Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
In 1997, don Miguel Ruiz wrote The Four Agreements, a book that launched a spiritual revolution. Rooted in the traditional wisdom of the ancient Toltecs, the book encouraged people to move beyond self-imposed limitations and create rich and textured interior lives. In The Wisdom of the Shamans, don Miguel Ruiz's son, don Jose Ruiz, continues the journey and expands the teachings that have inspired millions. In ten concise chapters, he discusses the core principles that should govern our lives. Each chapter begins with an ancient North American shaman teaching story, followed by an exploration of a specific concept, such as awareness, intent, gratitude, creativity, and following your own heart. And each chapter includes a set of exercises that will help you to put those principles into practice. The book also provides an explanation of the how the ancient shamanic masters employed storytelling to vivify the core lessons of authentic love and a meaningful life.
This inspirational book is further enhanced by Ruiz's generous use of personal anecdotes--how he heard the stories initially, how they impacted his own life, and the transformational moment when he and his brother don Miguel Ruiz, Jr. were initiated into the family's Toltec tradition. This is a wise and practical book that will further the spiritual revolution begun by the author's father and encourage people to live with awareness, gratitude, and grace.
Synopsis
For generation after generation, Toltec shamans have passed down their wisdom through teaching stories. The purpose of these stories is to implant a seed of knowledge in the mind of the listener, where it can ultimately sprout and blossom into a new and better way of life.
In The Wisdom of the Shamans: What the Ancient Masters Can Teach Us About Love and Life, Toltec shaman and master storyteller don Jose Ruiz shares some of the most popular stories from his family's oral tradition and offers corresponding lessons that illustrate the larger ideas within each story.
Ruiz begins by explaining that contrary to the stereotypical image of witch doctor, the ancient shamans were men and women who fulfilled several roles within their communities: philosopher, spiritual guide, medical doctor, psychologist, and friend.
According to Ruiz, their teachings are not primitive or reserved for a chosen few initiates but are instead a powerful series of lessons on love and life that are available to us all. To that aim, he has included exercises, meditations, and shamanic rituals to help you experience the personal transformation these stories offer.
The shamans taught that the truth you seek is inside of you. Let these stories, lessons, and tools be your guide to finding the innate wisdom that lives within.