Don Miguel Ruiz was born into a
humble family with ancient traditions in rural Mexico, the youngest
of 13 children. He considers himself very lucky, as this was where
he learned from an early age that everything is possible, if we
really want it.
His parents, Don Jose and Dona Sarita, as well as his grandfather,
Don Leonardo, all believed that Miguel would continue their legacy
in the centuries old Toltec tradition. Instead Don Miguel attended
medical school, and became a surgeon.
For several years he
practiced neurosurgery with his brothers, and he realized that what
needed to be healed was not only the physical brain, but the human
mind as well.
A near-fatal car accident
changed the direction of Don Miguel’s life. He experienced himself
as pure awareness outside of the constraints of his physical body.
He realized that the Toltec wisdom of his family contained all of
the tools needed to change the human mind. Don Miguel promptly
returned to his mother to finish his training and he became a
Shaman.
Don Miguel moved to the
United States to share his wisdom, and spent the next 15 years
exploring ways to heal and change the human mind. He witnessed his
students struggling to quiet their minds and sought to create tools
to assist them. The result of this quest was The Four Agreements®.
This book contains a specific series of practical steps that, when
used by anyone, can result in consistent and long-term personal
transformation.
In February of 2002, Don
Miguel suffered a near-fatal heart attack. The damage from the heart
attack and subsequent coma left him with a heart functioning at only
16% of capacity and in constant pain. Don Miguel would not accept
his doctor’s prognosis that he would be restricted to an inactive
life of resting at home. He personally embodied the message he
shares, by continuing to joyfully live his life, sharing his message
through books, lectures and journeys. Though he was enjoying life he
also knew that he was slowly dying and focused on preparing his sons
to carry on his legacy.
In 2009 Don Miguel’s body
began to deteriorate much more rapidly and he applied for a heart
transplant. In August 2010 he was put on the transplant waiting
list. On October 9th 2010, Don Miguel successfully received a heart
transplant. For Don Miguel this is a new beginning and with deep
gratitude and generosity he is eager to share his message with all
of humanity.
In the tradition of the
Toltec, a Nagual (shaman) guides an individual to personal freedom.
After exploring the human mind from a Toltec as well as scientific
perspective, Don Miguel has combined old wisdom with modern insights
and created a new message for all mankind, based in truth and common
sense. He has dedicated his life to sharing this new message through
practical concepts that promote transformation. His message is
simple and when implemented, even incrementally, changes lives.
Don Miguel is highly
respected throughout the world. He has received numerous
recognitions, including a US Air Force challenge coin engraved with
The Four Agreements, and he is referenced as a National Heirloom of
Mexico.
The Four Agreements®,
published in 1997; was a New York Times bestseller for more than
seven years and the 36th bestselling book of the decade. Other books have
followed; The Mastery of Love, The Voice of Knowledge,
Prayers,
Beyond Fear and The Fifth Agreement, a collaboration with his son,
Don Jose. All of his books are international bestsellers.
(from his website at miguelruiz.com)
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