Meister Eckhart: Suffering and Freedom

Abstract

In many ways the question of suffering goes to the heart of the meaning of mysticism, and this is because, for Eckhart, our experience of suffering shows us directly our separation from God. But also our relation to suffering shows us our relation to the world, not only in how we conceive it but also how we act within it, especially in the ethical sphere. The question of suffering brings to light what we hold to be true or real or good, and whatever we hold to be true or real or good shapes our stance towards all that is, including our selfawareness or sense of being. In The Book of Divine Consolation Eckhart begins by saying: