Eternal Wisdom

Heinrich Seuse (ca. 1295–1366) was a German mystic and Dominican friar. While studying at Cologne, Heinrich Seuse came under the influence of Meister Eckhart, whose writings he defended against charges of heresy. He became a popular preacher and was associated with Johannes Tauler. The book was really written in part against the pantheistic teachings of the Beghards and against the libertine teachings of the Brethren of the Free Spirit. Some consider it the most difficult “little book” among the writings of the German mystics. Whereas in this book Seuse speaks as a contemplative and to the intellect, in his next, published early in 1328, he is eminently practical and speaks out of the fullness of his heart to “simple men who still have imperfections to be put off”. At first a harsh ascetic, he gradually emphasized detachment rather than mortification as central to the Christian discipline. His mysticism was seen in terms of the contemporary literary romantic cult of the Minnesingers. This gave him the epithet “Sweet Seuse”. His writings include The Little Book of Eternal Wisdom, an autobiography and guide to beginners in the spiritual life; The Little Book of Love, a scholarly defense of Eckhart and an attack on the Beghards and Brethren of the Free Spirit; and miscellaneous sermons. He was beatified in 1831. Seuse and his friend Johannes Tauler were students of Meister Eckhart. As a lyric poet and troubadour of divine wisdom, Seuse explored with psychological intensity the spiritual truths of Eckhart’s mystical philosophy. As in this and in his other writings, Seuse, while betraying Eckhart’s influence, always avoided the “errors” of his master. Karl Bihlmeyer accepts Denifle’s judgment that it is the “most beautiful fruit of German mysticism”, and places it next to the Homilies of St. Bernard and the Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis.