In the vast landscape of Christian mysticism, one figure stands out with remarkable clarity: Meister Eckhart. A 14th-century German theologian, philosopher, and mystic, his teachings reach across the centuries, speaking to hearts seeking deeper spiritual understanding.
Eckhart’s explorations delve into profound aspects of selflessness and the transformative surrender to the Divine will. His ideas transcend the mere historical or theological realms, resonating with a timeless wisdom that offers guidance for modern spiritual seekers.
This piece aims to weave together the rich tapestry of Eckhart’s teachings with the enduring wisdom of the Bible. Focusing on themes such as true obedience, the nature of prayer, and the concept of ‘no-mind’, we will explore the profound intersections between Eckhart’s mystic insights and scriptural teachings, highlighting their relevance and depth in the journey of spiritual discovery.
True Obedience
Central to Meister Eckhart’s mysticism is the concept of ‘True Obedience’, a theme that challenges conventional understanding and calls for a profound inner transformation. Eckhart’s vision of obedience transcends mere adherence to doctrine or ritual; it is an obedience born out of a deep, personal relinquishment of the self. He advocates for a state where the individual will is entirely surrendered, paving the way for the Divine will to manifest unobstructed.
This notion finds resonance in the words of Jesus in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). Here, being ‘poor in spirit’ parallels Eckhart’s call for spiritual poverty – a state where one’s own desires and ego no longer take precedence, allowing the individual to truly enter the realm of divine grace and understanding.
True Prayer
Meister Eckhart’s perspective on prayer marks a significant departure from conventional approaches. He viewed prayer not as a means to request personal favors or express individual desires, but as an act of aligning oneself with God’s will. In Eckhart’s eyes, true prayer involves a selfless yielding, where the soul’s deepest yearning is for the fulfillment of the Divine plan, not personal aspirations.
This understanding of prayer is beautifully encapsulated in the Lord’s Prayer, particularly in the line: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Here, the emphasis is clear: the paramount importance lies not in our will, but in God’s will manifesting on Earth as it is in Heaven. Eckhart’s interpretation calls for a complete surrender of the self, aligning human desires with the divine purpose, echoing the essence of this prayer.
Selflessness and Humility
At the heart of Meister Eckhart’s teachings lies the principle of selflessness and humility. He urges a departure from selfish ambitions and vain conceits, advocating for a life lived in humble service and love. This echoes the biblical call for humility and selfless love towards others. As stated in Philippians, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3).
Furthermore, the idea that one must decrease so that the divine can increase within them is a powerful theme in Eckhart’s mysticism. This is reminiscent of John the Baptist’s words about Christ: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). Eckhart sees this decrease of the ego-self as essential for spiritual growth and alignment with God’s will, encouraging a state of being where the self is emptied to make room for the divine presence.
The Concept of ‘No-Mind’
A pivotal aspect of Meister Eckhart’s mystical teachings is the concept of ‘no-mind’, a state of complete surrender and openness to God. This concept aligns with the idea of letting go of personal will and earthly concerns, allowing oneself to become a clear vessel for the Divine. Eckhart describes this as a state where the soul is free from all attachments and worldly distractions, mirroring the divine clarity and simplicity.
This notion of spiritual surrender and stillness is beautifully paralleled in the Psalm: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Here, the psalmist invites us into a space of quietude and trust, where knowing God is not about intellectual understanding but about a deep, experiential communion achieved in stillness.
Eckhart’s ‘no-mind’ is thus a call to a profound inner peace and surrender, where the soul, free from its own desires and thoughts, becomes a pure reflection of the divine. This state is not one of passivity but an active surrender to God’s will, allowing His grace to fill and transform us.
The Transformation
In Meister Eckhart’s vision of spirituality, the transformation of the self is a central theme. He emphasizes the idea of dying to the ego and the false self to allow the true, divine self to emerge. This transformative process is akin to a spiritual rebirth, where the individual no longer lives for themselves but for and through God.
This concept finds a powerful echo in the words of Paul to the Galatians: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Here, Paul speaks of a profound identity shift – from the old self to a new existence in Christ.
Moreover, Eckhart’s teachings on self-transformation align with the biblical admonition to renew one’s mind, as stated in Romans: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). This transformation is not just a change in actions, but a deep alteration of the very being, aligning one’s self with the divine will and purpose.
Divine Surrender
The teachings of Meister Eckhart, when contemplated alongside the profound wisdom of the Bible, offer a transformative vision of Christian mysticism. Through his concepts of true obedience, selfless prayer, humility, the state of ‘no-mind’, and the transformation of self, Eckhart guides us on a journey towards a deeper spiritual understanding and communion with the Divine.
His teachings remind us that the essence of spiritual life is not found in external acts or accomplishments, but in the internal state of being – a state of humility, selflessness, and complete surrender to God’s will. This mirrors the biblical call to a life centered not on earthly concerns but on the divine presence and purpose.
In exploring the intersections of Eckhart’s mysticism and biblical scripture, we find a rich, nuanced path to spiritual depth and authenticity. These teachings, ancient yet timeless, continue to speak to the hearts of those seeking a deeper, more meaningful engagement with their faith and with the Divine.
Image by 1899441
Tom’s Blog 