Meister Eckhart
Meister Eckhart (c. 1260 - 1327/1328), born as Johannes Eckhart, later nobilized as Johannes Eckhart von Hochheim, Eckhart also spelled Eckehart, was a German theologian, writer, and Christian mystic of the Holy Roman Empire.
Life
Eckhart was born near Erfurt, in Thuringia. Meister is German for “Master”, referring to the academic title he obtained in Paris. Coming into prominence during the decadent Avignon Papacy and a time of increased tensions between the Franciscans and Eckhart's Dominican Order of Preacher Friars, he was brought up on charges later in life before the local Franciscan led Inquisition. Well known for his work with pious lay groups such as the Friends of God and succeeded by his more circumspect disciples of John Tauler and Henry Suso, he has gained a large following in recent years. In his study of medieval humanism, Richard Southern includes him along with Bede and Saint Anselm as emblematic of the intellectual spirit of the late Middle Ages.
Death
Tried as a heretic by Pope John XXII, his “Defence” is famous for his reasoned arguments to all challenged articles of his writing and his refutation of heretical intent. He purportedly died before his verdict was received, although no record of his death or burial site has ever been discovered.
Legacy
Interest in Eckhart's works was revived in the early nineteenth century, especially by German Romantics and Idealist philosophers. Sometimes stated to be an important influence on the völkisch movement and Alfred Rosenberg. There are various other stated influences by Eckhart, such as on (variants of) modern spirituality, theosophy, Buddhism, Hinduism, and psychoanalysis.
