Don Miguel Ruiz’s simple yet incredibly impactful book has entirely changed the way I think and behave in every situation. —Oprah Winfrey
Don Miguel Ruiz exposes the origin of self-limiting ideas that deprive us of happiness and cause unnecessary suffering in his timeless book, The Four Agreements, which has been translated into dozens of languages worldwide.
The Four Agreements, grounded in ancient Toltec knowledge, offer a robust code of conduct that can swiftly transform our lives and usher in a fresh era of liberty, authentic joy, and affection.
“The book by Don Miguel Ruiz is a road map to freedom and enlightenment.” —The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success author Deepak Chopra
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About The Author
Don Miguel Ruiz, a renowned spiritual teacher and internationally bestselling author of the Toltec Wisdom Series, has spent the past three decades guiding students to personal freedom through profound insights regarding human reality. Born in rural Mexico to healers and practitioners of ancient Toltec traditions, Ruiz graduated from medical school in Mexico City and practiced neurosurgery with his older brother.
After a near-fatal car crash, he left medicine and examined the essential truth about life and humanity. With his mother’s help and ancestral teachings, he discovered his own path to awareness, which evolved into a deep understanding of the physical universe and the virtual world of the mind.
Combining Toltec mythology and scientific perspectives, don Miguel has merged ancient wisdom with modern physics and practical common sense, forging a new philosophy for seekers of truth and personal authenticity. His landmark bestselling book, The Four Agreements, contains practical steps for long-term, personal transformation and has been read by millions around the world.
First published in 1997, it has sold over nine million copies in the United States and seven million worldwide. Don Miguel is also the author of The Mastery of Love, The Voice of Knowledge, Prayers, and The Fifth Agreement, a collaboration with his son, don José Ruiz. Each of his books is an international bestseller.
Don Miguel’s wisdom has earned him respect worldwide and he has dedicated his life to sharing his message through practical concepts to promote transformation and change lives for the better.
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Review
Enjoy the vast knowledge of bygone eras as you sit at the feet of a native elder. Don Miguel Ruiz, a shamanic teacher and healer, reveals self-limiting ideas and offers a straightforward but powerful code of conduct that he acquired from his Toltec ancestors in The Four Agreements.
This beautifully designed book, written in an indigenous shaman’s voice, is full of grace and plain truth, making it a wonderful gift for anyone making a simple life change.
These are the four agreements: Be sure to keep your promise. Nothing should be taken personally. Avoid assuming anything. Always do your best. The Four Agreements are worth reading and keeping in mind because they explain how and why one should practice these things. –Review by P. Randall Cohan
“This simple but incredibly impactful book by Don Miguel Ruiz has entirely changed the way I think and behave in every situation.” — Oprah Winfrey
“The book by Don Miguel Ruiz is a road map to freedom and enlightenment.” — The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success author Deepak Chopra
“A book full of great lessons that inspires.” ― Wayne Dyer, Real Magic author
“Ruiz embodies fundamental Toltec wisdom in the tradition of Castaneda, articulating with precision and clarity what it means for men and women to live as peaceful warriors in the contemporary world.” ― Way of the Peaceful Warrior author Dan Millman
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Summary
Don Miguel’s Four Agreements emphasize the importance of being impeccable with your word and not taking anything personally. He believes that the words of others can have a powerful impact on oneself and others, leading to self-limitations and fears. Growing up in domestication, we were often subjected to negative opinions from our parents and siblings, which can lead to a spell of self-doubt and fear.
To overcome this, it is crucial to have a strong identity and sense of self, as knowing who you are and not being affected by others’ opinions can help you maintain a positive self-image. Expressing love and respect for yourself in interactions with others can lead to a like reaction, promoting self-love and respect.
Don Miguel also emphasizes the importance of not taking things personally, as it can lead to vulnerability and self-limitations when one’s identity is weak. If someone insults or says anything negative about you, it shouldn’t change how you feel or think about yourself. Accepting what others say about you can result in self-limitations.
Don Miguel advises against making assumptions, as they can be harmful and create more fear and self-doubt in the future. Instead, avoid making things bigger than they are, as seen in the term “one-itis.” This occurs when we create a fixation on someone, believing they are wonderful and will live happily ever after together, only to find ourselves depressed and bothered by their thoughts and actions.
Don Miguel’s Four Agreements discusses the importance of being impeccable with one’s word and not taking things personally. By embracing these principles, we can work towards overcoming self-limiting behaviors and fostering a positive self-image.
Don Miguel Ruiz’s Four Agreements discloses the importance of always doing your best in any circumstance in life. This approach helps break a significant cycle and prevents feelings of guilt, blame, and self-punishment. Pushing past one’s comfort zone and doing the best one can lead to pride and happiness, which is a key part of personal growth.
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People often work hard for rewards, resisting the action and not doing their best. They endure their work and responsibilities not out of enjoyment, but because they need to pay rent and support their family. This frustration leads to feelings of frustration and unhappiness when they receive their money.
Action is about living fully; inaction denies life and denies the possibility of expressing oneself. Expressing oneself is taking action, and without action, there will be no manifestation, results, or reward. Action is power, and making decisions is essential for living a fulfilling life.
Don Miguel also talks about living life fully, as we never know what can happen. We make plans for our futures and what lies ahead, yet we cannot guarantee it. To be completely free, one must accept and embrace death, as only then can one truly be truly alive.
Don Miguel Ruiz’s Four Agreements emphasize the importance of always doing your best in any situation, as well as avoiding judgment and the suffering that comes from guilt, blame, and self-punishment. By accepting and embracing death, one can be truly alive and live a fulfilling life.