This talk by Peter explores how to work with delusion. The Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment, from the Book of Serenity, has four lines which offer profound instructions on how to work with delusion: “At each moment, don’t raise delusive thoughts. Don’t extinguish your varied, delusive mind. Dwelling in a setting of delusive thought, don’t add knowledge. Where there is no knowledge, don’t discriminate the truth” In exploring both the commentary and verse, we find an emphasis on the importance of not adding or subtracting from our experience, even amidst this delusion. These four lines are not presented to us as rigid rules, but as powerful medicine, encouraging us to embrace our experiences fully and recognize the inherent freedom within.

This talk was given by apprentice teacher, Peter Bursky, at Autumn sesshin 2025 at Kodoji.