Don Miguel Ruiz has compiled a book of simple, practical wisdom for the layman which is titled The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom. He implements list formats to present a series of arguments for self-awareness and personal growth, the foundation of which is the desire to change. As a method of personal transformation, each argument is presented to allow the reader to change their own mind. Ruiz stresses the necessity of action originating harmoniously with the individual's own desires. The process is presented as an extension of the individual's will, but the individual must first choose this path of their own volition.
At the beginning, Ruiz describes how most people walk through life passively, unaware of the somewhat deception, non-intuitive nature of reality. He says everyone lives in a dream, but it's possible to wake up by practicing awareness, forgiveness, and action. In order to initiate a change, one must first become aware. For Ruiz this process begins with the acknowledgement and ever-present consciousness of death which will align the individual to the most accurate perspective of life. Next one must choose to practice forgiveness constantly. As an extension of one's own relationship to self, one must also extend love and grace to others. Finally action becomes necessary in the form of the four agreements.
As an introduction to the pursuit of enlightenment, Ruiz lists four agreements which the individual can make with himself or herself. These agreements are like principles (rules), but they are presented as agreements because Ruiz wishes to stress the necessity of individual volition again. The idea is that one's mind must convince one's body and higher consciousnesses of the value of these principles. Providing a foundation for the implementation of the the other three, the first agreement is "be impeccable with your word." Next Ruiz instructs reader to not "take anything personally," to not "make assumptions," and to "always do your best." With these four basic agreements, the reader is equipped to take action and participate in the process of constant self-evaluation and personal growth.
Ruiz bases his arguments upon his own experience with the shamanic traditions of Native American peoples. He talks about how the shaman participates in a series of rituals designed to help him embody death-awareness. Upon this foundation, the great spiritual leaders of these indigenous peoples have pursued enlightenment for generations following these principles. The idea is to become wise, but that process depends upon personal volition, awareness, and dedication.
