The Four Agreements - June 2002

On my travels I happened upon a couple of books by an author called Don Miguel Ruiz.
Ruiz is a master of the Toltec mystery school tradition and for many years he has worked to impart the wisdom of the ancient Toltecs, guiding towards personal freedom.

Before I go any further I feel that I must point out that Ruiz is not a 'cult' founder and, from what I have read, only attempts to improve the individuals perception of their life.

I was impressed enough to supply this synopsis. Tell me though, am I grasping at straws when I express an interest in this self-help literature?
I have got as far as understanding that my life is but a dream that has been created by others from the moment of my birth to the present day. I now have to work out where to go from here...........

The title of the books are;
The Four Agreements and
The Four Agreements Companion Book.
Both are available from Amazon Books (link on the right of this page).

The Four Agreements (ISBN: 1-878424-31-9)
Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, this book offers a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our life to a new experience of freedom, true happiness and love.

In the first of the Agreements, Ruiz tells us to be 'impeccable with our word'. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of our word in the direction of truth and love.

In the second Agreement we are told 'don't take anything personally'. Nothing others do is because of us. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

Thirdly, 'don't make assumptions'. Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement you can completely transform your life.

Finally the fourth Agreement tells you to 'always do your best'. Your best is going to change from moment to moment, it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self - judgement, self-abuse and regret.

These Four Agreements make common sense - or should I say they make sense to this depressive. The book expands upon the way to implement the agreements, offering guidance and support.

The Four Agreements Companion Book (ISBN: 1-878424-48-3)
In the first part of this companion book Ruiz emphasis is on mastering awareness including such topics as;
Human suffering begins with domestication,
Humans are creators, but out power of creation is invested in our beliefs and,
The function of the human mind is to dream, but we have learned to dream without awareness.

In the second part of the book he explores several ways to master the art of dreaming including;
Using your will and attention for the second time,
Using the Four Agreements to change your actions - reactions and,
Using attach - detach to surrender to the angel of death.

Both books are published by Amber Allen Publishing (www.amberallen.com) and for further information about Don Miguel Ruiz visit www.miguelruiz.com