Wisdom of the Shamans

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 “witchdoctor,” 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 us all. To that aim, he has included exercises, meditations, and shamanic rituals in an effort 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.

“My friend Don Jose Ruiz has written an incredible book that can help you grow in new and unexplored ways! Let The Wisdom of the Shamans guide you to unravel old beliefs and nurture the ideas that support your greatest good!” --HeatherAsh Amara, author of Warrior Goddess Training

“In The Wisdom of the Shamans, don Jose Ruiz invites us to remember who we really are, and reclaim the shamanic energy that is our birthright. He shares a powerful combination of practical teachings and mystical tools, all of which are designed to connect you to the shaman within.” --Linda Star Wolf, author of Shamanic Breathwork

“Don Jose Ruiz is a masterful storyteller, sharing timeless and captivating tales that have as much relevance to our hectic, modern lives as they did to those in ancient times. As you read them, you feel kinder and more compassionate. You begin to reconnect with your own true nature. In short, you discover that the shaman within is waking up.” --Brandt Morgan, author of Vision Walk

“Don Jose Ruiz has written a highly accessible book focusing on the Toltec teaching stories of his ancestors. Through these stories he captures the essence of the ancient shamanic way, a path of heart, healing, and wisdom.” --Jose Luis Stevens Ph.D., author of Awaken the Inner Shaman and Encounters With Power

“In The Wisdom of the Shamans, Don Jose Ruiz, my second son, shares the sacred teachings of our family’s shamanic tradition.” --Don Miguel Ruiz, author of The Four Agreements

don Jose Ruiz was born in Mexico City and raised in Tijuana, Mexico. When he was 21, he came to live in the United States with his father, don Miguel Ruiz. He lectures and gives workshops around the world and dedicates his life to sharing the ancient Toltec wisdom by translating it into practical, everyday life concepts that promote transformation through truth, love, and common sense. He is the coauthor, with his father, of The Fifth Agreement.