The Four Agreements




The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

This is essential reading for anybody who has been captivated by the works of Carlos Castaneda. It is a practical modern training manual that allows you to begin to understand the Toltec way of knowledge.
It would appear to be very simple, and it is - but - and it is a big BUT - the Toltec path to freedom is not an easy path.

The Four Agreements are :-

1) Be Impeccable With Your 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 your word in the direction of truth and love.

2) Don't Take Anything Personally - Nothing others do is because of you. 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.



3) Don't Make Assumptions - Find the courage to ask questions and 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.

4) 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.

"The first step towards personal freedom is awareness. We need to be aware that we are not free in order to be free. We need to be aware of what the problem is in order to solve the problem."


See also - The Fifth Agreement - A Practical Guide To Self Mastery by Don Miguel Ruiz and Don Jose Ruiz with Janet Mills (2010). This is a continuation from The Four Agreements. 

The fifth agreement is Be Sceptical, but Learn to Listen - Don't believe yourself or anybody else. Use the power of doubt to question everything you hear: is it really the truth? Listen to the intent behind words and you will understand the real message. 
The book revisits The Four Agreements and then goes on to develop more advanced Toltec wisdom teachings.

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