Tuesday, September 25, 2007

THE ONE YOU FEED


Native Wisdom
A Grandfather from the Cherokee Nation was talking with his grandson.
"A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.
"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves."
"One wolf is evil and ugly: He is anger, envy, war, greed, self-pity, sorrow, regret, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, selfishness and arrogance."
"The other wolf is beautiful and good: He is friendly, joyful, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, justice, fairness, empathy, generosity, true, compassion, gratitude, and deep vision."
"This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other human as well."
The grandson paused in deep reflection because of what his grandfather had just said. Then he finally cried out; "Oyee! Grandfather, which wolf will win?"
The elder Cherokee replied, "The one you feed."

3 comments:

Taminator said...

I'd heard this tale a while ago and it had a profound impact on me, Maudeen. I love that it affected you the same way.

Tammy

Beachreader said...

Thanks Tammy. I tried to find a way to share these words of wisdom and thought the blog would be a good way. Very wise.

Terry Morrison said...

Thanks for posting this, I had heard it somewhere and was preparing a talk for church and had decided to try and find it. This is such a profound tale.
Terry (Englewood, CO)