The Four Agreements

From ancient Mexican Toltec culture comes these Four Agreements, which not only are for individual self-improvement but help us live in community. My sense of a school, dojo, kwoon is of a community in which we choose to be a part. Check out Don Miguel Ruiz and his book on these four ideas. Sifu/Sensei Roy has always encouraged independent investigation, scholarly research and incorporating wisdom from many sources to help us find our own truth in our art and this is something I intend to share in my classes as it goes directly to our art as a vehicle for self-enlightenment and character building. Enjoy.

*Be Impeccable With Your Word: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of TRUTH and LOVE.

*Don't Take Anything Personally: Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering. We are free to love without fear of judgment.

*Don't Make Assumptions: Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

*Always Do Your Best: Your best is going to change from moment to moment, it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to when you are sick. Under any circumstances, simply do your best and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.