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

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

3. How does Chitta translate?
(a) As love, heart, and affection.
(b) As mind, heart, or attitude.
(c) As mind or thought.
(d) As relaxation.

4. Who taught that there are three principal characteristics of human existence?
(a) Chodron.
(b) Buddha.
(c) Mother Teresa.
(d) Martin Luther King.

5. How does the author characterize meditation?
(a) As difficult but rewarding.
(b) As simple and fun.
(c) As the only path to a life free from suffering.
(d) As a great way to increase productivity,

Short Answer Questions

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

2. According to Chodron, what two things do all those who set out on this path discover that we all have?

3. What are the four qualities of maitri?

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

5. What does Chodron claim is our relationship to reaching out to others?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is bodhichitta?

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

4. What are the lojong teachings?

5. Why does the author include an anecdote about finding her boyfriend "passionately embracing another woman"?

6. Chodron asserts that there are two options in life. The first is "to grow up and relate to life directly." What is the second?

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

8. What is tonglen?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 951 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample