An Old Indian Tale

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An Old Indian Tale

An old Cherokee is telling his
grandson about a fight that is
going on inside himself.
He said it is between 2 wolves.

One is evil:
Anger, envy, sorrow, and regret,
greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt,
resentment, inferiority, lies, false
pride, superiority and ego…

The other is good:
Joy, peace, love, hope, serenity,
humility, kindness, benevolence,
empathy, generosity, truth,
compassion and faith…

The grandson thought about it
for a while and then asked his
grandfather, “Which wolf wins?”
The old Cherokee simply replied,
“THE ONE I FEED.”

The Tale Of Two Wolves

The “Two Wolves” tale from Cherokee tradition is a profound metaphor for the internal struggle that resides within each individual. This story, passed down through generations, encapsulates a universal truth about the human condition: the battle between positive and negative forces within ourselves.

At the heart of this tale is the concept of duality within the human psyche. The ‘evil’ wolf represents the darker aspects of human nature – anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, and ego. These are emotions and traits that can lead to destruction, pain, and disconnection from others. They are often driven by fear, insecurity, and a lack of understanding. When these aspects dominate, they can lead to a life filled with conflict, both internally and with the world.

Conversely, the ‘good’ wolf symbolizes the qualities of joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, and compassion. These are the attributes that lead to harmony, understanding, and connection. They are born from love, empathy, and a sense of shared humanity. When these qualities are nurtured, they lead to a life of fulfillment, happiness, and positive relationships.

The grandfather’s simple yet profound answer to his grandson’s question, “The one I feed,” speaks volumes about personal responsibility and choice. It suggests that we have the power to choose which aspects of our nature we nurture and give energy to. This choice is not a one-time decision but a continuous process that unfolds throughout our lives. Every thought, action, and decision feeds one of these wolves, shaping our character and, ultimately, our destiny.

This tale also highlights the importance of self-awareness and mindfulness. To feed the good wolf, one must be conscious of their thoughts and actions, constantly striving to cultivate positive qualities and resist the temptations of the negative. It’s a journey of self-improvement and personal growth, where the goal is not to eliminate the dark wolf but to acknowledge its presence and choose not to let it control our actions.

Moreover, the story is a reminder that both wolves are necessary. The presence of the evil wolf is not to be denied or repressed, as it holds important lessons about our vulnerabilities and fears. It is by understanding and acknowledging our darker side that we can truly grow and evolve. The challenge lies in finding the balance, ensuring that the positive qualities are the guiding forces in our lives.

In essence, the tale of the two wolves is a timeless reminder of the power of choice. It teaches us that the quality of our lives is determined not by external circumstances, but by the internal choices we make every day. It’s a call to live consciously, with intention and purpose, always striving to feed the good wolf within us.