Meister Eckhart: 'What we plant in the soil of contemplation, we shall reap in the harvest of action.'

What we plant in the soil of contemplation, we shall reap in the harvest of action.

In his quote, Meister Eckhart encapsulates the profound relationship between contemplation and action, suggesting that what we nurture in our minds will eventually manifest in our deeds. This quote implies that the seeds of our thoughts, ideas, and intentions, sown in the fertile soil of contemplation, will sprout and bear fruit in the form of our actions. It emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and conscious thought as the foundation of meaningful and purposeful actions.At first glance, Meister Eckhart's quote appears straightforward and logical. It speaks to the notion that our outer world is a reflection of our inner world, suggesting that if we cultivate positive and productive ideas within ourselves, the fruits of our actions will follow suit. In other words, what we think about and focus on influences how we behave and interact with the world around us.However, to delve deeper into the quote's meaning, it is worth exploring an unexpected philosophical concept - that of intentionality. Intentionality, in philosophy, refers to the capacity of our thoughts to be 'about' something, to have a directedness or purpose. It suggests that our thoughts and contemplations are not merely passive mental events but play an active role in shaping and influencing our perceptions and experiences.When we contemplate and engage in deep introspection, we cultivate intentionality. We become aware of our underlying motivations, values, and aspirations. In this state of heightened self-awareness, we can consciously choose how we want to direct our actions and decide what kind of impact we want to have in the world.Just as a farmer carefully selects the seeds to be sown, mindful contemplation allows us to choose the beliefs, values, and intentions that will guide our actions. In this light, the quote by Meister Eckhart takes on a greater significance, suggesting that it is not merely the act of contemplation itself, but the quality and intention behind it, that determines the nature of our harvest.To draw a stark contrast, imagine if we were to plant seeds of anger, resentment, or selfishness in our contemplative soil. The inevitable harvest would be one characterized by hostile interactions, fractured relationships, and a negative impact on our own well-being. Conversely, if we nurture thoughts of compassion, empathy, and kindness, our actions will align with these virtues, fostering a more harmonious and compassionate world.It is essential to recognize that the quote by Meister Eckhart does not propose that contemplation alone is sufficient for change. Rather, it emphasizes that our contemplative state, when imbued with conscious intentionality, becomes the catalyst for transformative action. When we align our values, intentions, and beliefs through mindful contemplation, we sow the seeds that lay the foundation for meaningful and impactful actions.In conclusion, Meister Eckhart's quote serves as a reminder of the power we possess to shape our reality through the interplay of contemplation and action. By acknowledging the significance of intentionality in our contemplative process, we become active participants in our personal growth and in shaping the world around us. The quote encourages us to be mindful of the ideas we nurture and the intentions we hold, for they have the potential to manifest in the form of our actions. Ultimately, we have the capacity to cultivate a bountiful harvest by consciously tending to the seeds of contemplation in our minds, reaping the rewards of a purposeful and impactful life.