Meister Eckhart Quotes

A collection of quotes by Meister Eckhart.

Meister Eckhart (1260-1327) was a German theologian, philosopher, and mystic of the Dominican Order during the medieval period. Born in Hochheim, Eckhart entered the Dominican Order at an early age and received his theological education in Erfurt and Paris. He later held various positions within the Dominican order, eventually becoming the Provincial of the German Dominicans.

Eckhart's teachings were highly influential and controversial in his time. He focused on the idea of the spiritual development of the soul and the direct experience of God. He emphasized that individuals had to detach themselves from worldly desires and surrender their ego to attain spiritual union with the divine. Eckhart's writings were known for their deep insight into the nature of God and the human soul.

However, his teachings were met with some opposition and were eventually brought under scrutiny by the church. In 1326, a papal commission accused him of heresy, and although he was able to defend himself, he died shortly after his trial.

Despite the controversy surrounding some of his ideas, Eckhart's influence continued to grow in the centuries following his death. His works influenced numerous mystics and thinkers, and his ideas on the interconnectedness of the soul and God resonated with many seeking a deeper spiritual understanding. Today, he is considered one of the most prominent figures of medieval Christian mysticism.