Meister Eckhart: 'You may call God love, you may call God goodness. But the best name for God is compassion.'

You may call God love, you may call God goodness. But the best name for God is compassion.

In the realm of theology and philosophy, Meister Eckhart's powerful quote, "You may call God love, you may call God goodness. But the best name for God is compassion," encapsulates a profound understanding of the divine essence. At its core, this statement suggests that while God can be described by various attributes such as love and goodness, it is compassion that truly encapsulates the most accurate representation of the divine nature.The straightforward interpretation of this quote is that God's compassion surpasses all other divine attributes as the most significant and essential feature of the divine. It signifies that the love and goodness attributed to God can be encompassed by compassion alone. By identifying God as compassion, Eckhart challenges traditional notions of defining God solely through conventional attributes, encouraging us to delve deeper into our understanding.To further explore the significance of this remarkable quote, let us consider a philosophical concept: existentialism. Existentialism, in its simplest form, is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the individual's subjective existence, freedom, and responsibility in creating meaning and identity in the world. On the surface, this concept seems different and unrelated to Meister Eckhart's quote. However, a closer analysis reveals intriguing parallels.Existentialism, at its core, asserts the importance of compassion as an intrinsic part of human existence. The existential philosophers argue that our existence is intertwined with our ability to experience empathy and compassion towards others. In the search for meaning, compassion becomes a driving force in forming connections with fellow human beings, bridging the gap between isolation and interconnectedness.Interestingly, Eckhart's notion of God as compassion aligns with the existentialist perspective in recognizing the essential role compassion plays in our lived experiences. It points us towards a profound understanding that not only is compassion a fundamental aspect of our human existence, but it is also the essence of the divine.Contrasting the conventional attributes of God, such as love and goodness, with compassion invites us to consider the depth of compassion itself. Unlike love or goodness, compassion implies a keen awareness of suffering and the desire to alleviate it. It goes beyond mere sentiment and calls for action. Compassion recognizes the interconnectedness of all beings and emphasizes the importance of caring for one another. It embodies the divine wisdom that extends understanding and forgiveness even in the face of imperfection.Furthermore, compassion does not discriminate or withhold itself based on deservingness. It is a universal force that transcends borders, religions, and beliefs. In this light, Eckhart's quote alludes to the inclusivity of compassion as the ultimate expression of the divine. It challenges us to move beyond limited definitions and embrace a more holistic understanding of our interactions with others and the divine.In conclusion, Meister Eckhart's quote, "You may call God love, you may call God goodness. But the best name for God is compassion," holds significant meaning and importance in theological and philosophical realms. It calls us to recognize compassion as the epitome of divine essence, surpassing conventional attributes of love and goodness. Moreover, when examining this quote alongside the philosophical concept of existentialism, we find a shared recognition of the vital role compassion plays in our existence. By embracing compassion, we can deepen our understanding and experience of the divine, fostering a world that thrives upon empathy, connection, and understanding.