eister Eckhart’s Tractates (Essays)
Eckhart is acknowledged as a significant Christian mystic.
I find that his writings are not that easy to understand or appreciate from a point of systematic or intellectual analysis.
However, by using a more reflective and prayerful receptive approach, I found some of these essays bathe me in lightness and truthfulness that bring refreshment and nourishment.
This was particularly true for the last two essays in this small booklet.
Are there, in these extracts, the foundations for some of the major future insights of mystics’ writings - such as those by St John of the Cross and George Fox? It could be!
Meister Eckhart (1260-1328) was a German theologian, philosopher and mystic,
Eckhart came into prominence during the Avignon Papacy, at a time of increased tensions between monastic orders, diocesan clergy, the Franciscan Order, and Eckhart's Dominican Order of Preachers.
In later life, he was accused of heresy and brought up before the local Franciscan-led Inquisition, and tried as a heretic by Pope John XXII.[c]He seems to have died before his verdict was received.
He was well known for his work with pious lay groups such as the Friends of God .
Since the 19th century, he has received renewed attention.
He has acquired a status as a great mystic within contemporary popular spirituality