Meister Eckhart was an influential fourteenth century Christian mystic. His given name was Eckhart von Hochheim. He lived in Germany and was a member of the Dominican Order.
He was kind of a revolutionary for his time,
Meister Eckhart
He was tried as a heretic by the inquisition led by Franciscan monks. No verdict seems to have been delivered in his case.
Some of his ideas relate closely to what we learn in Buddhism.
Christian wisdom from Meister Eckhart
If we hold fast to the distinction between today and tomorrow and yesterday, we are holding fast to nothingness.
Better enjoy the eternal and undivided, divine now.Meister Eckhart
Christian mystic
c. 1260 – c. 1327
This quote relates to the Buddhist idea of living happily in the present moment.
The Buddha said:
The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, not to anticipate the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.
Elsewhere, he is quoted as saying,
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
The Seventh Mindfulness Training of the Order of Interbeing of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh states,
Aware that life is available only in the present moment and that it is possible to live happily in the here and now, I am committed to training myself to live deeply each moment of daily life. I will try not to lose myself in dispersion or be carried away by regrets about the past, worries about the future, or craving, anger or jealousy in the present. I will practice mindful breathing to come back to what is happening in the present moment. I am determined to learn the art of mindful living by touching the wondrous, refreshing and healing elements that are inside and around me, and by nourishing seeds of joy, peace, love and understanding in myself, thus facilitating the work of transformation and healing in my consciousness.
All three of these masters remind us to live only in the present moment.
When we think about the past, we do so in the present. When we plan for the future, we do so in the present.
As long as we do not dwell on the past or long for the future, we can dwell happily in the present moment.
What do you think about these quotes? Do you find any substantial difference between Christian wisdom from Meister Eckhart, the Buddha, and Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh?
If you know someone who would benefit from learning how to dwell happily in the present moment, please let them know.
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These books are all by Oliver Davies, a professor of King’s College, London. His passion for the life and works of Meister Eckhart is admirable. Enjoy!
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