The Ancient Wisdom Of The Two Wolves

The story of the Two Wolves holds a special place among my childhood favorites. The moral of this Native American wisdom tale, thought to have originated with the Cherokee tribe, serves as a daily guiding light in my life.

I must confess, there is some sentimental bias on my part, as this story also brings back lovely memories of my remarkable grandfather, Sequoia, a former medicine man and chief of the Cherokee Nation.

Variations of the story exist in various Native American cultures, and it typically goes like this:

One evening, an old Cherokee is teaching his granddaughter about life and says, “My daughter, a fight is going on inside all of us each day. It is the battle between the two wolves.”

“One wolf is evil — anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other wolf is good — joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.”

The granddaughter thinks about it for a minute and then asks her grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”

The old Cherokee simply replies, “The one you feed.”

The line between good and evil is permeable and almost anyone can be induced to cross it when pressured by situational forces ~ Philip Zimbardo

This story, passed down over centuries through many generations, highlights its deep spiritual significance. The concept of two wolves symbolizes the eternal battle between good and evil, light and darkness. The Cherokee also have the story of Selu (corn) and Kana’ti (crow), symbolizing nurturing and destructive forces.

In various other cultures and spiritual traditions, similar tales exist with the same symbolic essence — the eternal struggle within each of us:

Hinduism: The Mahabharata features the Kurukshetra War, a symbolic battle between the righteous Pandavas and the evil Kauravas, representing the internal struggle between good and bad within each individual.

Yin and Yang: A fundamental concept in Chinese philosophy, Yin and Yang represents the dualistic nature of existence, describing how seemingly opposite or contrary forces are interconnected and interdependent. The concept is especially associated with Taoism and is also a key element in traditional Chinese medicine, martial arts, feng shui, and various other aspects of Chinese culture.

African Folklore: The trickster spider, Anansi, a prominent figure in West African folklore, particularly among the Akan people of Ghana, embodies wit and cunning but also mischief and deceit.

Persephone and Hades: In Greek mythology, Persephone’s journey between the underworld and the world above symbolizes the duality of life and death, representing the darkness and light within us.

Celtic Mythology: The Morrigan, a triple goddess, embodies sovereignty, war, and prophecy, reflecting the complexity of human nature with both positive and negative traits.

Loki: In Norse mythology, the trickster god Loki embodies chaos and change, highlighting the unpredictable nature of our internal struggles.

Jekyll and Hyde: This classic novel by Robert Louis Stevenson portrays the internal conflict between good and evil through the split personality of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

These are just a few examples of other myths and folklore that explore the simple yet profound spiritual wisdom: we all have both positive and negative aspects within us, and the side we nurture or “feed” is the one that will grow stronger.

Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted, the indifference of those who should have known better, the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most, that has made it possible for evil to triumph ~ Haile Selassie

The narrative of the Two Wolves teaches the importance of cultivating positive qualities and virtues in our lives. As we navigate our spiritual journey, this timeless wisdom serves as a compass, illuminating the path ahead.

This tale mirrors the metaphysical concept of dualism, acknowledging the coexistence of opposing cosmic forces or principles representing good and evil within ourselves. By recognizing both the light and shadow aspects of our nature, we can embark on an authentic journey toward spiritual integration and wholeness, empowering us to embrace our own complexities without judgment, fostering inner harmony and self-awareness.

In a time of many distractions and uncertainties, the story of the Two Wolves also reminds us of our free will, the power of personal choice, and the importance of nurturing positive thoughts and intentions. It urges us to feed our wolf of love, compassion, and positivity, allowing it to thrive and lead us towards joy, fulfillment, and inner peace.

To achieve true personal and spiritual growth in this lifetime, I believe it is essential to embrace the enduring wisdom of the timeless tale of the Two Wolves. Embodying this spiritual truth empowers us to better navigate life’s challenges. In moments of uncertainty or adversity, the story serves as a beacon of hope and resilience, reminding us of the importance of maintaining inner balance and harmony, regardless of external circumstances.

By acknowledging and embracing both the light and dark aspects of our being, we cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and spiritual connection. This emotional guidance helps us navigate the complexities of life with grace and strength, fostering personal growth on a profound level.