Books The Mastery of Self: A Toltec Guide to Personal Freedom by don Miguel Ruiz Jr. Jr

The Mastery of Self: A Toltec Guide to Personal Freedom by don Miguel Ruiz Jr. teaches how to achieve personal freedom by freeing the mind from limiting beliefs, societal conditioning (called domestication), and attachments. The book is rooted in Toltec philosophy, which views life as a "dream" shaped by personal and collective beliefs.

Key ideas include:

Personal freedom through awareness: Recognizing and releasing the illusions and stories we tell ourselves to reclaim our authentic, loving selves.

Domestication: The process by which society conditions individuals through rewards and punishments, leading to loss of true identity. Breaking free from this is essential.

Attachments: Emotional investments in things outside ourselves that cause suffering when threatened; mastery involves letting go of these attachments.

Living in the present: Cultivating a quiet, focused mind that experiences bliss and unconditional love by fully engaging with the moment.

Conscious choice: A Master of Self makes deliberate choices without demanding specific outcomes, understanding all paths lead to the same ultimate place.

Unconditional love and balance: Developing love for self and others while maintaining authenticity and peace amid the collective "Dream of the Planet."