try to fix faults in ourselves?
(a) We can hurt others.
(b) We can increase our suffering.
(c) We may have positive results, but they are uncertain.
(d) We are unable to access our feelings in a meaningful way.

4. What does the author compare with the rawness of a broken heart?
(a) Nirvana.
(b) Bodhichitta.
(c) Meditation.
(d) Yoga.

5. What is the third lord of materialism?
(a) The lord of mind.
(b) The lord of convenience.
(c) The lord of applause.
(d) The lord of ambition.

Short Answer Questions

1. What insight did the woman give whom the author mentions is constantly on a diet?

2. How does the author claim that aspirations and affirmations differ?

3. How does the author characterize meditation?

4. What does the author claim Martin Luther King is an example of?

5. In practicing compassion, who is the first person we aspire to feel compassion for?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the Buddhist teaching tell us that all other beings have been over the course of many lifetimes?

2. Why does Pema Chodron argue that most of us sow the seeds of our own suffering?

3. What does "of the two witnesses, hold the principal one" mean?

4. Why does Chodron describe the experience of a young woman who was in a foreign country, surrounded by people throwing stones at her?

5. Under what conditions does the author claim that people can "train" to be a warrior?

6. How did the nineteenth century yogi Patrul Rinpoche suggest arousing compassion?

7. What are the three principles that the Buddha taught to be characteristic of human existence?

8. What is tonglen?

9. What are the lojong teachings?

10. What do Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa have in common, according to Chodron?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 996 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample