The Two Wolves: Native Legend and Inner Life Lesson
In the depths of a quiet forest, amidst the whispers of the wind and the song of birds, an old man, wise among his own, sits next to his young grandson. Around them, nature seems suspended, as if to listen to the words full of mystery and wisdom that the grandfather is about to share. The boy, his eyes shining with curiosity, knows that each word spoken by his grandfather carries a deeper meaning. Today, he will discover an ancient teaching: the legend of the two wolves.
The old man, marked by years and experiences, begins his story in a soft, deep voice. “In each of us, my child, there is a battle. It has been present since the dawn of time and takes place in the heart of every human being. It pits two powerful wolves against each other.”
The boy looks at his grandfather, fascinated, and listens attentively. In the darkness of the forest, the elder continues: “The first wolf is dark and dangerous. He represents anger, jealousy, envy, greed, lies, arrogance and hatred. This wolf feeds on resentments and fears, and he thrives in the darkness of our minds.”
He pauses, letting those words sink into the boy's mind. The boy frowns, imagining the ferocity of this black wolf. Then the old man continues, “The second wolf is different. It is bright and peaceful. This wolf embodies joy, peace, love, hope, kindness, generosity, truth, and compassion. It feeds on our noble thoughts and righteous actions. This wolf, my little one, is the guardian of the light within us.”
The boy, intrigued by this duality, asks in a soft voice: “But, grandfather, if these two wolves are inside us and fight relentlessly, which of the two will end up winning?”
An enigmatic smile spreads across the old man's face. He looks at his grandson with a kind look before answering: "The one you choose to feed."
This simple teaching, delivered with humility and wisdom, resonates as a universal truth. The legend of the two wolves is an invitation to become aware of our inner choices, to observe our thoughts and emotions, and to nourish that which makes peace and love grow within us. By choosing to give strength to the wolf of light, we create within ourselves a space of serenity that radiates to others. Conversely, by feeding the wolf of darkness, we allow anger and resentment to take root in our minds and hearts.
Sources and References :
• Oral transmissions of Native American wisdom
