Welcome to our collection of insightful quotes by Meister Eckhart, a German theologian, philosopher, and mystic born in the late 13th century. Known for his profound spiritual teachings, Eckhart’s philosophy transcends conventional religious boundaries and delves into the depths of human consciousness. His words continue to inspire seekers of truth and wisdom across generations.
Meister Eckhart’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of inner transformation and the awakening of the soul to its divine nature. He invites us to explore the realms of the self, urging us to seek union with the ultimate reality beyond the confines of the material world. Through his writings and sermons, Eckhart illuminates the path to spiritual enlightenment, encouraging individuals to transcend egoic attachments and embrace the boundless essence of existence.
Below, you’ll find a selection of Meister Eckhart’s most thought-provoking quotes. Whether you choose to reflect on them quietly, share them with others, or creatively incorporate them into your visual projects, may these timeless words inspire deeper contemplation and awaken new insights within you.
The outward man is the swinging door; the inner man is the still hinge. Meister Eckhart
He who would be serene and pure needs but one thing, detachment. Meister Eckhart
When you are thwarted, it is your own attitude that is out of order. Meister Eckhart
God expects but one thing of you, and that is that you should come out of yourself in so far as you are a created being made and let God be God in you. Meister Eckhart
To be full of things is to be empty of God. To be empty of things is to be full of God. Meister Eckhart
The knower and the known are one. Simple people imagine that they should see God as if he stood there and they here. This is not so. God and I, we are one in knowledge. Meister Eckhart
Truly, it is in darkness that one finds the light, so when we are in sorrow, then this light is nearest of all to us. Meister Eckhart
What a man takes in by contemplation, that he pours out in love. Meister Eckhart
The price of inaction is far greater than the cost of making a mistake. Meister Eckhart
One person who has mastered life is better than a thousand persons who have mastered only the contents of books, but no one can get anything out of life without God. Meister Eckhart
The outward work will never be puny if the inward work is great. Meister Eckhart
What we plant in the soil of contemplation, we shall reap in the harvest of action. Meister Eckhart
The eye with which I see God is the same eye with which God sees me. Meister Eckhart
Man goes far away or near but God never goes far-off; he is always standing close at hand, and even if he cannot stay within he goes no further than the door. Meister Eckhart
Words derive their power from the original word. Meister Eckhart
Do exactly what you would do if you felt most secure. Meister Eckhart
You may call God love, you may call God goodness. But the best name for God is compassion. Meister Eckhart
If God gave the soul his whole creation she would not be filled thereby but only with himself. Meister Eckhart
If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough. Meister Eckhart
A human being has so many skins inside, covering the depths of the heart. We know so many things, but we don’t know ourselves! Why, thirty or forty skins or hides, as thick and hard as an ox’s or bear’s, cover the soul. Go into your own ground and learn to know yourself there. Meister Eckhart
All God wants of man is a peaceful heart. Meister Eckhart
Only the hand that erases can write the true thing. Meister Eckhart
The more we have the less we own. Meister Eckhart
There exists only the present instant… a Now which always and without end is itself new. There is no yesterday nor any tomorrow, but only Now, as it was a thousand years ago and as it will be a thousand years hence. Meister Eckhart
God is at home, it’s we who have gone out for a walk. Meister Eckhart
We are celebrating the feast of the Eternal Birth which God the Father has borne and never ceases to bear in all eternity… But if it takes not place in me, what avails it? Everything lies in this, that it should take place in me. Meister Eckhart
A just person is one who is conformed and transformed into justice. Meister Eckhart
Every creature is a word of God. Meister Eckhart
