Meister Eckhart

After distinguishing the meaning of “spirituality” and “mysticism”, our discussion of Meister Eckhart's spirituality and its implications for today will begin with his life, major writings and final years during which he was accused of heresy. We will review Eckhart’s theological anthropology, especially passages emphasizing a gulf between God and ourselves and passages that emphasize identity between God and ourselves. We will next treat the practical benefit of his teaching -- as a source of consolation in times of trial and as enabling us to be free and open to God’s will. Finally we will identify implications of Eckhart’s thought for today, including overcoming the dichotomy between the sacred and the profane and avoiding possessiveness regarding things or other persons.

Turning to the spirituality of Jan van Ruusbroec, we will begin with introductory remarks about his life and writings. We will then turn to major aspects of his teaching in The Spiritual Espousals, including the active, interior, and contemplative life. We will discuss how Ruusbroec’s thought can help us with today's problems. Relating to the contemporary problem of excessive consumption, Ruusbroec stresses moderation in what we consume and shows how our deepest joy lies in being possessed by God’s love. Concerning globalization and the need for cooperative action among all peoples, Ruusbroec emphasizes compassion and spiritual direction as a way to practice love “common to all”.

Click here to read in advance: Charlotte Radler, "Losing the Self: Detachment in Meister Eckhart and Its Significance for Buddhist-Christian Dialogue" Buddhist-Christian Studies (2006): 111-117.

Suggestions for subsequent reading:

On Meister Eckhart:

Meister Eckhart: Selected Writings. Selected and translated by Oliver Davies. London and New York: Penguin, 1994.

John Caputo, “Fundamental Themes in Meister Eckhart’s Mysticism.” The Thomist 42 (1978): 197-225.

Charlotte Radler, “Living from the Divine Ground: Meister Eckhart’s Praxis of Detachment.” Spiritus 6 (2006): 25-47.

On Jan van Ruusbroec:

John Ruusbroec: The Spiritual Espousals and Other Works. Edited and translated by James A. Wiseman. The Classics of Western Spirituality. New York: Paulist, 1985.

James A. Wiseman, “Traditions of Spiritual Guidance: John Ruusbroec as Spiritual Guide.” The Way 33 (1993): 148-55.

Fr. James Wiseman, OSB is Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at Catholic University of America. He served as Department Chair and Associate Dean during his long tenure at Catholic University, beginning in 1985. During his career he has also served as Visiting Professor at Yale University, as Abbot at St. Anselm's Monastery and as Chair of the Monastic Interreligious Dialogue initiative. He obtained his S.T.D. in Theology at Catholic University of America in 1979.

He holds memberships in several scholarly associations including the Catholic Theological Society of America, the Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality, the American Academy of Religion and the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences. He has written extensively in the field of spirituality and mysticism, including the following:

Editor and translator. John Ruusbroec: The Spiritual Espousals and Other Works. The Classics of Western Spirituality. New York: Paulist, 1985. Pp. xvii, 286.

Editor, with Louis Dupré. Light from Light: An Anthology of Christian Mysticism. New York: Paulist, 1988. Pp. vii, 440. Revised edition: New York: Paulist, 2001. Pp. vi, 463.

Theology and Modern Science: Quest for Coherence. New York and London: Continuum, 2002. Pp. 175.

“Matthew Fox's Interpretation of Meister Eckhart.” Listening: Journal of Religion and Culture 24 (1989):25-38.

“‘To Be God with God’: The Autotheistic Sayings of the Mystics.” Theological Studies 51 (1990):230-51.

“Freedom in Jan van Ruusbroec’s ‘Spiritual Tabernacle.’” Louvain Studies 16 (1991):59-71.

“The Birth of the Son in the Soul in the Mystical Theology of Jan van Ruusbroec.” Studia Mystica 14.2-3 (1991):30-44.

“‘Enveloped by Mystery’: The Spiritual Journey of Henri Le Saux/Abhishiktananda.” Église et Théologie 23 (1992):241-60. Reprinted in the Bulletin of the North American Board for East-West Dialogue, no. 45 (October 1992):7-15.

“Mysticism.” In The New Dictionary of Catholic Spirituality, edited by Michael Downey, 681-92. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1992.

“Traditions of Spiritual Guidance: John Ruusbroec as Spiritual Guide.” The Way 33 (1993):148-55.

“Benedictine Order,” “Bernard of Clairvaux,” “Eckhart, Meister,” and “Monastic Spirituality.” In The HarperCollins Encyclopedia of Catholicism, edited by Richard P. McBrien et al., 153-55, 158-59, 448-49, and 881-82. San Francisco: Harper, 1995.

“The Spirituality of St. Thérèse of Lisieux as Seen in Her Poetry.” Communio: International Catholic Review 24 (1997):529-40.

“The Wisdom of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.” Chicago Studies 38 (1999):72-83.

“Some Classics of Christian Spirituality.” CrossPoint 13, no. 4 (Winter 2000):26-30.

“The Body in Spiritual Practice: Some Historical Points of Reference.” In Reclaiming the Body in Christian Spirituality, edited by Thomas Ryan, 1-20. New York: Paulist, 2004.