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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. What poet does the author quote as saying, "If I don't get a vision on Desolation Peak, then my name ain't William Blake."

2. Why does Chodron work with aspirations?

3. What does Chodron believe that we should do with the emotions related to our experiences?

4. How does Chondron describe our "fundamental energy"?

5. Which answer completes the following quote? "If this process of clear seeing isn't based on self-compassion it will become a process of ______."

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What does Chodron write is the "foundation" of bodhichitta training?

6. What image of maitri does Chodron use to explain the concept?

7. What are the stages of the formal practice of loving-kindness?

8. What are the four limitless qualities?

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

10. What is bodhichitta?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author suggests we notice the things that bring us happiness. Does she recommend any particular practice to do this? Why is this useful?

Essay Topic 2

How does Chodron define suffering? Where does she claim it comes from? How does she recommend avoiding it?

Essay Topic 3

What does Chodron say is like tapping into a spring? What is the importance of this comparison to the overall argument of this book?

(see the answer keys)

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