The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom and Self Improvement
May 22, 2009
The book, The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz, is a set of four simple suggestions based on Esoteric Toltec wisdom, that can untangle the complicated web of modern living. The self limiting beliefs that feed of fear, can make life a living hell on earth.
Ruiz reveals a simple code of conduct for personal freedom and happiness that's as relevant today, as it was thousands of years ago. Ruiz encourages the reader to feel love for oneself and others and urges to rid oneself of fear.
Who is Don Miguel Ruiz?
Ruiz is a nagual (Shaman) from the Eagle Knight lineage. He was born into a family of healers and raised in rural Mexico. A near-death experience changed his life and he embarked upon a journey of intense self inquiry. He studied healing with his mother and learned shamanism from a powerful shaman in the Mexican desert. His books on Toltec wisdom makes the ancient esoteric knowledge accessible and comprehensible for the modern audience.
What is Toltec?
The Toltec were the men and women of knowledge that lived in Southern Mexico thousands of years ago. Ruiz mentions that Toltec is not a religion but honors all spiritual masters that have taught on planet earth. This way of life is distinguished by the ready availability of happiness and love.
What are the Four Agreements?
Ruiz offers up four agreements that are essential to living a good life.
- Be Impeccable With Your Word - This entails not indulging in gossip or negative self talk. The spoken word being a powerful one, should be used to spread love. Following this agreement makes one immune to the negativity from others. Being impeccable with the word also clears emotional wounds.
- Don't take Anything Personally - This agreement is borne from the first agreement. Comments, opinions and words of others reflect more about the talker, than the one being talked about. Its possible not to be the victim of others' expectations by following this agreement. Anger, jealousy, sadness and envy can disappear if things are not taken too personally. This helps break non-serving habits and relieves one from pain and suffering
- Don't Make Assumptions - Asking questions instead of make assumptions could make every relationship work better. As with the other agreements, one should guard against making untrue assumptions about one's own self also. Questions enable answers to be heard and eliminates the need for assumptions.
- Always Do Your Best - This agreement is the action part of the above three agreements. No more than one's best is possible, no less than one's best is good enough. Also one's personal best could vary every moment. So its important to do one's best in everything, without fear or judgment. Ruiz mentions the example of the story of Forrest Gump, who didn't have great ideas, but merely did his best without expecting reward. Keeping this agreement with oneself is important for the above three agreements to work.
Ruiz's message of Toltec wisdom is consistent with the, "living in the now message," by Eckhart Tolle, and messages of self love and gratitude, by teachers like Louise Hay. The Four Agreements teach that living a life of happiness and joy is not only easier than most people think, but the wisdom of a better quality of life has always been present with the human race, for thousands of years.
Related Reading
For similar teachings on enhancing one's quality of life, readers might like Eckhart Tolle and the Power of Now.
Sources:
The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz.
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