Have you ever wondered why some days you can stay calm in the face of big challenges, while on others, a single comment can set you off? Why, in some moments, you feel generous and open-hearted, yet in others, you feel the urge to protect what’s yours? Or why one day you have the courage to make a bold leap forward, but struggle to make a small step on some other day?
This constant inner tug-of-war is something we all experience, and an old Cherokee story offers us some lessons in dealing with these opposing forces inside us.
The Tale of Two Wolves
The Cherokee people are a Native American tribe known for their deep connection with nature and the sacred. One evening, an elderly Cherokee shared a lesson about life with his grandson.
“A battle is taking place inside me everyday,” he said to the boy. “It’s a fight between two wolves.”
The child, wide-eyed with curiosity, asked, “What kind of wolves?”
The grandfather explained:
“One is dark and fierce. It carries anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, and guilt.
“The other is light and kind. It is full of love, joy, peace, humility, truth, compassion, and faith.“
“This battle is not just inside me—it’s inside you and everyone else too.”
The grandson was becoming curious. There was a battle playing out every day, and he couldn’t see it! And it is not just inside his grandfather, but within everyone around! He wanted to know more.
“Which wolf wins?”, he asked.
The old Cherokee smiled and replied, “The one you feed.”
A Wisdom Shared Across Traditions
This story holds a deep truth about life. Each one of us carries seeds of both good and evil. We can be forgiving or to hold grudges, to be generous or possessive, to act out of courage, or fear. Just like physical exercise — where the muscles we work on grow stronger — the thoughts and actions we practice over time, shape who we become. If we consistently nurture kindness, patience, and understanding, they become our natural responses. If we indulge in anger, envy, or self-doubt, those qualities play out more often in our daily lives.
But what happens on the days when, despite our best intentions, the dark wolf seems to take over? When we lose our temper, when we act from fear instead of faith?
The Cherokee wisdom guides us not to give up. Every day is a new opportunity. A new field available for us to practice. To start with the best intentions in heart, and let the Goodness of the Universe flow through us.
Then, how do we nurture the white wolf? Through wisdom — learning from those who have walked this path before us. Through the company of those who inspire and uplift us. And through sincere effort to live the wisdom.
The twist in the tale
The grandson asked – “Does that mean the black wolf eventually dies?”
The old Cherokee said, “If you feed them right, they both win” — a seemingly surprising twist to the tale.
Why would we want to nourish the dark wolf? When we look closer, we realize that not all of its traits are entirely negative.
- Anger can become courage to stand up for what is right.
- Attachment can transform into loyalty and deep care for others.
- Desire can fuel action to create something meaningful.
- Pride can evolve into healthy self-respect.
When we accept both forces and channel them towards achieving our higher purpose, the two wolves become the partners in our journey. We learn when to be strong and when to be gentle, when to push forward and when to let go. When we are at peace with both forces within, we can listen to the deeper wisdom of the heart.
Source
- This story was first published at The Sabad Project
Reflection question
Which quality of the dark wolf do you struggle with the most? And how can the wisdom of the white wolf help you transform it?