The Four Agreements
A book review by Monica Ingudam
Book Title: The Four Agreements
Author: Don Miguel Ruiz
Don Miguel Ruiz is a renowned spiritual teacher and internationally bestselling author of the “Toltec Wisdom Series,” including “The Four Agreements,” “The Mastery of Love,” “The Voice of Knowledge,” “The Four Agreements Companion Book,” “The Circle of Fire,” and “The Fifth Agreement.”
He is the youngest of thirteen children, was born in rural Mexico to parents who were healers and practitioners of ancient Toltec traditions. He had a medical background and practiced practiced neurosurgery. A near-fatal car crash forever changed the direction of his life causing him to leave medicine and to examine the essential truth about life and humanity. With his mother’s help, and through her ancestral teachings, he discovered his own path to awareness and understanding of the universe and the mind. He faced the near death experience again when he had a heart attack and a heart transplant. He is has dedicated his life to sharing his message to promote transformation and ultimately change lives for the better. In his interview with Oprah Winfrey he speaks very candidly about being so prepared of death.
I saw this cute small size book with a colorful cover with the title “The Four Agreements“ and I reached out flipping though the words and read it in one sitting. It’s a small book with simple and yet powerful agreements:
- Be impeccable with your words: Speak only what you mean. Avoid gossip.
- Don’t take anything personally: What others say and do is a projection of their own reality.
- Don’t make assumptions: Communicate clearly to avoid misunderstandings. It’s better to ask questions and clarify rather than being bogged down by assumptions.
- Always do your best: No matter what, always do your best. Take the action and create your ideas. I love this agreement and no matter what others may think or judge, it doesn’t really matter as long as I did my best.
The world needs more joy and it’s amazing to find interesting experiences of people who changed their ways of life and purpose after facing death very closely. I plan to check out his other books too. You can get his books “The Four Agreements,” “The Mastery of Love,” “The Voice of Knowledge,” “The Four Agreements Companion Book,” “The Circle of Fire,” and “The Fifth Agreement.” at Amazon.
Book reviews by Monica Ingudam
Born in Manipur (India), based in Maryland (USA) patent holder for identifying Caller ID, with Computer Science Engineering background, you will find Monica Ingudam crunching numbers and data as an Analyst. During the weekends you will find her hosting FindingTheVoices talk-show featuring authors, artists and people who inspire, empower, educate and entertain with the vision to connect and spread positivity. You will find her reading, writing and painting in her quiet time.
Monica, The four principles of Ruiz that you introduced in your review are true jewels. One of my favorite reviews ever.
Hey Monica!! Thanks for sharing “The Four Agreements!” It sounds like a great book with practical application. I happily shared it, and hope it can minister to someone. Keep up the great work!
I just read and shared your review of “The Four Agreements.” My daughter read this, but I didn’t because the plants on the cover look like pot, so I thought it was some druggie book. But after your review, I’ve decided to read it. Thanks!