ECKHART, MEISTER


Meaning of ECKHART, MEISTER in English

orig. Johannes

born 0441; 1260?, Hochheim?, Thuringia

died 1327/28?, Avignon

German theologian and mystic.

A Dominican from age 15, he studied theology at Cologne and Paris and became a popular preacher and teacher. In his mid 30s he served as vicar of Thuringia. His mystical writings examined the relationship between God and humanity; he pictured the soul achieving complete union with God and posited something (Godhead) beyond God. He took up a professorship in Cologne in his 60th year; shortly thereafter he was charged with heresy on several points in his works. He died before he could rebut a second charge.

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia.      Краткая энциклопедия Британика.