Context
Krishna teaches about the transformative power of concentrated thought through the example of the wasp and caterpillar, demonstrating how constant focus on something eventually transforms one into that very thing.
The Dialogue
"There is a small wasp," Krishna said, "that teaches one of the most powerful secrets of transformation. Have you observed how it treats the caterpillar it captures?"
"I have seen wasps carry prey to their nests."
"This particular wasp does something remarkable. It stings the caterpillar just enough to paralyze, not kill. Then it places the caterpillar in its mud cell and buzzes around it constantly. The sound creates intense fear in the caterpillar."
"Fear transforms it?"
"Not fear exactly - focus. The caterpillar, unable to move, has nothing to contemplate but the wasp. It thinks of nothing but the wasp. Its entire consciousness is absorbed in the image of the wasp. And in time - this is the marvel - the caterpillar transforms into a wasp."
"Surely this is metaphor?"
"Observation and metaphor both. The physical process involves the wasp laying eggs, but the teaching transcends biology. What you constantly contemplate, you become. The caterpillar became so absorbed in the wasp-thought that wasp-nature manifested."
"This has spiritual implications."
"Profound ones. The yogi who constantly contemplates the Divine gradually takes on divine qualities. The devotee who thinks always of Krishna eventually attains Krishna-nature. The mind shapes reality. Constant thought transforms being."
"Is this why meditation is so emphasized?"
"Exactly. Meditation is controlled thought-absorption. In meditation, you choose what to contemplate rather than letting random thoughts choose for you. The caterpillar's transformation was involuntary. The yogi's transformation is conscious."
"What of those who constantly think of negative things?"
"They too are transformed - toward those qualities. The angry person, constantly dwelling on grievances, becomes anger itself. The greedy person, always thinking of acquisition, becomes greed embodied. The mind's power works regardless of the quality of thought."
"So we must guard our thoughts carefully."
"Guard and direct. The wasp didn't merely keep the caterpillar thinking - it kept it thinking specifically of wasp-nature. Similarly, the scriptures, the guru's presence, the sacred images - all these keep the aspirant's mind focused on the divine form."
"How long does such transformation take?"
"It depends on intensity and consistency. The caterpillar, paralyzed and terrified, had total concentration - no distraction was possible. Most humans are not so concentrated. But even partial focus, maintained over years, yields transformation. The path may be slower, but the destination is the same."
Uddhava looked at his own hands. "I am becoming what I think about all day."
"You are always becoming. The question is: are you becoming what you want to be, or merely what circumstances push you toward? The wasp teaches: take control of your meditation. Choose your absorption. Let your constant thought be the Divine, and you will become divine."
"The smallest creatures hold the largest teachings."
"They do. The wasp knows nothing of philosophy. It acts according to its nature. But its action reveals cosmic law to those who observe wisely."
A wasp buzzed past, indifferent to its role as guru, focused only on its ancient task.
✨ Key Lesson
The Wasp teaches that constant thought transforms the thinker into the thought; by consciously absorbing the mind in divine contemplation, the aspirant gradually becomes what they meditate upon.