As God can only be seen by His own light, so He can only be loved by His own love

As God can only be seen by His own light, so He can only be loved by His own love

Meister Eckhart, a German theologian, philosopher, and mystic of the 13th and 14th centuries, is known for his profound teachings on the nature of God and the soul. One of his most famous quotes is, “As God can only be seen by His own light, so He can only be loved by His own love.” This statement encapsulates Eckhart’s belief in the intimate connection between the divine and the human soul.

Eckhart believed that God is the source of all light and love, and that only through God’s own light and love can we truly see and love Him. In other words, our ability to perceive and connect with God is dependent on His grace and presence within us. This idea is rooted in Eckhart’s understanding of the soul as a reflection of the divine, capable of experiencing God’s presence and love in a direct and personal way.

For Eckhart, the journey of the soul towards God is a process of awakening to the divine light and love that is already within us. He believed that God’s presence is always available to us, but it is our own spiritual blindness and lack of love that prevent us from fully experiencing Him. Through prayer, meditation, and contemplation, we can open ourselves to God’s light and love, allowing it to transform and illuminate our souls.

Eckhart’s teachings on the nature of God and the soul have had a profound influence on Christian mysticism and spirituality. His emphasis on the direct experience of God’s presence and love has inspired countless seekers to deepen their relationship with the divine and to cultivate a more intimate connection with the source of all light and love.