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The Bhagavad Gita has repeatedly emphasised the need to be detached from worldly worries and material possessions. It is said that the path to genuine knowledge, mental peace, and long-lasting happiness is one of detachment. To put it briefly, detachment teaches you to be at ease with yourself. The achievement of spiritual liberation can finally result from ongoing non-attachment practices. According to Lord Krishna, the interplay of gunas, or modes of material nature, is what causes action. However, a mistaken sense of ego causes one to believe that they are the ones who perform all activities, which leads to attachment. Attachments impair one's capacity for reasoned thought, tactful speech, and prudent behaviour. One is thereby ensnared in a never-ending cycle of powerful emotions, unquenchable cravings, and unending suffering. The person who is unattached to the results of his deeds, on the other hand, is eternally content and independent of all material things. Though he always appears to be working, on the inside he is idle. Therefore, it has been emphasised that one must do the task at hand without becoming emotionally invested in either the process or the outcome. 

Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 35 Says, 

Shri bhagavan uvacha:

Asanshayam maha-baho mano durnigraham chalam

Abhyasena tu kaunteya vairagyena cha grihyate (BG 6.35) 

Meaning: Lord Krishna said: O mighty-armed son of Kunti, what you say is correct; the mind is indeed very difficult to restrain. But by practice and detachment, it can be controlled.

Let us check out some important lessons from the Bhagavad Gita which will help one to practice the art of detachment. 

The Srimad Bhagavad Gita offers insight into some of the best practices to learn the art of detachment and letting go of the undesired. (Image Source: Canva)

Lessons From The Bhagavad Gita To Learn Detachment 

Renouncing the world is not what detachment is about. Instead, it means remaining emotionally calm on the inside even in the most trying situations. Living and working without a sense of doership is the definition of detachment. 

- According to Lord Krishna, one should separate their understanding (buddhi) from everything. This is the way to reach the ultimate state of perfection. It is a mental state in which one gets over his preferences for material things, people, and occasions. The person who has developed such a detached mindset is unaffected by anything that occurs in life. He gives his all in the role that his life requires of him, not giving success or failure a second thought. Regardless of the situation, he stays concentrated on the task at hand. Thus, detachment activates skill. 

- A detached individual graciously and gratefully receives the results of his efforts. Even when things are at their worst, he never loses his composure. Thus, he is set free from the servitude of labour. He gains a more elevated and comprehensive outlook on life.

- Sri Krishna has also counselled against being tied to inaction, while simultaneously cautioning against being attached to the results of one's deeds. Therefore, being detached does not include attempting to avoid life's hardships and withdrawing from the outside world while denying oneself its pleasures. Establishing a physical or emotional barrier between oneself and one's family, friends, or other loved ones is not the definition of detachment. Instead, it is the art of unconditional love for everyone, free from any desire to control others or any desire to be ruled by them. 

- Detachment is a mental attitude rather than an exterior substance. Being non-attached does not mean that one lacks emotions or desires, or that one is not carrying out necessary actions. It just implies that a person ought to be in charge of his or her feelings, impulses, and behaviour. He shouldn't let his impulses rule him. One should learn to control their feelings rather than repressing them.

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- Letting go is the art of detachment. It is about dealing with people, things, and situations as they actually are, that is, not holding on to any of them. The master of this skill lets go of personal grievances. He lets go of negative habits, unfulfilling desires, painful memories, and negative ideas. He thus gives up worrying about the future and stops dwelling on the past. He overcomes hardships by being free of emotional burdens.