In view of the effect of the law of sowing and reaping - is it necessary to pray for forgiveness of our sins? Are hard times always a result of former bad deeds?

It is true that the workings of the Law of Sowing and Reaping bring to each one what they deserve. This does not however imply that we are not to pray. We can give thanks to the Creator Who mercifully permits us through the operation of this Law to reap in multiples that which we have sown. For if we have sown goodness we receive back goodness in multiples just as we observe in nature where a single seed yields multiples of fruits at the harvest! On the other hand if we have sown that which is not good and we come to a sober realization of this in time, we can repent and reinforce this with a prayerful plea for mercy. This way, we will be forgiven but surely only to the extent of our inner change and our firm resolution to forsake our wrongdoing. The Laws will still be fulfilled but with the inner change and sustained volition for what is good, the retuning dark fruits are unable to bring harm to the person concerned because of his more luminous surroundings. The Laws therefore provide for mercy and forgiveness!

 

The so called ‘hard times’ are not always as a result of the fruits of the past. Indeed obstacles may be put in a person’s way to teach and develop the person or prepare him for a task ahead. If the person going through the difficulties shows good faith and welcomes them joyfully he will pass through and he makes progress thereby. If on the other hand such ‘hard times’ comes as a result of past debts then the hard times leads him to full payment of the past debts and he becomes free. Therefore, whatever be the case, the difficulties leads to advancement and gain for a man of goodwill. So one needs to face all circumstances courageously and consider them as beneficial gifts. With the right attitude, ‘hard times’ ultimately lead to ascent and spiritual benefits.