All cultures have theories — or myths — which attempt to cross the barrier between mind and spirit. The ancient shamanic tradition of the Toltecs in Mexico is an interesting example.

We each have a personal myth, a story which builds gradually from our parent’s stories, our cultural myth, and many other factors. In this story, we are the main character, other people are secondary characters. They, however, have their own stories, which are usually radically different from ours.

Society is built on resolving the clash of these personal myths. Civilizations are constructed to preserve collective and national myths. When powerful people’s inner stories meet in dissent, whole continents can dissolve into war.

Such is the power of our personal story. Most people are not in command of their story because it’s formed from a ragbag of inherited ideas, and pressures from all manner of influences. This leads us to devalue ourselves and splits us from our essential authenticity. Instead of living in a heavenly realm at peace with ourselves and the world, we create our own hell on earth.

That is the thesis of Don Miguel Ruiz, a Mexican medical doctor and surgeon, who grew up in the ancient shamanic tradition of the Toltecs. A near-death experience in a car accident led him back to his ancestral roots to try to explain what happened. The result is a quite wonderful synthesis of 21st-century psychology and perennial wisdom.

In his book, The Voice of Knowledge, Don Miguel, distils the entire tradition of his people into four principles, or agreements, as he prefers to call them. At first sight, they could be taken for a boy scout’s creed : tell the truth, don’t take things personally, don’t jump to conclusions, and do your best. But this would be to miss the point. Used as talismans of action, the Four Agreements become a powerfully transformative path to happiness.

1. Be impeccable with your word.
2. Don’t take anything personally.
3. Don’t make assumptions.
4. Always do your best.

The crux of this philosophy is that everybody’s story is a tissue of lies which undermines our authentic heart. It distorts our lives into grotesque defence mechanisms against perceived enemies “out there”. There is no need for this. By using the four agreements to connect with our authenticity, we become the creators of our lives. We transform ourselves into artists of our very existence.

Don Miguel Ruiz has produced a classic of transformative literature.

The Voice of Knowledge — A Practical Guide to Inner Peace, by Don Miguel Ruiz.