---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Pema Chodron, an ordained Buddhist nun…"
description: "\"“Pema Chodron, an ordained Buddhist nun, writes of compassion and suggests that its truest measure lies not in our service of those on the margins, but..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/553/gregory-boyle-13018_buddhism_pema-chodron-an-ordained-buddhist-nun-wr_2774027.jpg"
---

#  Pema Chodron, an ordained Buddhist nun, writes of…

![“Pema Chodron, an ordained Buddhist nun, writes of compassion and suggests that its truest measure lies not in our service of those on the margins, but in our willingness to see ourselves in kinship with them.” quote by Gregory Boyle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/553/gregory-boyle-13018_buddhism_pema-chodron-an-ordained-buddhist-nun-wr_2774027.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/553/gregory-boyle-13018_buddhism_pema-chodron-an-ordained-buddhist-nun-wr_2774027.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/553/gregory-boyle-13018_buddhism_pema-chodron-an-ordained-buddhist-nun-wr_2774027.jpg)

> ““Pema Chodron, an ordained Buddhist nun, writes of compassion and suggests that its truest measure lies not in our service of those on the margins, but in our willingness to see ourselves in kinship with them.””

[Gregory Boyle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gregory-boyle/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Compassion’s truest test is seeing ourselves reflected in those we help, not just serving the marginalized.

**In simple terms:** Compassion is self‑recognition.

Key Takeaway

Practice empathy toward all.

Themes

compassion self‑awareness kinship

Mood

empathetic reflective

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

- volunteering
- community building

Key Concepts

Buddhism social justice

Questions to Reflect On

- How do you recognize yourself in others?
- What limits empathy?

A Different Perspective

Self‑identification may blur boundaries of service.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Buddhism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/buddhism/) [Compassion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/compassion/)

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