The Bhagavad Gita and Letting Go of the Fruits of Action in Yoga and Life

Many of us are familiar with the core teachings of mindfulness, presence, and non-attachment. One of the most profound sources of this wisdom comes from the Bhagavad Gita, a cornerstone of yoga philosophy. This ancient text offers essential lessons on acting without attachment to results, an approach that can deeply transform both our yoga practice and our everyday lives.

The Bhagavad Gita’s concept of letting go of the fruits of action and how this teaching can be applied both on the mat and in daily life. By embracing non-attachment, we can find greater peace, focus, and freedom in all that we do.

What Does the Bhagavad Gita Say About Letting Go of the Fruits of Action?

The Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse Hindu scripture, presented as a dialogue between the warrior Arjuna and Lord Krishna. On the eve of a great battle, Arjuna faces a moral dilemma and turns to Krishna for guidance. Among Krishna’s teachings is the principle of acting with purpose while detaching from the outcome, often referred to as Karma Yoga.

Krishna says:

“You have the right to perform your duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never be motivated by the results of your actions, nor become attached to inaction.” (Bhagavad Gita, 2:47)

This means that while we should give our best effort to whatever task we undertake, we should not be overly attached to the result. Whether in yoga or life, our focus should be on the process, not the outcome.

Applying the Bhagavad Gita to Your Yoga Practice

In yoga, it’s easy to get caught up in expectations. Whether it’s achieving the perfect pose, gaining flexibility, or improving balance. However, the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita reminds us that yoga is about the practice, not perfection. When we let go of expectations and simply focus on the journey, we cultivate a more meaningful and authentic experience.

Here are three key ways to apply the Bhagavad Gita’s teachings to your yoga practice:

1. Detach from the Outcome of Poses

Rather than aiming for the “perfect” pose, focus on how you feel in the posture. Whether you’re working on balancing in Crow Pose or mastering a deep backbend, what matters is the integrity and awareness you bring to each attempt, not the final shape of the pose. Progress happens over time, and the goal is to enjoy the process rather than fixating on the result.

2. Embrace the Journey, Not the Destination

Some days, you might feel strong and flexible, while other days you may feel stiff or fatigued. Instead of expecting your practice to always be the same or constantly improve, allow yourself to experience each practice for what it is. When you let go of the need for every session to lead to visible progress, you open yourself up to the true purpose of yoga: inner awareness and growth.

3. Release the Ego in Your Practice

The ego loves to compare and seek validation, whether from others or ourselves. However, yoga is not a competition. By releasing the need for external validation—whether it’s looking “good” in a pose or outperforming others—we begin to cultivate a practice grounded in authenticity and humility. The Bhagavad Gita teaches us to act without ego-driven desires, which helps us approach yoga with patience and acceptance.

Applying Non-Attachment Off the Mat: Daily Life and the Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita’s teachings don’t stop on the yoga mat. Krishna’s advice to Arjuna is to perform his duties with full dedication but without attachment to the outcome. This applies just as much to our daily lives as it does to our yoga practice. Whether it’s in work, relationships, or personal ambitions, we can find deeper peace and balance by letting go of our obsession with results.

1. Work Without Obsession Over Results

In our professional lives, it’s easy to become fixated on success, promotions, or meeting goals. However, the Gita reminds us to focus on the effort we put in, rather than the outcome. By concentrating on doing your best in each moment, rather than worrying about whether you’ll achieve a specific result, you’ll reduce stress and anxiety. Success becomes a natural by-product of consistent effort, not the sole objective.

2. Relationships: Giving Without Expectation

We often approach relationships with certain expectations, whether it’s receiving love, appreciation, or support. The Bhagavad Gita teaches us to give without expecting anything in return. By offering kindness, understanding, and love without attaching ourselves to a particular outcome, we create healthier, more fulfilling relationships. It’s about letting go of transactional thinking and acting with genuine care.

3. Trusting the Process in Personal Goals

Setting personal goals is important, but becoming overly attached to achieving them can lead to frustration and burnout. The Gita advises us to trust the process, putting in consistent effort while letting go of the need to control the outcome. Whether it’s training for a marathon, learning a new skill, or improving your health, the real growth happens when you focus on the journey and embrace the lessons along the way.

4. Parenting: Letting Go of Control

As parents, we often want the best for our children, sometimes to the point of trying to control their future. The Bhagavad Gita reminds us that while we can guide and nurture our children, we cannot control their destiny. By focusing on being present, supportive, and loving in our actions without becoming attached to the outcomes, we allow our children the freedom to grow and learn on their own terms.

Surrender, Freedom and The True Power of Letting Go

The Bhagavad Gita teaches us that surrendering our attachment to results doesn’t mean giving up; rather, it means trusting in the process and understanding that we can only control our actions, not the outcomes. This act of surrender brings a profound sense of freedom. Freedom from stress, anxiety, and the pressure to always succeed.

In yoga, this might look like focusing on the breath and alignment, rather than worrying about how you look in a pose. In life, it’s about showing up fully for your duties, while trusting that things will unfold as they are meant to.

Living the Bhagavad Gita’s Teachings

The Bhagavad Gita offers timeless wisdom that is deeply relevant to both our yoga practice and our everyday lives. By letting go of the attachment to outcomes, we open ourselves to the present moment. This non-attachment allows us to experience greater peace, focus, and balance in all areas of life.

So, perhaps the next time you step onto your yoga mat, remember the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Focus on your effort, be present in each pose, and let go of the need for a particular result. In your daily life, apply this same principle: show up with dedication, act with integrity, and trust that the process will lead to growth and fulfilment in ways you may not always expect.

By embracing the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, we cultivate a life rooted in mindfulness, patience, and freedom—both on and off the mat.

If you’d like more information on yoga philosophy please contact me or book here to practise with me in Marlow, and online.

With love

Anney xx