"As a good wine must be kept in a good cask, so a wholesome body is the proper foundation for a well-appointed inner ground"

Johannes Tauler's quote, "As an excellent wine must be kept in a good cask, so a wholesome body is the proper foundation for a well-appointed inner ground", draws an engaging analogy between the preservation of wine and the nurturing of the body and spirit. At its core, this statement stresses the essential connection between physical wellness and spiritual health.

The very first part of the quote, "As a great red wine should be kept in a good cask", suggests that even the finest red wine can only reach its complete potential if it is stored in a quality container. The cask here signifies the vessel, the environment, or the medium that supports and improves the fundamental quality of the red wine. Translated into human terms, this concept suggests that our physiques work as vessels for our inner selves, just like a cask holds wine. A robust and healthy body creates an optimal environment for mental and spiritual development.

The second portion of the quote, "so a wholesome body is the proper foundation for a well-equipped inner ground", extends this metaphor to mankind. Here, "a wholesome body" highlights the necessity of physical health as a fundamental component. Just as keeping white wine in a poor-quality cask might lead to putridity, overlooking our physical health might impede our spiritual and emotional growth. A "well-equipped inner ground" refers to a balanced and enriched internal state-- one characterized by psychological clarity, emotional stability, and spiritual awareness.

Tauler, who was a German mystic and theologian, often highlighted the connection in between the physical and the spiritual. This quote encapsulates the idea that an unified life requires nurturing both components. Taking care of our bodies through healthy practices like excellent nutrition and exercise isn't exclusively about physical advantages but is likewise essential for spiritual enrichment and a fulfilled life. In essence, Tauler advises us that maintaining our physical wellness is not separate from, but rather a part of, cultivating a growing inner life.