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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. The first time the author attended a week-long meditation retreat, he was allowed to speak how many times?
(a) Never.
(b) Three times.
(c) Twice.
(d) Once.

2. What Rolling Stones song does the author say perfectly encapsulates the human condition from the Buddhist point of view?
(a) You Can't Always Get What You Want.
(b) I Can't Get No Satisfaction.
(c) Salt of the Earth.
(d) Gimme Shelter.

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

4. According to Buddhist scripture, what is the name of the braggart who challenged The Buddha's notions of not-self?
(a) Ngo Din Diem.
(b) Bhikkhu Bodhi.
(c) Thich Quang Duc.
(d) Aggivessana.

5. What does the acronym in the chapter title of Chapter 6 mean?
(a) Laugh Out Loud.
(b) Not in my backyard.
(c) Immaterial.
(d) Missing in Action.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many parts belong to the Path that "deeply committed Buddhists are supposed to tread" (48)?

2. What happened when the author analyzed closely his feelings before his speech at Poptech?

3. What is the English translation of the word anatta?

4. What types of insects were making noise outside of the author's window on the fifth night of his first meditation retreat?

5. What two points of view does the author use within the narrative of Buddhism is True?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How does the author use the example of bodily fluids in order to demonstrate the differences between Western Buddhism and Traditional Buddhism?

5. What effect is the author's choice of the word "delusions" intended to have on the reader?

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

7. How does the author get across his point about the need for the brain to provide rationale in the form of modules, even in illogical situations?

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

9. Discuss an example or anecdote used by the author to demonstrate the value of mindfulness mediation.

10. For what purpose does the author begin the entire narrative with a question?

(see the answer keys)

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