Meister Eckhart and the Interpersonal Productivity of Detachment

Abstract

In the study, I aim to show the interpersonal productivity of detachment in Meister Eckhart’s mysticism. I explore Eckhart’s doctrine of detachment against the background of his theology and psychology showing that detachment leads not only to a deeper relation with God and oneself, but also to an absolutely inclusive relation with fellow humans. In the first part, I discuss the basic tenets of Eckhart’s theology and psychology focusing especially on God as the One and on the ground of the soul. In the second part, I examine Eckhart’s theory of detachment, covering both its theological, psychological and interpersonal aspects. I also present detachment as a key pillar of Eckhart’s doctrine of love and show its relevance for practical spirituality. In the conclusion, I highlight the central role of detachment in Eckhart’s thought and its interpersonal implications.

Keywords

• meister eckhart
• mysticism
• detachment
• theological psychology
• neighbor-love