Anasakti yoga is a philosophy and way of life advocated by Mahatma Gandhi that essentially encourages non-attachment to anything in the material world. Anasakti yoga is the practice of letting go of any attachment to the results of one’s actions.
It is thought that through non-attachment, liberation from suffering can be achieved. The practitioner is no longer bound by attachment to the material world and, therefore, finds eternal life. People who practice Anasakti yoga are still completely engaged in and dedicated to their actions and work, but without any attachment to the outcome.
Anasakti is derived from the Sanskrit asakti, which means “attachment.” Hence, the term anasakti means “non-attachment.” Anasakti yoga is described at length in the Bhagavad Gita. It is the guiding principle that Krishna lived by, with selfless work and service being central to the philosophy. These selfless actions should be conducted without any attachment to their results.
In ancient Indian philosophy, great leaders were expected to be practitioners of Anasakti yoga. Along with leadership qualities such as strength, commitment and total dedication to their people, they were required to demonstrate a detachment from the results of their actions. Success and failure should be met with absolute equanimity so that the leader is not bound by his/her actions and can still be liberated. Non-attachment also helps the mind to be balanced and free from attachments that color perceptions. A leader or person practicing Anasakti yoga should be able to make decisions that are not influenced by personal desires.