Meister Eckhart: 'A just person is one who is conformed and transformed into justice.'

A just person is one who is conformed and transformed into justice.

In this blog article, we delve into the profound quote by Meister Eckhart - 'A just person is one who is conformed and transformed into justice.' This statement encapsulates the essence of justice and encompasses a powerful notion that encompasses both action and being. At its core, this quote suggests that true justice requires more than mere external compliance; it demands a deep inner transformation. Let us explore the meaning and significance of this quote in a straightforward manner before introducing an unexpected philosophical concept to bring a fresh perspective to the topic.Meister Eckhart, a 13th-century philosopher and theologian, believed that justice extended beyond outward acts and into the realm of the soul. To comprehend the quote, we must first understand what it means to be 'conformed and transformed into justice.' Being conformed implies aligning one's thoughts, values, and actions with the principles of justice. It involves conforming to external standards and ideals, obeying the law, and promoting fairness in our interactions with others. However, mere conformity is not enough to embody justice fully.To be transformed into justice requires a deeper level of introspection. It asks us to examine the motives behind our actions and cultivate a genuine sense of righteousness within ourselves. It involves incorporating justice as a core component of our identity, leading a life guided by ethical principles, and fostering empathy and compassion towards others. In this sense, justice ceases to be a concept external to us but rather becomes an integral part of our being.The importance of this quote lies in its call for personal growth and self-reflection. It reminds us that justice should not be confined to mere acts but must permeate every aspect of our lives. By embracing the idea of transformation, we can move beyond superficial compliance and seek to embody justice in its purest form. In a world where justice is often merely a legal or moral construct, Meister Eckhart's insight provides a nuanced perspective that challenges us to pursue a deeper understanding of justice.Now, to introduce an unexpected philosophical concept that offers an intriguing contrast to Meister Eckhart's perspective, let us explore the notion of "incarnational justice." This concept, rooted in principles espoused by French philosopher Emmanuel Levinas, emphasizes the ethical responsibility of individuals towards others. According to Levinas, justice is not something we conform to or transform into but rather a fundamental aspect of our existence.Levinas argues that justice arises from the inherent encounter we have with others. It suggests that injustice occurs when we disregard the infinite responsibility we have towards each person we encounter. In this philosophy, justice is not a destination to reach or a quality to internalize but an ongoing process of recognizing and responding to the needs of others.While Meister Eckhart emphasizes the importance of personal transformation to embody justice, Levinas reminds us that justice is not just an individual pursuit but a collective responsibility. While Eckhart's perspective suggests that justice is a state achieved through personal growth, Levinas's notion proposes that it is a never-ending journey of responding to the constant ethical demands posed by our encounters with others.In comparing both perspectives, we find a beautiful interplay between personal transformation and collective responsibility. Meister Eckhart's focus on inward transformation complements Levinas's emphasis on recognizing and fulfilling the needs of others. Together, they form a comprehensive approach to justice that combines personal integrity with active engagement in society.In conclusion, Meister Eckhart's quote - 'A just person is one who is conformed and transformed into justice' - holds a deep significance in its call for both individual introspection and active engagement with the world. It reminds us that true justice requires more than external compliance; it demands inner transformation and a fundamental alignment of our actions, thoughts, and values with the principles of justice. By juxtaposing this perspective with the concept of incarnational justice proposed by Levinas, we gain a richer understanding of justice as a lifelong journey that involves personal growth and collective responsibility. In embracing these ideas, we can strive to become agents of justice and catalysts for positive change in the world.