As an extension of the Rede, the 3-fold Law is an explanation of a law of nature. It deals with action and how this affects the cosmos and the apparent source of this action. As an explanation, it ought to be tested by the skeptical and disregarded by those who feel it inaccurate.

Many continue to claim its accuracy (in whatever detailed form), so perhaps it is not so easy to dismiss. The Law, as mentioned above, is not a moral judgement or a social constraint. It is a principle of nature which has been observed and described. Action (karma) produces suffering based upon its nature and our evaluation of its result. Intent and our view of this intent are central to this principle's function.

Our actions affect us in the following 3-fold manner:

a) Energy goes through us as we manifest it. We suffer or benefit according to its nature. If an energy is intended to harm another then it harms us as we manifest it.

b) Our actions affect others directly, and to the extent that we are one with all so do we suffer again if our intent was harm.

c) Our deep mind compensates us for our harmfulness and our beneficence. If we see that we harm, we punish ourselves; if we see that we help/heal, then we reward ourselves (more carefully and thoroughly than any jailer). This may tie in to psychological models about the 'Superego' and its prohibitive function, ariding from the programming of our parents and other influential authorities. This a very deep self-judgement process, inspired in us by society, the compensation carried out via subconscious processes too complex to explore here. It ought be mentioned, however, that those who transcend or grow beyond compartmentalizing their actions are also beyond the compensation of this Law, especially with regard to the reactions of the deep mind or Superego.