A grandson came to his old grandfather after feeling angry with a friend who had done him an injustice.
“Let me tell you a story,” said Grandfather. “I, too, at times, have felt great hatred for those who have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do. But hate wears you down. It does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times.”
Grandfather paused.
“It is as if two wolves are fighting within me. It is a terrible fight. One wolf is good. He is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith. He lives in harmony with all around him, and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way.”
“But the other wolf, ah! He is evil. He is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger is so great. It is helpless anger, for his anger will change nothing.”
“Sometimes it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them fight to dominate my spirit. The same fight is going on inside of you – and inside every other person too.”
The grandson thought for a moment, looking intently into Grandfather’s eyes.
“Which wolf will win, Grandfather?”
Grandfather smiled and said quietly, “The one you feed.”
Author Unknown.
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