Master Lin-Chi exhorted his students to be ‘business-less’. It means to not be getting busy all the time, to be free from busy-ness. If we can be business-less, we can touch the spirit of aimlessness in our daily life, not being carried away by our desires, plans, and projects. We don’t do things to get praise or status; we don’t try to play a role. Wherever we are, we can be sovereign of ourselves. We’re no longer swept away by our environment; we’re no longer pushed or swayed by the crowd. …
The Buddha was no longer looking or yearning for anything, no longer striving, and yet he was someone who never ceased to help liberate all beings. Throughout the 45 years of his ministry, he continued to help liberate others from their suffering, even to the last moments of his life. Being aimless doesn’t mean we are without compassion and loving-kindness. …
What’s essential is to bring a different quality of being to the situation of suffering in the world. If we are suffering just like everyone else, how can we help them suffer less? If doctors have the same sickness as their patients, how can they help them heal? Our energy of peace, joy, compassion, and freedom is essential.
Thich Nhat Hanh
from the Art of Living