The Sage’s Sons and Their Laughter
In ancient times, the great sage Marīci had six illustrious sons. These young sages possessed knowledge, purity, and devotion. One day, as they were traveling, they happened to witness a most astonishing scene: Lord Brahmā, the creator of the universe, was overcome with a sudden desire for his own daughter.
This incident was not an ordinary occurrence but one arranged by the Lord Himself to demonstrate the power of illusion (māyā) even over the greatest beings. Yet the six sons of Marīci failed to understand the deeper purpose. Instead of offering respect, they laughed mockingly at Lord Brahmā’s bewilderment.
The Curse and Its Consequence
Because of this offense — laughing at a great being and failing to recognize the divine will behind his actions — they immediately incurred the wrath of Brahmā. The Lord of the universe, though compassionate, could not tolerate such disrespect. As a result, the six sons were cursed to take birth as mortals and experience suffering in the material world.
Thus, in a later age, they were born as the sons of Devakī and Vasudeva in Mathurā. Yet fate was cruel: each of them was killed by Kaṁsa, Devakī’s tyrannical brother, as soon as they were born. This tragic chain of events was rooted in that single moment of offense committed against Brahmā.
The Lord’s Mercy
Even in their misfortune, the six sons were ultimately blessed. When Lord Kṛṣṇa appeared on earth, He granted them liberation, freeing them from the consequences of their past offense. What seemed like punishment was, in fact, divine mercy — the Lord using apparent suffering to cleanse the hearts of His devotees.
Reflection
This story reminds us that spiritual life demands deep reverence toward saints and divine personalities. The six sons of Marīci were not ordinary souls, yet a moment’s ridicule led to lifetimes of suffering.
From their example we learn:
- Never mock or judge the actions of great souls. Their ways may be mysterious, beyond our comprehension.
- Offense toward the exalted blinds us to truth and binds us to karma.
- Divine punishment is often hidden mercy. Even in suffering, the Lord’s purpose is purification.
When we cultivate humility and stop finding faults in others, our hearts become fit vessels for divine love.
Source: “Obstacles in Bhakti” by Vinod Bihari Das Babaji.
