Why Does the Camel Never Drink the Water? A Dharma talk by Guy Ryugin Barash, February 14, 2026 скачать в хорошем качестве

Why Does the Camel Never Drink the Water? A Dharma talk by Guy Ryugin Barash, February 14, 2026

In this dharma talk, Ryugin explores Dōgen’s teachings in Zenki and Genjōkōan through the image of riding in a boat, a metaphor expressing how practice and realization unfold in the midst of ordinary life. Drawing on the classic koan “Fayan’s Boat or Land” from the Book of Serenity, he reflects on the surprising parallels between Zen practice and romantic relationships, echoing medieval poetry and specifically Rumi’s image of the lover as a ship crossing uncertain seas toward the beloved. Through personal stories of travel, birth, and community, the talk invites us to consider what it means to be carried by entering something larger than ourselves, trusting the process, embracing the journey, and discovering that clarity appears along the way. The Village Zendo is a community of people who come together to practice in the Soto Zen tradition. Based in downtown New York City, we offer zazen (sitting meditation), one-on-one instruction with a teacher, dharma talks, chanting services, retreats, workshops and study groups. Visit our website: https://villagezendo.org, for daily schedules, teachers and zendo info, including audio Dharma talks. Support our work, please donate today.