Law of Karma (August 2004)

As You Sow So Shall You Reap

Law of Karma means that man reaps the fruits according to his actions. We find many examples of action and its fruit. He who does not walk with care on the road meets with an accident; one who eats too much becomes ill; a student who does not work for his examination fails; a shopkeeper who does not pay attention to business has to suffer losses. Examples of this type may be found in every field of life, and therefore, it is said “As You Sow So Shall You Reap”. Man, thus, suffers the consequences of his own actions.

The Principle of Cause and Effect

The basis of the fruits of action is the law of cause and effect. Human beings suffer the consequences of their actions. It does not always happen that the fruit of an action follows immediately upon the cause. Sometimes results are immediate, at other times belated.

Thus, it is ourselves, who earn evil or good fruits by our actions.  We perform actions of our own free will, and must eat the fruit thereof. The dispenser of the fruits of action is God. The law of the fruits of action inspires man to accept the existence of God, reminding us of the Lord’s justice, omniscience and omnipotence.