Then, what in the world do you call this power? You don't
call it desire; it's the life force. When the living bodies of plants
or animals are injured, they heal naturally. Grass by the roadside
which is being crushed by a rock pushes out from the side of the
rock and continues to grow. Do you suppose that the power to
heal and the power to transcend obstacles is desire? Not at all.
This is the life force. The power with which we do zazen and
practice is the same. Without having any goals or expectations,
this power manifests and actualizes the reality of the life of the
Self.
from Approach to Zen by Kosho Uchiyama Roshi
