Multiple choice

Directions: The short passage below is followed by a question based on its content. Answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage.

One cannot think one's way into heaven. The concept trap ensnares many spiritual seekers as we unwittingly substitute thoughts and ideas about the path for the path itself. Though words of prayer or a Divine name can orient us in the right direction, only by seeing beyond thoughts and mental imagery can we begin to touch the higher worlds. Thoughts and concepts play no role when we stand before the ineffable. Right thinking and true ideas offer two invaluable ingredients for the inner life: motivation and guidance. Great spiritual poetry and myths, stories in the holy scriptures, and other written sources contain ideas and images which can serve to raise the level of our spiritual aspirations, moving us to renew our commitment to the path, helping us through our dry spells, periods of doubt, and the inevitable and numerous obstacles we encounter along the way. Eventually, the wonders of the path itself provide ample motivation.

What is the primary purpose of the passage?

  1. The inner landscape hides a territory unknown to us, discovery of which is the way to heaven.

  2. All our actions must be guided by right thinking and true ideas, which will take us to heaven after death.

  3. We can touch the Higher World only by seeing beyond thoughts and mental imagery.

  4. Reading texts of the spirit, pondering their contents, and drawing inspiration from them channel our thoughts and heart toward actual steps along the path.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The very opening lines “One cannot think one's way into heaven“ emphasize that not words; the actual steps or acts alone will propel us along the right path. As option (4) is cogent with this explanation, it is the answer.

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