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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is NOT a feeling listed by the author as one that fosters "wars and atrocities" (4)?
(a) Despair.
(b) Hatred.
(c) Greed.
(d) Sloth.

2. What types of insects were making noise outside of the author's window on the fifth night of his first meditation retreat?
(a) Cicadas.
(b) Locusts.
(c) Crickets.
(d) Katydids.

3. What disorder does the author say makes it difficult for him to meditate?
(a) Asperger's syndrome.
(b) Clinical depression.
(c) Autism.
(d) Attention deficit disorder.

4. The author states that "More and more, groups of people define their identity in terms of" (17) what?
(a) Career.
(b) Sharp opposition to other groups of people.
(c) Material wealth.
(d) Family.

5. What is the English translation of the title of the Buddhist text called the Satipatthana Sutta?
(a) The Twelve Foundations of Mindfulness.
(b) The Two Foundations of Mindfulness.
(c) The Three Foundations of Mindfulness.
(d) The Four Foundations of Mindfulness.

Short Answer Questions

1. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with what element?

2. What is the one thing that the author says natural selection "cares about" (3)?

3. According to Buddhist scripture, what is the name of the braggart who challenged The Buddha's notions of not-self?

4. What does the acronym in the chapter title of Chapter 6 mean?

5. What is the title of Chapter 2 of Buddhism is True?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the author go about trying to depict the bliss he feels as a result of meditation?

2. What is the author's analysis of the human fear of public speaking?

3. Discuss the author's discussion of a wandering mind.

4. Discuss the tendency of humans to engage in self-inflation.

5. How does the author use the discussion of pain to illustrate his points about not-self?

6. How does the author shine a spotlight on his own flaws and for what purpose does he do so?

7. What is the author's view of the phenomenon of human feelings?

8. How does the author use the example of the scar experiment?

9. What are the differences between concentration meditation and mindfulness meditation?

10. Discuss the author's use of the anecdote regarding his tense jaw.

(see the answer keys)

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