Deck 19: Meditation and Mindfulness

Question 1

Meditation can best be described as:

A) a way to control polyphasia.
B) increased concentration that leads to increased awareness.
C) sensory deprivation.
D) a prayerful attitude, which leads one to one's higher self.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

A tratak is a _________ mantra.

A) verbal
B) visual
C) physical
D) tactile

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Listening to ocean waves to meditate would be considered a:

A) nadam.
B) mantra.
C) meru.
D) tratak.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Repeating the word OM would be considered a:

A) tratak.
B) meru.
C) mantra.
D) nadam.

Question 5

According to Dr. Herbert Benson, these four components are needed to achieve the relaxation response.

A) Quietness, a mental device, a passive attitude, and a comfortable position
B) A pillow, a mantra, some incense, and a tape deck
C) Quietness, belly breathing, a mantra, and a passive attitude
D) A pillow, diaphragmatic breathing, a mantra, and some incense

Question 6

Jon Kabat-Zinn is renowned for using ___________________ to help patients cope with chronic pain.

A) Zen meditation
B) transcendental meditation
C) insight meditation
D) mindfulness meditation

Question 7

The relaxation response is virtually the same thing (an American version) as:

A) mindfulness meditation.
B) insight meditation.
C) Zen meditation.
D) Transcendental Meditation.

Question 8

"What is the sound of one hand clapping?" is known in meditation circles as:

A) mantra.
B) koan.
C) nadam.
D) tratak.
E) a bad Bart Simpson joke.

Question 9

Many instructors sum up the basis of mindfulness meditation in these three words.

A) Humility, honesty, and compassion
B) Attention, intention, and attitude
C) Body scan, gentle yoga, and loving kindness
D) Formal practice, informal practice, and observation

Question 10

Typically, which of the following is not part of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Management protocol?

A) Sitting meditation
B) Body scan
C) Walking meditation
D) Mantra repetition

Question 11

Which of the following is not a cognitive function associated with the left hemisphere of the brain?

A) Fact and detail processing
B) Verbal skills
C) Spatial orientation
D) Organizational skills
E) Rational thought processing

Question 12

This part of the brain is now believed to be associated with "executive function."

A) Limbic system
B) Cerebellum
C) Pituitary
D) Frontal cortex
E) Pineal gland

Question 13

________ waves are most associated with the relaxation response in the act of meditation.

A) Theta
B) Delta
C) Beta
D) Alpha

Question 14

Ineffability, which may occur during meditation, gives this sensation.

A) Unable to verbally express oneself
B) Being one with the universe
C) Reaching supraconsciousness
D) Loss of a sense of time

Question 15

Synesthesia is a term to describe:

A) the inability to express oneself verbally.
B) sensory crossover.
C) reaching supraconsciousness.
D) total sensory deprivation.

Question 16

Research studies investigating the effects of meditation have found the following results.

A) Like Valium, meditation slows the pace of sensory stimulation.
B) Meditation inhibits the response of epinephrine from the adrenal gland.
C) Meditation increases serum white blood cell count.
D) Like exercise, meditation lowers resting heart rate and blood pressure.

Question 17

Recent brain imaging (MRI) research revealed all of the following except:

A) increased blood flow to the limbic system.
B) increased level of acceptance in the frontal lobe.
C) decreased neural input to the hippocampus.
D) increased secretion of serotonin.

Question 18

Cardiologist Dr. Dean Ornish has observed a reversal of coronary artery blockage with a combination of exercise, diet, and meditation.

Question 19

The "hundredth monkey" concept states that when enough people meditate on the theme of world peace, consciousness will heighten for all people.

Question 20

A mandala is a circular-shaped object used as a vehicle for meditation.

Question 21

Because it is easier, exclusive meditation is considered to be more effective than inclusive meditation by most people.

Question 22

The Relaxation Response, by Herbert Benson, is an "Americanized" version of Transcendental Meditation (TM).

Question 23

Mindfulness meditation can be done either in a formal practice or informal practice.

Question 24

The term '"neuroplasticity" means that the brain cannot only grow new brain cells, but can be rewired for better thinking functions.

Question 25

Repeated smartphone or screen device use is now known to rewire the brain for arousal (stress) through the process known as neuroplasticity.

Question 26

Meditation seems to promote an altered state of consciousness, which in turn, activates right brain functions to achieve a balance in cognitive thinking styles.

Question 27

Although some people meditate to reach enlightenment, the primary purpose is to cleanse clutter from the mind and achieve mental clarity.

Question 28

Please define the following terms or concepts in no more than two sentences, and give an example to support your definition.
A. Active meditation
B. Altered state of consciousness
C. Detached observation
D. Enhanced receptivity
E. Exclusive meditation
F. Inclusive meditation
G. Insightful meditation
H. Ineffability
I. Koan
J. Mandala
K. Mantra
L. Meditation
M. Mindfulness meditation
N. Nadam
O. Neurotheology
P. Opening-up meditation
Q. Perception distortion
R. Present centeredness
S. Relaxation response
T. Restrictive meditation
U. Self-transcendence
V. Sensory overload
W. Split-brain theory
X. Synesthesia
Y. Time distortion
Z. Transcendental meditation
AA. Tratak
AB. Zen meditation
AC. Neuroplasticity
AD. Executive function

Question 29

Explain the difference between restrictive and inclusive meditation, and give examples of each. Then explain what specific benefits meditation actually has as a relaxation technique.

Question 30

Meditation has been described many ways by many people. One description goes like this: Meditation domesticates the ego. Please explain.

Question 31

Let's assume that you have been meditating for quite some time. You happen to meet someone on campus who has never heard of this technique, but claims to be really stressed. In the simplest way possible, how would you describe how to meditate?

Question 32

According to Dr. Herbert Benson, which four components are needed to achieve the relaxation response?

A) Quietness, a mental device, a passive attitude, and a comfortable position
B) A pillow, a mantra, some incense, and a tape deck
C) Quietness, belly breathing, a mantra, and a passive attitude
D) A pillow, diaphragmatic breathing, a mantra, and some incense

Question 33

What have we learned from split-brain research about stress management?

A) The left brain is responsible for holistic thinking.
B) Right-brain thinking styles are closely associated with relaxation.
C) Neither hemisphere can function independently.
D) The right brain is alert during the dream state to resolve problems.
E) All of these are correct.

Question 34

Which of the following is not a cognitive function associated with the left hemisphere of the brain?

A) Fact and detail processing
B) Verbal skills
C) Spatial orientation
D) Organizational skills
E) Rational thought processing

Question 35

________ waves are most associated with the relaxation response in the act of meditation.

A) Theta
B) Delta
C) Beta
D) Alpha

Question 36

Ineffability, which may occur during meditation, gives which sensation?

A) Inability to verbally express oneself
B) Being one with the universe
C) Reaching supraconsciousness
D) Loss of a sense of time

Question 37

Synesthesia is a term used to describe:

A) the inability to express oneself verbally.
B) sensory crossover.
C) reaching supraconsciousness.
D) total sensory deprivation.

Question 38

Research studies investigating the effects of meditation have found which of the following results?

A) Like Valium, meditation slows the pace of sensory stimulation.
B) Meditation inhibits the response of epinephrine from the adrenal gland.
C) Meditation increases serum white blood cell count.
D) Like exercise, meditation lowers resting heart rate and blood pressure.

Question 39

Jon Kabat-Zinn is renowned for using ___________________ to help patients cope with chronic pain.

A) Zen meditation
B) transcendental meditation
C) insight meditation
D) mindfulness meditation

Question 40

The relaxation response is virtually the same thing (an American version) as:

A) mindfulness meditation.
B) insight meditation.
C) Zen meditation.
D) transcendental meditation.

Question 41

Mindfulness meditation is a simple form of TM meditation.

Question 42

Mindfulness meditation helps train the mind to live in the present moment, not the past or the future.