My wife and fellow teacher, Miriam, pointed out a very good example of delusion for me the other day. She said that “delusion is the view that our actions don’t matter.” There are lots of people who subscribe to that view either by their speech, deeds or omissions. This is a very damaging view to hold on to because nothing could be further from the truth.
In particular, it matters a great deal whether or not we bring the mind into the present moment. If we decide to apply mindfulness, which is essentially the same thing, then we are heedful. We make fewer mistakes; we are more efficient and hence more productive. If, on the other hand, we are not mindful, we become more given to carelessness leading to mistakes. We become susceptible to laziness, restlessness, craving, anger and doubt.
The entrance to the eightfold path is the understanding of and belief in karma. That is, once we agree and accept that our actions do matter on a moral and spiritual level, then we are ready to walk the path beginning with Wisdom: Right View and Right Thought, leading to Morality: Right Speech, Right Action and Right Livelihood and finally we can taste freedom through Meditation Practice: Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration.