Meister Eckhart: 'To be full of things is to be empty of God. To be empty of things is to be full of God.'

To be full of things is to be empty of God. To be empty of things is to be full of God.

In the realm of spirituality, Meister Eckhart's quote, "To be full of things is to be empty of God. To be empty of things is to be full of God," holds a deep and profound meaning. This quote carries a gentle reminder that material possessions and external distractions can consume our thoughts, blinding us from experiencing the divine presence within ourselves. Conversely, when we detach from the physical world and its endless desires, we create space to connect with the spiritual essence of God.The essence of this quote lies in recognizing the intricate relationship between our spiritual well-being and our attachment to material possessions. Our society desperately clamors for more; more wealth, more success, more possessions. We often fall into the trap of believing that by accumulating more things, we will find fulfillment and happiness. However, Eckhart dispels this misconception by asserting that true fulfillment lies not in the abundance of material possessions but in our connection with the divine.To truly understand the depth of Eckhart's quote, let us introduce an unexpected philosophical concept: the philosophy of minimalism. Minimalism is a lifestyle that encourages individuals to evaluate their priorities, eliminate the unnecessary, and focus on the essential aspects of life. It advocates for reducing material possessions, decluttering one's physical and mental spaces, and seeking experiences that bring genuine joy and fulfillment.At first glance, minimalism and the concept presented by Eckhart may seem contradictory. Minimalism suggests ridding oneself of material possessions, while Eckhart invites us to empty ourselves of things to invite the presence of God. However, upon closer examination, we discover a beautiful synergy between the two.Minimalism, in its essence, is not about merely getting rid of physical belongings but about freeing ourselves from the burden of attachment. By letting go of excessive possessions, we create room in our lives for the intangible, for the divinity to enter. Eckhart's quote resonates with the core principles of minimalism, as both philosophies acknowledge that an excessive focus on material possessions hinders our spiritual growth and connection to the divine.The significance of Eckhart's quote lies in its call to cultivate a mindset of detachment, to recognize that true fulfillment does not reside in the accumulation of material wealth, but in the surrender to something greater. It challenges us to reassess our priorities and evaluate the intangible aspects of life that truly bring meaning and fulfillment.By detaching ourselves from the ever-consuming cycle of materialism, we enable space for self-reflection, introspection, and connecting with our inner selves and with God. The emptiness of detaching from material possessions becomes a vessel for the divine to fill our lives with purpose, joy, and a profound sense of interconnectedness.Embracing Eckhart's wisdom may initially seem challenging in a world driven by consumerism and the pursuit of external validation. Nevertheless, by allowing ourselves to let go of the clutter, both physical and emotional, we open ourselves to a profound spiritual transformation. In cultivating this emptiness, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, where we uncover the richness and depth of the divine presence within.Ultimately, Meister Eckhart's quote serves as a guiding light for those seeking deeper spiritual connection and a life enriched by meaning. It reminds us that true fulfillment lies not in the accumulation of possessions but in cultivating an inner emptiness that allows us to experience the fullness of God. By embracing detachment and minimalism, we create the space necessary to invite the divine into our lives and embark on a transformative journey towards spiritual awakening.