Meister Eckhart was a German theologian and mystic born around 1260. He became a prominent figure in the Dominican Order and is known for his teachings on the nature of God and the soul. Eckhart emphasized the importance of personal experience and direct communion with the divine, often using paradoxical language to express complex spiritual ideas. His works, including sermons and treatises, explore themes such as detachment, inner transformation, and the relationship between God and humanity. Although his ideas were controversial and faced scrutiny from the Church, Eckhart's influence persists in Christian mysticism and modern spiritual thought.