A conversation between a Cherokee elder and his grandson

Conversation between a Cherokee elder and his grandson
Photo courtesy of ddbblake

I came across this short but excellent conversational piece this weekend while reading ‘Happy For No Reason’ by Marci Shimoff. Enjoy …

One evening a Cherokee elder told his grandson about the battle that goes on inside people.
He said, “My son, the battle is between the two ‘wolves’ that live inside us all. One is Unhappiness. It is fear, worry, anger, jealousy, sorrow, self-pity, resentment and inferiority. The other is Happiness. It is joy, love, hope, serenity, kindness, generosity, truth and compassion. ”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?”
The old cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed”.

Reader's Comments

Vered | June 20th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Wow.

This is just so PROFOUND.

I love it. Thank you so much for sharing this story.

Vereds last blog post..The Blurry Line Between Online and Real-Life Relationships
Reply to this comment
Nivas | June 21st, 2008 at 12:53 am
Gud One Avani…

Nivass last blog post..How to Build the Muscle Of Life?
Reply to this comment
Shilpan|successsoul.com | June 21st, 2008 at 12:58 am
Avani,

These succinct conversation defines the pathway for a good life. Thank you for sharing. I’ve stumbled.

Shilpan

Shilpan|successsoul.coms last blog post..How to Rejuvenate a Relationship
Reply to this comment
Barbara Swafford | June 21st, 2008 at 4:38 am
Hi Avani,

What a beautiful story. So simple, so true.

Also, thank you for coming by my blog and leaving a comment. It was great to see you there and I hope to see you again soon. I have your blog in my reader, so you’ll be seeing more of me as well.

Barbara Swaffords last blog post..Free ‘n Easy Friday Finds
Reply to this comment
Avani-Mehta | June 21st, 2008 at 11:33 am
I am glad you all liked the story.

@Shilpan, Thank you for the stumble.

@Vered, Nivas, Barbara : Welcome. I am happy that you dropped by.

@Barbara : You are on my reader too.
Reply to this comment
VIKAS MANDHANIA | June 23rd, 2008 at 1:17 am
Really Good One !!! So simple and so true…..
Reply to this comment
Vamsi | April 12th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
Avani,

Such a simple and profound story. I am glad I stumbled upon your blog. It made me realize that all the causes for my happiness and unhappiness are inside me. Keep up the good work.

-Vamsi
Reply to this comment
ps krishnan | September 27th, 2009 at 10:41 am
hi avani,
really enjoyed reading this simple story and the other one on Gandhi and sugar. thanks for sharing these stories

krish
Reply to this comment
- Avani Mehta | October 9th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
  Krish, I am glad you enjoyed the stories. I am always on lookout for good ones. Somehow, they drive the message across better and are more memorable.
  Reply to this comment