Lila Mastery Practices — Luminous Partnerships examination

Eleven questions. Nine of eleven passes, and you can take it again as often as you like.

According to this module, what is the only real tragedy available in this incarnation?

Taking yourself so seriously that you forget to enjoy the game Being rejected or misunderstood by the people you love Losing money, status or reputation among your peers Failing to find a lasting partner before your time finally runs out
Why does the module use the Sanskrit word Lila rather than simply 'play'?

It refers only to sexual and tantric practice in the context of this course Lila conveys that divine play is the nature of existence, not frivolity It sounds more exotic and is easier to market to seekers English has no adequate word for the idea of play at all
What quality does Lila mastery combine?

Strict discipline combined with careful control of results Detachment from the game and from its outcomes alike Strong attachment to outcomes with little real commitment Complete commitment to the game with no attachment to outcome
What is the first Lila mastery practice?

Creating art together with absolutely no outcome in mind Taking a formal art class together each week at a local studio Studying famous artists' techniques together Creating art together to sell or to exhibit
What does resistance to purposeless art-making reveal, according to the module?

That art simply isn't one of your natural talents That you should probably choose a different practice for your relationship That your partner is not creative enough for this How thoroughly you've been trained to value productivity and outcome
Which is an example of an elaborate pretend adventure from the module?

Role-playing a difficult conversation with a demanding boss Space explorers 'discovering' household objects in made-up alien tongues Rehearsing an upcoming presentation for work together in the living room Planning the itinerary for an actual holiday abroad together
Why does the module specifically ask for ridiculous songs?

Because writing good songs would take far too long for most couples To practise musical skills for future use To prepare for a public performance later on To give permission to be bad at something and still enjoy it
What do blanket forts signal to the nervous system, according to the module?

That the relationship urgently needs repair That it is simply time to rest and go to sleep That it is safe to be vulnerable and playful in a protected space That adult responsibilities must be put aside and wait until later
Which story forms does the module suggest inside the blanket fort?

Only stories chosen in advance by one of the partners Only famous myths and legends read aloud from books Real memories, co-created tales, mythic retellings or imagined futures Only true stories from your past, told strictly in the order they happened
What is the final practice that contains all the others?

Keeping play strictly separate from serious matters Scheduling one weekly play session together and nothing more than that Treating your whole relationship as the cosmic playground it is Letting one partner lead all of the couple's play
Does Lila mastery mean never being sincere or dealing with real challenges?

No; divine play includes the full range of experience, held with humour No; but challenges must always be handled solemnly Yes; challenges should be ignored until they pass Yes; divine play means steering well clear of difficult or painful matters