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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The author explains that the book Buddhism is True is an attempt to do all but which of the following things?

2. When ancient Buddhist writings mention the term sati, what does the word mean in English?

3. What is NOT one of the five aggregates named by The Buddha when he first split the self into five aggregates?

4. How many minutes does the author say he spends meditating each morning?

5. The author suggests that the reader check out the enlightenment scene in which film in order to get an idea of the vibrancy of the experience?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the significance of the chapter title "Your CEO is MIA."

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

3. What is the nature of the author's characterization of a meditation retreat?

4. Discuss the author's purpose in using the example of Thich Quang Duc’s public self-immolation.

5. Explain the concept of “beneffectance” (82) set forth by the psychologist Anthony Greenwald.

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

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

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

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

10. What does the author say about ways in which people should NOT "conceive of modules" (86)?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is the theme of desire portrayed in Robert Wright's book Buddhism is True? Examine the author's treatment of and messages regarding desire throughout the book.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the author's messages regarding the influence natural selection has on human behavior in Robert Wright's book Buddhism is True.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the motif of sound within Robert Wright's book Buddhism is True.

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