Bitten by the Wasps and Drones of Fruitive Activity
This article explores the vivid metaphor of the wasp in the teachings of Śrīla Prabhupāda. In the Vedic literature, insects are often used to illustrate both the agonizing sting of material existence and the sweet, buzzing devotion of liberated souls. By understanding the difference between the poisonous wasps of karma-kāṇḍa and the devotional wasps of Vṛndāvana, we can learn to redirect our consciousness toward the supreme treasure of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
The Sting of Fruitive Activities
The path of material elevation, known as karma-kāṇḍa, promises happiness through pious deeds and fruitive labor. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda warns that this process is a trap. Engaging in fruitive activity does not free one from material desires; instead, it binds the soul tighter to the cycle of birth and death. Those bereft of devotional service who take shelter of this process are ultimately bitten by the wasps and drones of material misery, suffering life after life.
- Karma-kanda is compared to wasps and drones that will simply bite if one takes shelter of them. Jnana-kanda, the speculative process, is simply like a ghost who creates mental disturbances.
- One who is bereft of devotional service is swallowed by the black snake of the yoga system and bitten by the wasps and drones of fruitive activity, and he suffers consequent material miseries.
- The living entity is bitten by the wasps and drones of fruitive activity and thus suffers in material existence birth after birth. One cannot become free from material desires by following this process - of fruitive activities.
- When one follows the system of fruitive activity, his material desires remain prominent. Consequently the results of this process are compared to wasps and drones.
The Poisonous Wasps of Misguided Endeavor
In a famous analogy, an astrologer advises a poor man searching for a hidden treasure on his property. If the man digs in the wrong direction—representing the pursuit of material sense gratification—he will not find wealth, but will instead be attacked by poisonous wasps. The true treasure of love of God is found only by digging in the right, spiritual direction. Those who remain stubbornly attached to materialism, like the great demon Hiraṇyakaśipu, are ultimately ripped apart by the Supreme Lord, who treats them like insignificant pests.
- The astrologer said, The treasure is in this place, but if you dig toward the southern side, the wasps and drones will rise, and you will not get your treasure.
- The astrologer Sarvajna advised the poor man: Don't dig on the southern side of your house to find the treasure, for if you do so you will be attacked by a poisonous wasp and will be baffled.
- O my Lord, Your hands are very beautiful, like the lotus flower, but with Your long nails You have ripped apart the wasp Hiranyakasipu. Unto You, Lord of the universe, do I offer my humble obeisances.
The Great Sages of Vṛndāvana
In the spiritual realm of Vṛndāvana, everything is fully conscious and devoted to Kṛṣṇa. As described in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, the black bees and wasps that follow Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma through the forest are not ordinary insects. They are actually exalted sages and pure devotees who have deliberately taken these lower biological forms just to have the constant opportunity to worship and glorify the Supreme Personality of Godhead without interruption.
- It is stated in Srimad-Bhagavatam (10.15.6) that black bees always follow Krsna and Balarama. Concerning this, Sri Krsna even described the devotional service which the bees and wasps were rendering unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Krsna said: O supremely virtuous one, O Personality of Godhead (Balarama), just see how these bees and wasps are following You, glorifying Your transcendental fame and worshiping You.
- Krsna said: these wasps and bees are not as they appear; they are great sages who are taking this opportunity to worship the supreme soul. Although You (Balarama) are not known by ordinary persons, they know You, & they are following and glorifying You.
- Certain birds, such as crows, can distinguish one form from another. Living entities that have many legs, like the wasp, are better than plants and grasses, which have no legs.
Hovering at the Lotus Feet
The unalloyed attraction a pure devotee feels for Kṛṣṇa is beautifully compared to a black wasp's attraction to a lotus flower. Just as a wasp is intoxicated by honey and refuses to leave the lotus, a pure devotee desires only to hover eternally at the lotus feet of the Lord. In the transcendental pastimes of Vṛndāvana, this metaphor extends to the gopīs, whose slumbering consciousness is awakened by the black wasp-like sound of Kṛṣṇa's captivating flute.
- Another devotee expressed his impudency by saying: "My dear Lord, without considering my lowly position, I must confess to You that my eyes are just like black wasps, desiring to hover at Your lotus feet.
- The lotus flower is sometimes surrounded by white swans, and sometimes it is surrounded by black wasps who are collecting its honey. When there is a thundering in the sky, the swans go away, but the black wasps stay to enjoy the lotus flowers.
- The gopis' sleeping condition is compared to the white swans, and the sound of Krsna's flute is compared to a black wasp.
- When Krsna's flute sounded, the white swans, which represent the sleeping condition of the gopis, were immediately vanquished, and the black wasp sound of the flute began to enjoy the lotus flower of the gopis' beauty.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Śrīla Prabhupāda uses the wasp to illustrate two vastly different states of existence. If we rely on our own material endeavors and fruitive activities, we will inevitably be stung by the strict laws of karma. However, if we abandon all material desires and take shelter of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement by constantly chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, our consciousness becomes like the transcendental wasps of Vṛndāvana—eternally drinking the sweet nectar of the Lord's lotus feet.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Wasp. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.