Meaning: This quote from Meister Eckhart, a 13th-century German philosopher, theologian, and mystic, delves into the concept of the soul's relationship with God and the idea of spiritual fulfillment. Meister Eckhart was known for his profound and often controversial philosophical and theological teachings, and this quote encapsulates his thoughts on the nature of the soul and its ultimate fulfillment in God.

Meister Eckhart's quote suggests that if God were to give the soul the entirety of His creation, it would not be enough to fill the soul. Instead, the soul can only be truly filled by God Himself. This concept reflects the idea of the soul's innate longing for union with its Creator and the belief that ultimate fulfillment and satisfaction can only be found in God.

At the heart of this quote is the notion of the soul's insatiable desire for spiritual fulfillment. According to Meister Eckhart, the soul's longing for fulfillment cannot be satisfied by anything other than God. This aligns with the Christian theological understanding of the human soul as inherently oriented toward God, seeking ultimate fulfillment and purpose in relationship with Him.

Meister Eckhart's teachings often emphasized the importance of detachment from worldly attachments and the pursuit of inner spiritual transformation. In this quote, he conveys the idea that true fulfillment comes from a deep connection with God rather than from material or worldly pursuits. This aligns with the broader theme of detachment and spiritual poverty that is often found in Eckhart's writings.

The quote also reflects the influence of Neoplatonism on Meister Eckhart's thought. Neoplatonism, a philosophical system that heavily influenced medieval Christian thought, posits the idea of the soul's ascent towards the divine and its ultimate union with the One, the source of all existence. Meister Eckhart's quote echoes this Neoplatonic notion of the soul's yearning for union with the divine and finding true fulfillment in transcending the limitations of the material world.

Furthermore, the quote highlights the centrality of God in Meister Eckhart's philosophical and theological framework. For Eckhart, God is not only the ultimate source of all being but also the ultimate object of the soul's longing and fulfillment. This emphasis on the primacy of God in the quest for spiritual fulfillment is a recurring theme in Eckhart's works.

In conclusion, Meister Eckhart's quote encapsulates his profound insights into the nature of the soul and its quest for fulfillment in God. It reflects his emphasis on the soul's innate longing for union with the divine and the belief that true fulfillment can only be found in God Himself. This quote serves as a poignant expression of the mystical and philosophical dimensions of Meister Eckhart's thought, resonating with those who seek a deeper understanding of the soul's journey towards spiritual fulfillment.