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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 Dalai Lama teaches that pain is inevitable, but suffering is which of the following?

2. What is the phrase meaning the unsatisfactory nature of pursuing pleasure?

3. What does Archbishop Tutu say hope is the antidote to?

4. Where does Abrams write that he grew up as a child?

5. How long had the Dalai Lama been in exile at the time of the book's writing?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Part II, what is the meaning of Archbishop Tutu's phrase "you are a masterpiece in the making" (92)?

2. In Part I, how does Abrams explain the so-called hedonic treadmill?

3. In Part II, what is the main difference between how the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu advise people to handle feelings of envy?

4. In Part I, what kind of relationship does the Dalai Lama tell Archbishop Tutu he considers their relationship to be a bit like?

5. In the Introduction, what analogy does Abrams make about the book itself?

6. In Part II, what does Archbishop Tutu emphasize about his view on human nature as a whole when bad things happen to him or in the world?

7. In Part II, what is the meaning of the word "dukkha?"

8. In Part II, what distinction does Archbishop Tutu draw between hope and optimism?

9. In Part II, what does the Dalai Lama advise for people who are grieving lost loved ones?

10. In Part I, why does Archbishop Tutu wonder how the Dalai Lama is not morose?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Frequently throughout the book, Abrams emphasizes the ease and humor with with the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu interact with each other. What role does Abrams argue that humor plays in the cultivation of joy, and of the bonds of friendship between these two particular religious leaders? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

Consider the following quote from Brother David Steindel-Rast on page 242: "It is not happiness that makes us grateful. It is gratefulness that makes us happy." How does this quote apply to the Dalai Lama's teachings on the relationship between gratitude and joy? Write an essay explaining your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay exploring the Dalai Lama's teachings about the links between forgiveness and strength, and those between revenge and weakness.

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