Vedic Worldview

Advanced Techniques: The Path to Accelerated Wisdom

Thom Knoles — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0700

What if mere transcendence is only the beginning of what meditation can reveal about the world around you?

In this episode, Thom explains how Advanced Techniques of Vedic Meditation refine the senses so you can notice change as it is emerging, rather than only after it has arrived. It's a skill that doesn't just provide hints about the future in the making, but one which supports wiser choices in everyday life.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Foundations of Vedic Meditation

[04:31] Advanced Techniques and Transcendence

[07:07] Ritam and Higher States

[10:14] Adaptability and Enhanced Perception

[14:11] On Becoming a Perspicacious Sage

Useful Links

An Invitation to Vedic Meditation Initiator Training 2027

Thom Knoles — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0700

We celebrate this, the 100th episode of The Vedic Worldview, by covering one of Thom’s favorite subjects, Vedic Meditation Initiator Training.

Building on the last episode, Become a Teacher of Vedic Meditation, Thom explains why his training is the ultimate path for anyone considering becoming a Vedic Meditation Initiator.

While there are many more trainings available than there were just a few short years ago, many of which offer a simpler or more convenient path of learning, Thom explains that it’s their convenience that makes them unsuitable for anyone serious about becoming an Initiator.

He describes the 10,000-year-old tradition that has given us access to the wisdom behind Vedic Meditation in its purest form, and his commitment to maintain that purity.

If you’re serious about becoming a Vedic Meditation Initiator, you can find out more about Vedic Meditation Initiator Training with Thom Knoles.

Episode Highlights
00:45 - Creative Initiator Training
03:34 - The Masterful Approach to Initiator Training
04:42 - Shankaracharya - The Teaching Tradition
06:33 - The Most Memorable Cameraderie
07:41 - Bypassing Shoddy Guesswork
09:14 - A Long Line of Wisdom
10:38 - Does This Sound Like Something I Would Do?
12:19 - The Opposite of Knowledge
13:58 - The Balance Between Purity and Accessibility
15:08 - The Danger of the Ever-Repeating Known
17:36 - We Want to Be Change Designers
20:01 - Initiator Training is Not for Everyone
21:21 - The Most Precious Thing
22:56 - You Deserve Plan A
24:27 - This is How It's Done
26:04 - Diligence About Integrity
26:52 - I Learned His Thinking
28:39 - Check Here. Don't Check
30:51 - Align Your Thinking With the Enlightened Mind
32:30 - Jump the Hurdles You Need to Jump
34:13 - You Are a Bright Star

Survival Consciousness vs Progress Consciousness

Thom Knoles — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0700

What if survival is not the starting point but the byproduct? In this episode, Thom explores why progress and evolution must come first, and how "Big Consciousness" turns survival into a natural side effect rather than a desperate project. Along the way, he unpacks the Committee on Darkness, the difference between dog consciousness and elephant consciousness, and why hesitation makes Nature scream.

You will also hear how prevention, creative intelligence, and everyday social interactions become the measuring rod for your state of consciousness.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Progress is Primary. Survival is a Byproduct

[04:44] Stepping Out of Survival Mentality

[07:33] The Committee on Darkness

[11:03] Use the Light to Clean Up the Mess

[14:31] Q - How can we avoid triggers of anger, rage, and old traumas?

[15:03] A - Elephant Consciousness and Dog Consciousness

[17:35] The Terrible World

[21:56] Q - How do we know if our choices lead to progress?

[22:11] A - Nothing Makes Nature Scream Like Hesitation

[23:49] Decisiveness Yields High-grade Information

[27:20] Q - How can we self assess our states of consciousness?

[27:52] A - Normalizing higher states of consciousness

[31:02] The Measuring Rod is the World Around You

[34:58] Q - Do we have to feel pain to care?

[35:50] A - Prevention, perception, and creative intelligence

[37:59] What is Your Secret?

[42:01] Study of the Problem is Not the Answer

Useful Links

Reincarnation, Karma, Enlightenment and Punya

Thom Knoles — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0700

Following the last episode, "What Happens When the Body Dies," this week's episode, explores the continuation of the cycle of birth and death: reincarnation through the lens of karma, unfulfilled desires, and the Fulfillment Field revealed in Vedic Meditation.

He explains the stages of enlightenment, why heaven on Earth requires a body, and how punya, or spiritual merit, reflects our realization as Universe living in human form. Listen to discover how seeing yourself as the Fulfillment itself changes your relationship with rebirth, responsibility, and desire.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Q - Is reincarnation due to karma?

[00:54] A - Karma, Desire, and the Fulfillment Field

[04:24] Vedic Meditation and The Fulfillment Field

[06:31] Beyond Desires Yet Still Desiring

[08:57] Karma, Bondage, and the Roasted Seed

[10:49] Q - Can our actions create karma for others?

[11:14] A - Inaccurate Expectations and Reincarnation Parties

[14:54] Q - Can we engineer our enlightenment status for an ideal incarnation?

[15:43] A - The Relative States of Consciousness

[17:45] Cosmic Consciousness: All-inclusive Awareness

[21:32] From Cosmic Consciousness to God Consciousness

[27:54] Anandamayi Ma and Born Enlightenment

[30:56] Nobody Gets Born Enlightened

[34:26] Heaven on Earth Requires a Body

[36:09] Q - What is the role of punya in reincarnation?

[36:19] A - Spiritual Merit and Cosmic Deserving Power

[39:38] Realization and Punya: Locked Together

Useful Links

What Happens When the Body Dies?

Thom Knoles — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0700

Body death causes a lot of fear for most people. It’s a subject that’s been speculated about since we first sat around campfires together millenia ago.

In this episode, Thom gives a comforting explanation of the Vedic worldview on death, including the possibility that heaven is not something postponed until after death, but something that can be lived now, through Cosmic Consciousness.

Rather than framing life as a test for some future reward, Thom lays out the Vedic perspective that the real purpose of life is integration, bringing Unbounded awareness into embodied daily living. This is a profound reframing of death, meditation, sleep, and enlightenment itself.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] - I Guess It’s Going to Happen to Me Too

[04:25] - Watch Out What You Think About

[06:45] - A Much Simpler View

[10:21] - Experiences of Unboundedness

[14:24] - An Irishman Goes to Heaven

[17:52] - On Death and Dying

[21:45] - In and Out of Unboundedness

[26:52] - Cosmic Consciousness: The New Normal

[31:45] - Heaven on Earth

[36:15] - Would Cosmos Like Some Toast?

[41:01] - Heaven is Body Dependent

[43:28] - Q - What is the Sanskrit work for conqueror of sleep?

[43:32] - A - Gudakesh

[45:08] - Q - Does the night shift ever normalize?

[45:12] - A - The Beginning of Abstraction

[49:56] - The Dangers of Blackout Sleep

[54:23] - Let’s Sleep On It

Useful Links

Is It OK To Leave a Child To Follow Your Calling?

Thom Knoles — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0700

A father feels called to leave his child and follow a deeper purpose. In this Vedic Worldview episode, Thom explores what many might call abandonment through the story of Buddha and reframes it as an evolutionary phase transition in consciousness.

Along the way, Thom unpacks how relationships evolve, why some marriages end, and what children really absorb when parents try to "protect" their children from the effects of difficult decisions. Listen in to see how a wider context can transform the way we interpret separation from our loved ones.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Q - Is it OK to leave a child to follow a calling?

[01:12] A - Buddha As An Example Parent

[04:20] From Abandonment to Phase Transition

[06:55] Turning Content Into Context

[09:14] Divorce As a Phase Transition

[11:51] Children Are Like Video Cameras

[14:05] Seasons of Resonance in Love

[16:21] The Couple Who Waited Fifty Years

[19:15] Children Want Authentic Happiness

Useful Links

Ask Thom Anything - Rainbows, Young Meditators, Soma Bandits, Moksha & Nirvana

Thom Knoles — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0800

Rainbows, youth, soma bandits and liberation – in this Ask Me Anything episode, Thom unpacks how Vedic wisdom sees everyday life, from Indra dhanush rainbows to the way attention is stolen and spent.

Thom speaks directly to young people about avoiding a “stress‑bag” future and choosing a different destiny through Vedic Meditation.

Thom also clarifies the Vedic meaning of soma bandits and offers a nuanced distinction between moksha and nirvana as expressions of liberation.

Listen in to explore how these timeless ideas can reshape how you see yourself and the world around you.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Q - What is the significance of rainbows?

[00:56] A - Indra Dhanush And Rainbows

[08:38] Q - How can we inspire more young people to meditate?

[09:14] A - The Destiny Of A Non-Meditating Adult

[13:46] Q - What is a soma bandit?

[13:59] A - Attention Robbers

[18:35] Q - What is the distinction between moksha and nirvana?

[18:41] A - Breaking Of Shackles vs Liberation Of Potential

Useful Links

Can Individuals Relieve Suffering in the World?

Thom Knoles — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0800

Is it really possible for one person to make a dent in the suffering of the world?

In this episode Thom explains why the most powerful contribution begins with ending our own suffering and aligning with the Unified Field through Vedic Meditation. He traces the way everyday gossip, blame and negativity ripple out into global conflict, and how twenty four hour bliss quietly reverses that trend from the inside out.

Listen in for a radically practical reframing of peace, responsibility and your role in the evolution of consciousness.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Q - How can individuals relieve world suffering?

[01:11] A - Ending Personal Suffering to Help the World

[04:05] Living in Twenty Four Hour Bliss

[07:10] The Seagull and the Stolen Eggs

[10:00] Where Global Conflict Really Begins

[13:30] Why War Never Delivers Real Peace

[16:49] Ending Gossip with Dignity and Silence

[20:22] Choosing Beauty and Generosity Over Hate

[23:22] Silent Presence as a Gift to Peace

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/CpGwe--hZGU

Useful Links

Boundaries vs Boundlessness: From Repetitive Thinking to True Freedom

Thom Knoles — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0800

It’s very fashionable to talk about boundaries, especially in the context of relationships or expectations of others. One could argue that boundaries are useful, but once they become a cage, they become a problem.

In this episode, Thom unpacks the difference between living inside sharp routines and cultivating real unboundedness, the kind that actually refreshes the nervous system and expands your capacity to meet the need of the time.

Thom also explains why “control” is a false strategy in relationships, what it really means to meet another person’s conscious receptivity, and how empathy becomes a practical tool for clearer expectations, cleaner communication, and less suffering.

Episode Highlights
[00:45] The Problem With Sharp Boundaries

[04:19] Why Classic Approaches To Freedom Fail

[07:34] The Shocking Truth About Repetitive Thinking

[10:56] How To Break Free From Boundaries

[15:10] Making Unboundedness A Daily Routine

[19:17] The Goal Is Not Permanent Meditation

[20:11] Q - How do we show up differently in relationships as we expand consciousness?
[20:45] A - Meeting The Conscious Receptivity Of Others

[24:48] The Illusion Of Control In Relationships

[29:19] Using The Inner-net For True Connection

[31:14] Q - How do you explain boundaries in toxic relationships?

[31:42] A - Sharing Accurate Expectations With Others

[32:54] Q - What about when there's resistance to clear expectations?

[33:29] A - When To Use Dhanurveda Principles

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/TufGThQ8qD4

Useful Links

What's It Like On A Retreat With Thom Knoles?

Thom Knoles — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 19:42:26 -0800

In this bonus episode, we're giving you a window into one of Thom's recent retreats.

You'll hear right away that the atmosphere with Thom is intimate, warm, and wonderfully jovial.

On retreat, you get to explore subjects that go far beyond what we cover on the podcast, and you'll hear stories from Thom that you simply won't hear anywhere else.

We would love for you to join us at Thom's only rounding retreat of 2026, in Sedona, May 21 to 25.

Please sit back and enjoy this taste test of the retreat experience, then find out how you can join us in person at thomknoles.com/sedona

Good Vibrations

Thom Knoles — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0800

In spiritual circles it’s very trendy to speak of “raising frequency” or accessing “higher vibrations,” but what if higher vibration isn’t mystical at all, but a precise description of physics at work?

In this episode, Thom explores how order, coherence, and peace naturally emerge when we reduce excitation, rather than seek to raise it.

Drawing on the laws of thermodynamics, Thom demystifies the subject and explains the fundamentals of sustainable change.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Q – What Is “Higher Vibration”?
[01:16] A – Excitation and Thermodynamics
[03:46] Why You Can’t Force Peace
[06:29] Superfluid Helium Seeks Unboundedness
[08:45] Superconductivity in Simple Terms
[10:05] Meditation and Society
[13:41] The Meissner Effect

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/8KUIB4Plifk

Useful Links

Rethinking Productivity: Process vs Outcome

Thom Knoles — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0800

Productivity is often seen as the holy grail of business success. Though organizations obsess over productivity gains, often they miss the fact that these gains come with a hidden cost.

In this episode, Thom explores why healthy mission, creativity, and inner stillness are not distractions from productivity, but its deepest source.

When work feels meaningful, participation becomes voluntary, effort becomes effortless, and productivity takes care of itself.

Episode Highlights

00:45 Productivity is an Illusion

04:01 Making Participation Attractive

06:23 Great Output Comes from Healthy Process

10:17 The Four Aspects of Organizational Mission

14:15 Make Everybody a Believer of the Mission

18:48 The Role of Vedic Meditation in Organizational Productivity

23:02 Q: Are Corporate Missions Manipulative?

23:23 A: Use Your Discrimination Capability

25:07 Q: How do we reconcile ease with being productive?

25:23 A: Frictionless Flow Feels Effortless

26:03 Q: Can we trade off being productive for stillness?

26:46 A: Get corporate support or choose personal control

31:26 Q: How can we remove the pressure to feel productive in life?

32:01 A: I Get To...

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/plvJKA1k_zk

Useful Links

Preyas and Shreyas: Balancing Short-term Pleasure with Long-term Good

Thom Knoles — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 16:00:00 -0800

Delayed gratification is often touted as one of the secrets to a fulfilling life.

The famous marshmallow experiment concluded that children who were able to delay the reward of a marshmallow for a larger reward of more marshmallows had better outcomes later in life.

But is this really the case? Are we actually better off favoring long-term good over short-term pleasure?

In this episode, Thom explains that this is more than just a philosophical question, it’s actually a question that has implications for evolution of the species.

And the answer might surprise you…

Episode Highlights

00:45 It's All About Knowledge

03:26 Evolution is Not a Straight Line

07:41 We Have to Have a Blend

12:07 There's No Such Thing as Perfection in the Relative World

14:19 Disruption Causes Adaptation to Occur

17:46 Q: What can you tell us about freeze reactivity?

17:58 A: Catatonia is the Extreme

20:38 Practice Vedic Meditation to Remove Irrelevant Neurochemistry

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/B3a7BvY50Tw

Useful Links

Consciousness Is...

Thom Knoles — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 16:00:00 -0800

Consciousness is spoken of in many different ways and contexts. Usually when we speak of consciousness, we know the meaning that’s being conveyed. But what exactly is consciousness?

It’s both a philosophical and scientific question at the same time.

In this episode, Thom cuts through the philosophy to give us a pragmatic answer to the question. It’s an answer that lets us get on with the business of being conscious with ever-increasing capacity.

Episode Highlights

00:45 Consciousness is That Which Makes Existence Relevant

04:15 Is-ness, Am-ness, I-ness, My-ness

07:38 Repertoires of Consciousness

11:24 Everything is a Response to Observation

14:57 Maximizing Capability

19:49 Q: Where was the one thing before it became many?

20:04 A: Everywhereness Inside of It

23:36 Once Upon a Time

26:26 The Variety that Creates Storyline

29:17 Lesha Avidya: The Faint Remains of Ignorance

32:09 A Blend of Ignorance and Consciousness

34:42 Q - Is more consciousness better?

35:13 A: The Animal Kingdom is More Violent Than the Human Kingdom

37:32 Content vs Context

42:15 The Ability of Enlightenment

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/Hj3SxekBMOM

Useful Links

How to Guide Children Through Parent and Partner Breakups

Thom Knoles — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 16:00:00 -0800

How do children really experience their parents’ separation? In this episode, Thom explores why children are often far more adaptive to a family separation than adults assume, and how they unconsciously mirror the emotional state of their parents.

Drawing on the Vedic worldview, Thom explains why change is evolutionary, why staying together “for the children” can be harmful, and how honoring the other parent protects a child’s sense of self. A compassionate and clarifying perspective for any parent navigating relationship change.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/YRsKT1togKw

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Children Tend to be Peacekeepers

[03:28] Involve a Third Party for the Child to Speak With

[07:01] Protecting Children's Emotions

[09:26] Don't Stay Together “For the Children”

[12:57] Change is Evolutionary

[15:18] Avoid Speaking Ill of Each Other

[18:00] Honor the Other Parent

Useful Links

Symbolism in Waking and Dreaming Consciousness

Thom Knoles — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 16:00:00 -0800

Are events in life symbolic, or are they simply expressive moments within a vast, intelligent universe?

We humans love to make meaning of things, especially unusual events or mysterious dreams. Are we justified in doing so, or are we possibly distracting ourselves from what’s really going on around us?

Once again, Thom offers a profound reframing of symbolism, dreaming, and the role of unbounded awareness in everyday life.

You can also watch this episode in two parts on YouTube, here https://youtu.be/ExUj9fmAeVU and here https://youtu.be/gkEwft6ST-0.

Episode Highlights
[00:45] Q - To what extent is everything symbolic?

[01:18] A - Coincidences Are a Continuum of Reality

[06:24] What You See Is What You Get

[08:29] Assembly Theory and Abiogenesis

[12:08] Leftover Star Stuff Arguing About the Dishes

[15:32] Q - What Is the Vedic Perspective on Dreams and Dreaming?

[15:46] A - Dreams Aren't Dreams

[18:44] A Disjointed Story

[22:17] Nighttime Cognitions

[25:39] Remembering Is Overrated

[29:14] Crossing Thresholds of Unboundedness

[32:11] Vedic Meditators Lose the Need to Dream

Useful Links

When Is The Right Time To Let Go?

Thom Knoles — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 16:00:00 -0800

One of the biggest causes of suffering in our lives is the fact that nothing lasts forever. It’s not only true that all good things must come to an end, but all things must come to an end.

In this episode, Thom reminds us that Nature has the final say on what is, and what no longer is relevant in the natural process of evolution. Rather than resisting Nature’s timing, our suffering is reduced or eliminated if we embrace Nature’s timing.

Once again, Vedic meditators have a natural edge in putting this into practice.

Listen to the full episode to explore the complete teaching, or watch it on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/99fcBENajAs

Episode Highlights

00:45 Evolve

03:58 You Are a Production

06:03 A Universe That Wants a Story

07:48 Constant Atomic Exchange

11:26 Identifying Irrelevancy Through Vedic Meditation

14:14 Constant Relevance Refreshment

17:15 The Dangers of the Ever-Repeating Known

20:19 Disruption and Relevance

23:13 Letting Go of Rigid Attachment

25:45 Contextualizing Pain

30:34 Welcome to the Solution to All Problems

Useful Links

The Vyasanand Foundation: Expanding Human Consciousness Worldwide

Thom Knoles — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 16:00:00 -0800

In this episode, Thom shares the inspiration and urgency behind the creation of the recently launched Vyasanand Foundation. He explains why preserving the purity of Vedic Meditation, while making it accessible at scale, is essential for meeting the demands of our time.

Thom outlines the foundation’s twin priorities of teacher scholarships and scientific research, and reflects on Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s vision of multiplying enlightened leadership for future generations.

If you’d like to contribute to the Vyasanand Foundation, please visit the website for details on how you can do so: https://www.vyasanandfoundation.org/

Episode Highlights

[01:28] The Inspiration Behind the Vyasanand Foundation

[03:22] Why Now?

[06:47] Meeting the Demands of the Time

[14:51] What Would the World Look Like if More People Practiced Vedic Meditation?

[19:57] What Will Vyasanand Foundation Funds Be Used For?

[23:47] Multiplying Maharishi

[28:13] Big, Important, Urgent

[30:57] Gratitude

Useful Links

The Bond Between Kaṛma and Desire

Thom Knoles — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 16:00:00 -0800

Is it possible to escape the cycle of desire that keeps us bound? In this episode, Thom explores the subtle mechanics of kaṛma and the paradox of fulfillment, blending ancient wisdom with contemporary dilemmas.

Move beyond the myth of desire-free enlightenment and discover the true role desires play in moving us, often mysteriously, right where we need to be.

Prepare to step into a new understanding of fulfillment, agency, and the playful nature of wants.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Kaṛma: Action that Binds
[03:30] The Danger Zone
[06:44] Kṛiya: Action that Doesn’t Bind
[09:33] The Power of a Pink Shirt
[13:13] A Literal Bucket List
[15:48] The Desirability of a Desire-free State
[18:42] Q - Does attachment to the desire for enlightenment keep you bound?
[18:50] A - The Hypnosis of Social Conditioning
[21:37] Enlightenment’s an Acquisition
[24:38] Desires Just Move Me Around

Useful Links

Coping with Negativity: Content, Context and Consciousness

Thom Knoles — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 16:00:00 -0800

What makes a thought or experience negative? And is it “bad” to have a negative thought or experience?

Thom gives us food for thought in this episode, in response to a question from a guest at a recent retreat.

Using his own unusual childhood as a case study, Thom explains the distinction between content and context, and the role consciousness and Vedic Meditation have in helping us negate the negative.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Q - How Can My Thoughts Be Negative?
[01:44] I'm a Strange Guy
[03:38] Learning My ABCs
[06:33] Nothing Negates the Forward Movement of Evolution
[07:48] Going Back in Time
[10:48] A Little Snapshot of Time Is Never Pretty
[12:43] Consciousness Contextualizes Content
[14:22] The Dangers of Irrelevancy
[18:02] Recycling Stress
[21:28] Let It Go and Move On
[22:47] It’s All Okay

Useful Links

The Vedic Perspective on Surrender and Letting Go

Thom Knoles — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0800

What if surrender isn’t something you do at all? In this episode, Thom reframes surrender and “letting go” through the Vedic lens, not as effort, but as the spontaneous movement of the mind toward greater charm.

With vivid metaphors from Guru Deva, monkeys, and even jelly beans, Thom reveals how true surrender happens naturally when the mind is free of stress and guided by charm.

Listen as Thom explains how Vedic Meditation trains us to release unnecessary tenacity and experience surrender as a state of freedom, not struggle.

Episode Highlights
[00:45] Can You Surrender the Surrendering?

[03:33] Pre-approving Movement of the Mind

[07:06] Effortless Movement Towards Charm

[09:38] Vedic Meditation: The Training Ground for the Removal of Unnecessary Tenacity

[12:46] Q - What's the relationship between retrospective surrender and letting go?

[12:56] Monkeys That Don't Let Go

[15:34] Don't be Like the Monkeys

[17:43] The Capacity to See the Future in the Making

[22:06] Close Your Eyes and Stay Awake

Useful Links

Saṃskaras and Smritis: The Cause and the Remedy for Our Mistaken Identity

Thom Knoles — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0800

What if the story you tell about your past is not who you are? In this episode, Thom unpacks saṃskara, those defining moments we cling to, and shows how Vedic Meditation transforms them into smriti, clear waypoints on the path to uncovering our true identity.

If you have ever felt trapped by your history, Thom’s wisdom offers a way to honor it without being defined by it.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Defining Moments that Shape Our Identity

[03:30] Mistaken Identity

[07:38] Smriti - Awakening the Vast Consciousness Within

[10:24] Like Attracts Like

[12:55] Printing Out Litter in the Body

[15:10] Vedic Meditation: Adding Context to Growth Experiences

[16:51] Siddhartha Sees Suffering

[20:13] Siddhartha Attains Nirvana: Becomes the Shakya Muni

[22:56] Enlightenment is the Big Story

[24:58] Q - Can smritis inadvertently revert to becoming saṃskaras?

[25:15] Pragyaparadha: The Mistaken Intellect

[27:42] The Intellect Cleaves to Its Former Identity

[30:28] The Reluctance of Saṃskaras

[32:27] Universe Having a Human Experience

[34:54] Aham Brahmasmi: I am Totality

[38:32] Snap Out of It

Useful Links

My Maharishi: Next

Thom Knoles — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0800

When a young Thom Knoles found himself among world leaders, philosophers, and celebrities at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s table, he felt wildly out of his depth. A well-meaning barrister’s critique led to embarrassment, reflection, and an unforgettable lesson from Maharishi himself.

In this intimate and humorous story, Thom shares how a moment of mortification turned into a profound teaching on arrogance, humility, and taking action, and the one simple word that can shift you out of self-doubt instantly.

You can also watch the podcast here https://youtu.be/IDKEn6UhCVM.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Advice From a Barrister
[04:37] Malapropisms
[07:11] I’m Not Like Them
[11:48] How Can We Get Out of This Arrogance?
[13:25] Engage in Action

Useful Links

The Impacts of Vedic Meditation: Your Questions Answered

Thom Knoles — Sun, 09 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0800

Does Vedic Meditation solve all our problems? And if it’s so good, why are some Vedic meditators less than perfect?

In this Ask Thom Anything episode, Thom explores the impacts of Vedic Meditation in response to questions from listeners.

Questions include: a query about the compatibility of Vedic Meditation with talk therapy; an investigation into the characteristics of Vedic meditators; and an enquiry into why Vedic Meditation might be more effective than some other spiritual practices.

The episode gives food for thought, for meditators and non-meditators alike.

Episode Highlights
[00:45] Q - How does Vedic Meditation fit in with talk therapy?

[01:16] A - A Fault of the Age of Ignorance

[03:42] Providing Context for Content

[05:44] What Are the Therapeutic Goals?

[07:36] Self-Sufficiency - The Ultimate Therapeutic Goal

[10:29] Q - Why are some Vedic Meditators still jerks?

[10:56] A - The Question is a Reflection of the Questioner

[13:50] Don’t Water the Weeds

[16:30] Vedic Meditation Always Aids Progress

[18:19] Q - Why Should I Add Vedic Meditation to My Spiritual Practices?

[18:52] A - Thinking About Thinking

[20:39] Thought Clusters and Spiritual Essence

[22:58] Here’s How to Experience Being

Useful Links

The Arrogance of Imposter Syndrome

Thom Knoles — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0800

Ever felt like a fraud? Like any minute now you’ll be “found out”? In this episode of The Vedic Worldview, Thom Knoles unpacks the real cause of imposter syndrome and why false modesty isn’t the virtue we think it is.

He reveals how subtle mistakes of the intellect keep us playing small and prevent us from expressing our full potential in the world.

So, if you’ve ever questioned your worth or doubted your success, this conversation offers a profound reminder of who you really are.

You can also watch the podcast on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/Q-hVse91BNo

Episode Highlights

[00:45] I’m a Fake

[03:24] I Know Better Than Them

[05:18] I’ll Accept the Accolades

[09:04] I’m the Universe Having a Human Experience

[11:43] You Deserve the Best

[15:39] As It Comes, Take It

[18:59] Change Who the I is Inside

[23:10] Can techniques other than Vedic Meditation help with imposter syndrome?

[23:43] A - Direct Experience

[26:38] The Implications of a Silent Mind

[30:02] Experiential Illumination

[34:42] Enlightenment Denial

[38:53] “Are you enlightened yet?”

[42:49] The Fun of Remembrance

Useful Links

What’s the Relationship Between Consciousness and Matter?

Thom Knoles — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 16:00:00 -0700

What if everything you see, touch, and experience is actually made of the same thing?

In this episode, Thom explores the startling relationship between matter and consciousness, challenging our most fundamental assumptions about reality and about who and what we are.

Prepare to view the world and yourself in an entirely new light.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] We Seem to Live in a Material Universe

[02:55] Good Vibrations

[05:01] A Responsive Universe

[07:31] The Hard Question of Consciousness

[10:29] The State of Unity Consciousness

[13:15] Sharpening Our Sensory Acuity with Vedic Meditation

[16:37] The Ultimate in Sensory Perception, Seeing Yourself in Everything

Useful Links

Can We Engineer Our Incarnations in Advance?

Thom Knoles — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 16:00:00 -0700

Can we consciously design our next incarnation, or are we already doing it unwittingly?

In this episode, Thom explores the Vedic and Buddhist perspectives on rebirth, fulfillment, and the trap of unfulfilled desire. Along the way, Thom shares a remarkable story of enlightenment and a cautionary tale from the Mahabharata that reveals how easily we can mistake desire for destiny.

Listen as Thom explains how meditation allows us to live in “total and unambiguous relevance,” free from the need to chase fulfillment through endless cycles of becoming.

You can also watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y-nkLcRFwVQ

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Q - Can we engineer our incarnations in advance?

[00:51] A - Jataka: The Retrospective Approach

[03:35] Experience and Intellectual Understanding Go Together

[06:35] Fulfillment in Search of a Gelato

[10:19] Everythingness Cannot Reincarnate

[12:44] Living Life in Total and Unambiguous Relevance

[14:56] Q - Which path is better, revenge or enlightenment?

[15:44] A - It’s a Cautionary Tale

[18:37] Vedic Meditation: An End to Desperate Unhappiness

[20:47] Enlightenment: Fulfillment Seeking Need

Useful Links

The Vedic Worldview on Sexual Energy as a Manifestation Technique

Thom Knoles — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 16:00:00 -0700

Is sexuality a path to higher consciousness or a distraction dressed up as spirituality?

In this episode, Thom explores the Vedic view on sexual energy, why so-called “harnessing” may be the opposite of what you think, and the hidden cost of “chasing the active ingredient.“

Thom also flips manifestation on its head, revealing why desire follows what is already unfolding and how transcendence twice daily changes the game.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Harnessing

[05:47] Active-Ingredient Mentality

[10:04] A Lack of Fundamental Fulfillment

[12:45] A Very Clever Marketing Idea

[15:05] Perpetually Orgasmic

[17:58] Transcendence is Everything

[19:32] The Universe is Your Sugar Daddy

[21:24] Desire is Secondary to Manifestation

[26:03] Q - What’s the relationship between creation energy and sexuality?

[26:09] A - Enhanced Repertoire

[30:21] What Does Sexuality Mean?

Useful Links

The Vedic Approach to Work-Life Balance

Thom Knoles — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 16:00:00 -0700

Work-life balance has become a buzz phrase in recent years, especially since the intrusion of smartphones began edging their way into so-called “free time.”

In this episode, Thom explains why free time and work aren’t necessarily exclusive of each other, potentially making work-life balance unnecessary.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Routine Work has Been Around Forever

[03:18] What Do I Do?

[05:28] Vedic Meditation - A Major Dose of Unboundedness

[08:26] A Neuroplastic Brain

[12:26] Work Becomes an Expression of Happiness

[14:58] A New Style of Functioning

[19:14] Q - How Do You Work Surrounded by Stressed People?

[19:42] A - Find Somewhere Else

Useful Links

Adventures with Thom in India

Thom Knoles — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 14:30:00 -0700

"Never a dull moment," could easily be a tagline for the tourism industry in India. It’s a land of contrast, color, and constant surprises. But if you want to experience the real flavor of India, you’d be hard pressed to find a better travelling companion than Thom Knoles.

With more than 50 years of travelling to India, building deep and lasting relationships, not to mention his status as a Mahamandaleshwar, Thom has a vast collection of stories to tell. In this episode, Thom shares a tiny sample from this vast collection, featuring swamis, snakes, Diet Coke, and more.

There are even more stories to come. If you’d like to be there and be a part of future adventures, Thom invites you to join him on his upcoming annual India retreat.

You can find out more at https://thomknoles.com/india-retreat/.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] A Visit from Swami Premananda

[05:40] Passing the Lunch Exam with the Shankaracharya and Some Swamis

[08:40] Eructations and Diet Coke

[10:27] The Shankaracharya’s Birthday Party

[12:37] Of Course He Has a Snake in His Hair!

[15:11] A Full Spectrum of Experiences Await in Rishikesh

Useful Links

Questions About Evolution

Thom Knoles — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 16:00:00 -0700

What if the thing holding back our evolution wasn’t the Unviverse, but our alignment with it?

In this Q&A episode, Thom explores the subtle early signal of misalignment, why formulaic living dulls creativity, and how the unknown became the forge of the human brain.

Thom also challenges us to make our behaviors more evolutionary, offers a cautionary message about our modern archives, and shares a bold, simple law you won’t forget.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Q - How do we make evolution exponential as opposed to gradual?

[00:55] A - The Sweet Spot Is…

[05:03] Looking for Frictionless Flow

[07:18] The Dangers of Formulaic Thinking

[10:40] An Allergy to Embracing the Unknown

[12:33] The Unknown is the Frontier that Built the Human Brain

[15:30] An Invitation to Do Something Different

[17:54] Q - What exactly are we to harvest? Knowledge or resources?

[19:11] A - Breaking the Shackles of Our Brain

[21:35] The Greatest Wasted Resource on Earth

[24:01] Use It Or Lose It

[26:43] Brain-Power Problems

[30:39] The Great Good Fortune of Being a Vedic Meditator

[32:31] An Outlet for Social Relevance

[36:14] Q - Are our current evolutionary theories still relevant?

[36:54] A - Big Crunch is Making a Comeback

[39:34] Individuality is Cosmic

[42:12] Thank Goodness for the Asteroid Strike

[46:03] Unreliable Archives of the Human Experience

[52:14] Q - Should we harvest more interactions with each other?

[52:35] A - Meditators Have the Capacity to be Interactors

[56:06] The Joy of Person-to-Person Human Connectivity

[58:28] Commonality is a Great Uniting Force

[01:00:41] Q - Does the Veda state that evolution is Cosmic Law?

[01:00:59] Evolve. Full Stop.

Useful Links

My Maharishi - My Fondest Memory of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Thom Knoles — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 16:00:00 -0700

One of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s most well-known insights was, “Problems are a state of consciousness.”

In this episode, Thom shares a vivid example of how Maharishi embodied this truth, using a single, signature word to transform everyday challenges into masterclasses in perception, presence, and trust.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Beautiful

[03:04] An Excursion in Switzerland

[05:50] Lost in Basel

[07:53] Found in Basel

[10:13] Waiting Consciousness State is Good

Useful Links

You can view Part One of this episode here.

The Relationship Between Buddhism and the Vedic Worldview - Part Two - Questions Arising

Thom Knoles — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 16:00:00 -0700

This episode is a Questions Arising episode, where Thom answers questions from the previous episode on the relationship between Buddhism and the Vedic Worldview.

Thom explores how Buddhism and Vedanta view the Self, compassion, desire, and evolution differently, and why direct experience of transcendence changes everything.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Q - How Does the Worldview of a Buddhist Affect How They Engage in the World vs a Vedantist?

[01:44] A - Proximity Effects Quieting the Ocean of Consciousness

[03:58] Compassion Viewed Differently

[06:30] A Desire to Be Free of Desires

[08:12] An Almost Impossible Brief

[10:01] Trustworthy Desires and Spontaneous Right Action

[12:07] Q - Is There a Worldview of Evolution Within Buddhism?

[12:46] A - Everything’s in Decline

[16:16] Q - Would an Experience of Transcendence Change the Worldview of a Buddhist?

[16:46] A - Experience Makes the Difference

[20:03] Direct Evidence of the Unified Field

[24:19] Q - Why Was the Technique of Transcendence Lost in Buddhism?

[24:35] A - Luck of the Draw

[27:58] Expert Memorizers

Useful Links

The Relationship Between Buddhism and the Vedic Worldview - Part One

Thom Knoles — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 16:00:00 -0700

Though Buddhism has spread far and wide and has taken on many different ‘flavors,’ its origins are from the heartland of the North Indian subcontinent, ensuring an inescapable link to the Vedic worldview.

In this episode, Thom explores the birth story of Buddhism, and the similarities and differences between the Buddhist and Vedic worldviews.

It’s a fascinating insight, including an explanation of how the two worldviews have diverged, with the interpretation of a single sentence from Buddha’s teachings having a profound impact on Buddhist philosophy today.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] An Umbrella Body of Knowledge

[05:00] Spending Time With the Dalai Lama

[07:27] Buddha - The Shakya Muni

[10:07] Searching for the Truth

[12:43] The Middle Way

[14:26] Searching for a Guru

[18:01] Buddhism is Not One Thing

[20:50] The No-thingness

[23:29] Sap in Expressed Form

[25:15] The Unmanifest Field of Pure Potentiality

[27:02] The Origin of Tibetan Buddhism

[29:10] The Many Faces of Buddhism

[30:31] Buddha Didn’t Teach That

[32:36] The Source of All Suffering

[35:03] Everything is One

[37:12] What Buddha Was Actually Teaching

Useful Links

Refreshing One’s Dharma - Part Two - Questions Arising

Thom Knoles — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 16:00:00 -0700

Do pillows have feelings? And how do we know when we’re helping versus interfering in the evolution of another?

This Questions Arising episode follows on from the most recent episode on Refreshing One’s Dharma, in which Thom explored how we can position ourselves to be performing spontaneous right action in any given moment.

As always, Thom’s answers give clarity and the opportunity to understand the answers experientially for ourselves.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Q - How do I find the balance between judgement and "helping" and unconditional love and acceptance of others?

[02:37] The Actions Arising from Unconditional Love

[04:56] Moving Towards Unity Consciousness

[07:32] Spontaneous Action vs Well-Thought-Out Action

[10:21] Trial and Error

[12:58] Awakening the Being Inside of Us

[15:24] Q - Can we have Unity with Inanimate Objects?

[16:14] A - Hello Lamppost

[17:59] Waves of an Underlying Continuum

Useful Links

Refreshing One’s Dharma - Part One

Thom Knoles — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 16:00:00 -0700

Is your purpose something fixed, or does it evolve with every passing moment?

In this episode, Part One of a two-part series, Thom explores the Vedic understanding of dharma, not as a grand life mission, but as spontaneous right action in real time.

Discover how our deepest sense of purpose emerges not through planning, but through presence, as well as the tool we can use to ensure we’re responsive to the changing need of the time.

The distinction may change the way you think about your entire path forward.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Spontaneous Right Action

[03:19] It’s Very Simple

[06:14] There’s Only One Thing

[09:02] What is All of This?

[12:03] What is the Relevance of Consciousness?

[13:25] The Agenda of the Universe

[15:56] Vedic Meditation – Awakening the Relationship Between Individuality and Universality

[17:50] Neuroplasticity

[20:46] A Cocktail of Bliss Chemicals

[23:42] Established in Being, Perform Action

[26:44] Complete Freedom

[29:20] Nishkam Kaṛma Yoga – Activity Hardly Done

Useful Links

A Display of Devotion - My Favorite Scene in The Ramayana

Thom Knoles — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 16:00:00 -0700

Vedic texts, apart from being full of wise insights and deep learning, are also highly entertaining tales. One of the most famous stories is that of The Ramayana, an epic that’s been told and retold for thousands of years.

In this episode, Thom recounts his favorite scene from The Ramayana, sharing both the grand scale of the scene, and the significance to the storyline of the devotion and integrity on display.

Timestamps:

[00:45] The Abdication of Rama

[04:40] A Mass Exodus

[09:20] City People are Better Off in the City

[11:23] The Magnanimous Consciousness of Rama

[14:03] An Epic Tale Was About to Begin

[16:10] The Origin of Mythos, Matrix and Motherhood

[19:15] Relatability with Villains and Heroes

[22:23] The Enduring Art of Storytelling

[25:26] A Worthy Read

Punya - A Reflection of Self-Realization

Thom Knoles — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 17:01:48 -0700

One of the many signs of self-realization, or spiritual progress, is a natural decline in attachment to having our desires fulfilled. Thom explored this in depth in an earlier episode on vairagya, or non-attachment.

Ironically, another hallmark of self-realization is that our desires actually become more likely to be fulfilled. In this episode, Thom explores why that is, through the lens of punya, a concept from the Vedic tradition.

As with most Vedic principles, punya isn’t something we need to believe in, it’s something we can verify directly through our own personal experience.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Support of Nature for Your Desires

[03:14] Degrees of Cosmic Intelligence

[07:21] Only Evolution is Happening

[09:16] How Big is Your Consciousness?

[12:11] Who is the I?

[15:26] Something Happened on the Way to Disneyland

[18:43] Spoiler Alert

[21:05] Leishavidya – The Faint Remains of Ignorance

[24:41] Nothing is Going Wrong

Useful Links

My Maharishi - Changing the World at 30,000 Feet

Thom Knoles — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 16:00:00 -0700

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was renowned as a man of small stature who made a big impact. His tireless commitment and the legacy of his work will be felt for millennia, not only for the meditation technique he shared with the world, but also for bringing Vedic wisdom to life for everyone to enjoy.

He was also known for holding high expectations of those around him. In this episode, Thom shares an anecdote about Maharishi delivering a practical lesson on what it means to be a responsible citizen.

Thom then expands on this theme, responding to audience questions about how each of us can step up and become the change we wish to see in the world.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Embracing the Collective

[03:19] Exciting Times for Three Travel Advocates

[06:04] Hot Potato Politics

[08:08] This is the World You Have to Change
[10:50] Do That Now

[12:07] Ask, Ask, Ask

[15:44] Q - Did You Complete the Assignment?

[15:59] Leaders Aren't Leading

[18:32] Change the World at the Individual Level

[20:27] The Bus Conductor Phenomenon

[23:31] The Light Inside

[25:16] Q - Are My Actions Ineffective?

[26:53] A - The Enlightened Grocer in Punjab

[29:05] Valuable Contact

[33:45] Compromising on Coffee for the Sake of Interactivity

[36:41] Meditate, Show Up, Interact

[38:06] Q - How Do You Stop Your Energy Being Drained?

[38:58] A - Stability and Adaptability Grows

[41:40] Not Nothing

[43:42] Off You Go

[46:27] The Pitfalls of Excess Generosity

Useful Links

Commandments, Charm vs Intuition, Déjà vu

Thom Knoles — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 16:00:00 -0700

Vedic Meditation isn’t just about creating a couple of spaces in the day to enjoy some peace and tranquility. In fact, we are less interested in what happens during our meditation than what happens outside of our meditation.

In this episode, Thom answers questions from listeners about commandments, charm, and déjà vu, which speak to the change of experience we can expect in day-to-day life.

Although the questions vary greatly, the answers share a consistent thread that can be easily supported by personal experience.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Q – Why are there no commandments or a rule book for life within the Veda?

[00:53] A – There is One Commandment

[05:19] Nivartatvam – Transcend Where You Are

[09:30] Q – Is Charm the Same as Intuition?

[09:33] A – The Fine Level of Feeling

[13:56] A – A Window of Opportunity

[17:43] Q – Is there a Vedic explanation for déjà vu?

[17:43] A – The Beginning Days of Cosmic Consciousness

[20:29] The Future in the Making

[22:12] From Deja Vu to De Rigueur

Useful Links

The Peculiar Idea of Conscience

Thom Knoles — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 16:00:00 -0700

One of the curious aspects of human nature is how widely our consciences can vary. Some people feel uneasy even after doing something relatively harmless, while others can commit truly terrible acts without their conscience so much as flinching.

In this episode, Thom explores how character forms the foundation of our conscience, while personality expresses it.

Thankfully, the Vedic worldview doesn’t leave us at the mercy of our flaws. Thom shares a time-tested approach that can transform even deeply flawed character traits and sharpen our ability to discern right from wrong.

Timestamps:

[00:45] Right vs Wrong

[02:28] Selflessness vs Selfishness

[04:30] Personality - The Delivery Mechanism for Character

[06:56] Changing Character and Conscience Through Vedic Meditation

[10:08] Developing Baseline Happiness

[13:05] Happiness Through Hedonism

[15:18] The Repercussions of an Identity Crisis

[17:22] Vedic Meditation as a Solution to an Addict Mentality

[18:40] Bliss Plus

[21:05] Ayurveda - Relevant Longevity

[23:02] A Great Conscience is a Reflection of Great Character

Useful Links

How to Find Your Soulmate

Thom Knoles — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 16:00:00 -0700

The idea that there can be a soulmate, a single person out there who is destined to bring fulfillment and who can promise a happily-ever-after ending, is a story that’s been told for millennia.

While it’s a compelling proposition, it’s actually based on a fundamental misunderstanding.

Thom uncovers that misunderstanding in this episode, but he delivers a more compelling proposition in its place. One that guarantees fulfillment, but without having to rely on winning the relationship lottery to make it happen.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Is There Such a Thing as a Soulmate?

[03:44] A Desire to Experience Unity With Someone

[05:59] Relationship is an Outlet for Fulfillment

[08:56] Don’t Wait for a Soulmate

[13:26] If You Have Self-realization, You Have a Soulmate

Useful Links

An Invitation to Become an Initiator of Vedic Meditation

Thom Knoles — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 19:55:04 -0700

In this bonus episode, Thom extends an invitation for Vedic Meditators worldwide to attend Thom’s Initiator Training program in 2026, to become a fully qualified teacher of Vedic Meditation.

For a Vedic Meditator, there is no greater level of knowledge, experience, capability, and standing available in our worldwide community than what is conferred by graduation from Thom’s Initiator Training program.

You will gain mastery over how to teach Vedic Meditation, strictly following Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's four-day course format and enjoy a lifetime of mentoring and personal support as you grow your teaching practice.

Initiator Training is a rare, not-to-be-missed opportunity to join Thom for training and bring the light of Vedic Meditation to the millions who await us.

You can find out more about Initiator Training at https://thomknoles.com/initiator-training/.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] 12 Weeks of Comprehensive and Evolutionary Training in India

[04:18] The Pinnacle of

Useful Links

Veda Vyasa: The Cosmic Storyteller

Thom Knoles — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 17:50:49 -0700

Modern day students have a great debt of gratitude to the Vedic masters who have captured and preserved Vedic wisdom for millennia, making it available for us to apply to our lives today.

One of the most prolific of these masters is Veda Vyasa, who is recognized as being responsible for documenting as much as three quarters of the Vedic literature, and organizing, or “sequencing” it, in such as way that we are still able to access and apply the wisdom even today.

In this episode, which includes questions from audience members, Thom gives as a brief insight into the life and work of Veda Vyasa, the Cosmic storyteller.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Vyasa - A Teller of Sequence

[03:59] The Many Names of Vyasa

[09:59] Sanskrit - Correlating Name and Form

[14:25] Recognizing Patterns in the Veda

[19:20] The Upavedas

[23:27] Mahabharata - The Epic of Great India

[25:54] The Play and Display of Elevational Theater

[29:08] Breaking the Fourth Wall

[32:00] Fabulous Stories Delivering Lessons to Live By

[35:25] A Comprehensive Body of Work

[39:43] Vedanta - The Final Conclusion

[43:10] An Invitation to Explore Vyasa’s Story with Thom

[45:49] The Connotative - The Proper View of Ancient Texts

[50:35] Q - Does Vyasa’s Breaking of the Fourth Wall Have Any Implications for Free Will?

[51:00] The Free Will to Determine Everything

[54:46] Changing the Storyline

[57:36] Q - Was Maharishi Mahesh Yogi the Vyasa of this Age?

[58:04] Demonstrating Vyasa-like Sequencing of Knowledge

[01:00:34] Reality is Different in Different States of Consciousness

[01:04:30] Sensory Perception Brings Oneness

Useful Links

Jai Guru Deva - Respect and Gratitude for Learning Anything From Anything

Thom Knoles — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0700

Regular listeners to the podcast are well familiar with the term Jai Guru Deva, which Thom says on most podcasts at least once or twice. But what does this phrase mean?

In this podcast, Thom explains the literal translation of the terms and its significance to those who say it.

As you will hear, far from being a platitude, it’s an invitation for those who say it and those who hear it, to reflect and show reverence for all the situations that have proved to be learning experiences in our life.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Across the Universe

[03:09] Same Same But Different

[06:27] A Universal Salutation

[09:17] Withstanding the Test of Time

[12:29] Respect and Gratitude for Learning Anything From Anything

Useful Links

The Good News About Climate Change

Thom Knoles — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0700

Are we too late to do anything about climate change? Many would argue that that’s the case, but are we even asking the right questions?

In this episode, recorded live in Sydney, Australia, in answer to a question from an audience member, Thom offers a more optimistic perspective about climate change than we might usually find.

Thom provides a framework for thinking about our environmental challenges that balances realism with hope, scientific understanding with ancient wisdom, and immediate action with long-term adaptation.

There are still opportunities to participate in upcoming events in Sydney. You can find out more at thomknoles.com/sydney.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Q - Can We Restore The Planet?

[01:47] A - We’re Not Going to Get There

[04:41] This Isn’t Our First Time

[07:31] Realistic Thinking

[10:01] There’s No Evolution Without Disruption

[12:46] Just Meditate, You’re Made of Stern Stuff

[15:17] It’s Not a Chore

[16:26] Learn Vedic Meditation

Useful Links

The Role of the Garden of Eden in the Cosmic Storyline

Thom Knoles — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0700

One thing that separates humans from other species is our ability, and in some cases our need, to have origin stories to explain who we are, how we got here, and what we should or shouldn’t be doing.

One of the most widespread of these stories is the Garden of Eden, with God, Adam and Eve taking starring roles, and the serpent in the supporting role.

In this episode, Thom takes a connotative look at the story of the Garden of Eden through the lens of the Vedic worldview. It’s a fresh perspective that gives us the opportunity to reconsider the lessons that might be behind this pivotal story.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] The Triumvirate

[03:09] The Forbidden Fruit

[06:17] Can You Surprise the Omniscient?

[09:33] Breaking Symmetry with Turiya

[13:28] Sophistication and Multitasking

[17:37] Restoring Contact with Cosmic Intelligence

[21:58] The Kingdom of Heaven is Within

[25:06] The Radical Effect of Learning Vedic Meditation

Useful Links

Transcending Co-dependence

Thom Knoles — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0700

We often celebrate codependence in nature, such as bees pollinating flowers and receiving nectar as their reward, yet when it comes to codependence in human relationships, it’s frequently seen as a problem that needs to be fixed.

In this episode, Thom gives us fresh perspectives on codependence, inviting us to celebrate our dependence on each other, while at the same time, learning to recognize when codependence has become dysfunctional.

Thom also offers up terminology to help us clarify the distinction between functional and dysfunctional codependence, giving us the means to avoid adding to the stigma that has evolved around codependence.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] We Cannot Live Without Dependency

[03:32] Co-addiction

[06:42] Freedom from the Tyranny of Addiction

[09:36] Going Beyond the Constraints of Individuality

[11:56] Vedic Meditation, Easier Than Just Having Everyday Thoughts

[14:38] You Have to Start with Yourself

[18:09] Survival vs Progress

[20:50] Survival is a Product of Evolution

Useful Links

Vairagya - Spontaneous Non-attachment

Thom Knoles — Sun, 25 May 2025 16:00:00 -0700

Detachment is frequently sold as a necessary step for spiritual progress. We’re taught that attachment is often the root of our suffering, so it stands to reason therefore, that detachment will bring about the opposite of suffering.

But as Thom explains in this podcast episode, it’s an understandable yet inaccurate conclusion that actually causes more suffering.

Thom brings clarity to the subject, using the Vedic concept of vairagya, a state of being that allows us to fully enjoy the fruits of life, without the bondage of attachment.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Maharishi Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras

[02:56] Siddhis - Developing Extraordinary Human Capabilities

[05:36] A Spontaneous State of Non-attachment

[09:48] A Witnessing Phenomenon

[12:55] A Consequence of the Practice of Vedic Meditation

[16:23] An Indication of Cosmic Consciousness

[19:08] The Freedom of Spontaneous Non-attachment

Useful Links

How to Take Control of Your Life

Thom Knoles — Sun, 18 May 2025 16:00:00 -0700

Many would be forgiven for thinking we don’t have much control over our circumstances in life or how we feel about them. At times it might feel like someone or something else is pulling the strings and we simply have to do our best to play along.

The Vedic worldview has a very different perspective, which Thom outlines in detail in this podcast episode.

Looking through the lens of “locus of control,” Thom explains how we can escape the mindset of inescapability, and learn to better navigate the ups and downs that life inevitably brings.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Locus of Control

[04:23] Self-Sufficiency and Field Independence

[07:03] The Hypnotizable Ones

[10:23] Mass Suggestibility

[12:50] The Anti-Hypnotic Benefits of Vedic Meditation

[15:48] Spontaneous Responsibility

[20:28] The Role of Disruption in Evolutionary Change

[23:02] The Downside of Contentment

[27:42] Phenomenal Adaptive Capacity

Useful Links

Introducing Shri 1008 Mahamandaleshwar Maharishi Vyasanand Giri Maharaj

Thom Knoles — Sun, 11 May 2025 16:00:00 -0700

Vedic Meditation is rooted in an ancient Indian tradition that has preserved Vedic wisdom for millennia. The Shankaracharya Tradition, like many others, has senior custodians who ensure this wisdom remains both pure and relevant.

In January 2025, Thom was honored with a role as one of these custodians, a distinction never before granted to a non-Indian. In this episode, Thom shares the story of his appointment and the ceremony where he received his new title, Shri 1008 Mahamandaleshwar Maharishi Vyasanand Giri Maharaj.

It’s a fascinating and colorful journey that will leave you in awe at the scale and significance of it.

Image courtesy of Leeroy Te Hira

Episode Highlights
[00:45] The Naranjani Akhara
[04:02] Maha Kumbha Mela - The Great Gathering of Gurus
[05:54] A Meaningful Title - Shri 1008 Mahamandaleshwar Maharishi Vyasanand Giri Maharaj
[08:38] A Common Lineage to Guru Deva, Swami Brahmananda Saraswati
[10:35] Instant Camaraderie
[13:26] Vedic Mantras Fit for the Occasion
[15:14] A Mountain of Petals and Shawls
[18:10] A Slow Exit
[20:37] Down to the River We Go
[25:26] A Cold Plunge and a Ride on a Chariot
[27:46] At Home in India
[31:06] Cultural Appropriation vs A Choiceless Duty to Perform

Useful Links

My Maharishi - Before He Met His Master

Thom Knoles — Sun, 04 May 2025 16:00:00 -0700

In this episode of the Vedic Worldview, Thom delves into the life and journey of his spiritual master, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, before Maharishi met his own master, Swami Bramhananda Saraswati, revered as Guru Deva.

The narrative follows Maharishi’s initial resistance to a conventional life, his commitment to spirituality, and his eventual acceptance into the spiritual fold after completing his studies.

It’s an unconventional early life, even by Indians standards, and one which set Maharishi on the course to becoming the figure responsible for making meditation known and practiced throughout the world.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Once Upon a Time

[03:11] Maha Khumba Mela

[06:15] Family Life

[08:10] An Uncle Makes a Connection

[11:41] “This is my master”

[14:32] “I don’t want a wife.”

[18:16] Unfinished Business

[20:34] From Physic Student to a Life of Service and Devotion

Useful Links

If Only… Living Life Without Regrets. Part Two

Thom Knoles — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 16:00:00 -0700

In Part One of this two-part series (see link below), Thom took us on a journey, exploring regret through the lens of unfulfilled desires.

In this episode, Thom helps us shift our perspective on “the rearview mirror,” showing us how we can look back at our past actions, words, thoughts and deeds, without regret.

It’s a simple yet powerful paradigm that doesn’t let us off the hook, so to speak, but it sets us up to make the most of our evolutionary progress.

If you haven’t yet listened to If Only… Living Life Without Regrets. Part One, you can do so here: https://thomknoles.com/podcast/life-without-regrets-1

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Buddha’s Hallway of Mirrors

[05:43] Something Good is Happening

[09:26] The Penitent Person

[14:34] Saṃskara

[17:41] You Are Not the Same You You Used to Be

[22:35] I am Better Today

Useful Links

If Only… Living Life Without Regrets. Part One

Thom Knoles — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 16:00:00 -0700

The role of desire is one of the most misunderstood facets of spiritual evolution.

Some schools of thought argue that we should transcend desires altogether, leading followers down a path of denial and disciplined detachment. This leaves many in a quandary, wondering why we are put to the test, surrounded by so many temptations.

In this episode, Part One of a two-part series, Thom holds forth on the Vedic worldview with respect to desire and how we can live a life without regrets for desires unfulfilled.

Discover why both obedience to desire's guidance and non-attachment to its fulfillment create the perfect balance for spiritual evolution. It’s a revolutionary approach that transforms our understanding of what it means to want.

Part Two of this series will be the next episode of The Vedic Worldview.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Unfulfilled Desires

[03:11] Reincarnation - Unfinished Business

[06:18] Liberation from the Wheel of Death and Rebirth

[09:00] Authorship of Desire: The Cause of Suffering

[12:54] Percival from Arkansas Goes to the Cinema

[15:31] Why am I having a desire?

[18:18] Nature’s Business

[21:22] Filled with Fulfillment

[24:56] Asteya and Vairagya

[28:02] The Pollution of Unfulfilled Desires

[31:31] What Are You?

[34:22] Human Doings

[38:48] Empirical Evidence Through Direct Experience

Useful Links

Q&A - Chakras, Sannyasi and Grihasthi

Thom Knoles — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 16:00:00 -0700

The global rise of yoga and meditation practices has introduced Sanskrit terminology to audiences worldwide. As Vedic wisdom continues to influence Western culture, Sanskrit words have become increasingly common in everyday conversations outside of India.

In this illuminating Q&A episode, Thom addresses listener questions about chakras, and the concepts of sannyasi (renunciate) and grihasthi (householder).

Thom dispels common misconceptions surrounding chakras, explaining their true significance in Vedic tradition, while also clarifying the authentic requirements and profound commitment necessary to genuinely embrace the sannyasi path.

Episode Highlights
[00:45] Q - How do chakras influence our lives?

[00:48] A - Gateways for Creative Intelligence

[03:14] Not That Important

[06:14] Q - Where did the fascination with Chakras come from?

[06:20] A - Too Much Object Referral

[08:53] Water the Roots

[12:38] Q - What’s the difference between a sannyasi and a grihasthi?

[12:43] Four Varnas - Life Stages

[17:32] Blessed Solitude

[19:44] It’s Better to Have a Guru

Useful Links

Can Vedic Meditation Help ADD/ADHD?

Thom Knoles — Sun, 06 Apr 2025 16:00:00 -0700

Diagnoses of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) are increasingly common. These conditions are often misunderstood and surrounded by controversy, particularly regarding the medications typically prescribed as treatment.

In this episode, in response to a listener question, Thom explores the topic through the Vedic perspective, presenting Vedic Meditation as a long-term, strategic solution to reduce reliance on medication.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Q - What’s the Vedic Take on ADHD?

[01:23] A - Distractible and Wiggly

[03:42] The State of Humanity

[05:22] A Deep Need for Boundlessness

[08:06] Focus is Overdone

[12:39] A Strategic Approach Through Vedic Meditation

[16:15] The Brain Becomes Global

[18:44] Exclusive Thinking is Not the Holy Grail

[22:25] All-Inclusive Thinking

Useful Links

Boons: Aligning with Cosmic Desire

Thom Knoles — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0700

From an early age, we grow up with stories that spark our desire for boons, or wishes fulfilled. We dream of finding our own version of Aladdin’s magic lamp, complete with a genie ready to grant our every wish.

While the Vedic worldview doesn’t embrace genies in a literal sense, the concept of boons does align with it. In this episode, Thom explores the true nature of boons and how we can cultivate “Cosmic desires” that increase the likelihood of them being realized.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Guru Purnima

[04:12] A Blessing

[07:18] Channeling a Cosmic Desire

[10:10] The Qualities of a Pure Desire

[12:30] Purifying the Desiring Mechanism

Useful Links

My Maharishi: Enlightenment Through Devotion

Thom Knoles — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Thom discusses the Guru Parampara, the Holy Tradition of Masters that have been the custodians of the wisdom behind Vedic Meditation for centuries.

He traces the lineage through notable figures such as Adi Guru Shankara and his disciples, especially Trotakacharya.

Thom notes the similarities between the experiences of Trotakacharya and his own master, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, focusing on their devotion to their gurus and how their willingness to serve led to their enlightenment.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Guru Parampara - The Holy Tradition

[05:24] The Four Disciples of Adi Guru Shankara

[09:52] A Devoted Simpleton

[13:11] A Shining Star Returns from the River

[16:10] Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Meets Guru Deva

[19:42] Maharishi Finds Himself in an Awkward Position

[22:23] “I Know English”

[24:32] Holding Wisdom Through Devotion and Adjusted Thinking

Useful Links

Sorry, Not Sorry

Thom Knoles — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0700

Words matter. The way in which we speak, and the words we use, reflect a great deal about how we perceive ourselves and how we perceive our place in the world.

In this unapologetically short episode, Thom invites us to consider whether or not we might be overusing the word sorry in our day-to-day interactions with one another. Considering the connection between sorry and sorrow, the alternatives Thom proposes may be more impactful than you might first think.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] A Life of Constant Sorrow

[02:34] Sarcasm and Narcissism

[04:41] You Deserve the Best

[06:47] Mea Culpa

[08:34] A Willingness to Take Responsibility for What We’re Experiencing

Useful Links

Cannabis' Effects on the Three Gunas

Thom Knoles — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0700

Cannabis is widely used for relaxation and is increasingly prescribed for therapeutic purposes. But what effect does it have on our internal “balance”?

In this episode, Thom addresses a listener's question about the relationship between cannabis use and the gunas—the balancing agents of Nature, as described in the Vedic worldview.

Thom explains why cannabis has an impact on the body, how it interacts with our natural systems, and why our body’s own “endogenous cannabinoids” provide a more sustainable and beneficial effect on our physiology.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Q - How does cannabis influence the three gunas?

[01:20] A - Gunas - Balance Agents of Nature

[04:27] Rajas and Tamas - Change and Inertia

[07:52] Go Beyond the Three Gunas

[11:32] Too Many Spinning Plates

[13:47] Endogenous and Exogenous Cannabinoids

[17:06] Endocannabinoids from Vedic Meditation

[20:11] Like Riding a Bike

[22:23] A Balanced State of Consciousness

Useful Links

Spend Some Quality Time With Thom

Thom Knoles — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0800

If you enjoy Thom's podcast, then we know you'd love spending quality time with Thom on his retreats in Sedona, Arizona, Gerringong, Australia, and Rishikesh, India. We wanted to give you a sample of what the retreat experience was like, so in this episode, we are sharing just a small portion of Thom's recent retreat in India.

As you'll hear, the atmosphere is intimate yet jovial and the Q&A sessions are engaging and interactive. On retreats, you get to explore subjects that might not normally be covered on the podcast, and you certainly get to hear stories from Thom that you wouldn't hear anywhere else.

Subjects covered in this snippet include, how to mend a broken heart, whether or not it’s ok to be “guru resistant,” the significance of the moon from the Vedic perspective, and the phenomena of “lunacy.”

We'd love to have you join us at one of Thom's upcoming retreats, so please sit back and enjoy this taste test of the retreat experience, then find out how you can join us in person at thomknoles.com/retreats. That's thomknoles.com/retreats.

PS: If you’d like to watch this episode on video, you can do so on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/nZhFM1UgFIc

Episode Highlights
[00:45] A Retreat Taste Test

[01:35] Q - How Can We Mend a Broken Heart?

[04:21] Something Good is Happening

[07:59] What’s the Vedic Worldview on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

[08:14] Ayurveda Has the Answers

[10:34] Q - Is it OK to be Guru Resistant?

[10:56] Scepticism vs Cynicism

[13:19] Beyond Reasonable Doubt

[16:11] Q - What is the Significance of the Moon in the Vedic Worldview?

[16:42] The Role of Mythos

[18:37] A Big Asteroid with Remarkable Qualities

[21:39] Surya Deva

[24:32] A Tremendous Amount of Prestige

[26:22] The Floodgates of Soma Are Open

[29:55] Soma Chandrah Namah

Useful Links
info@thomknoles.com

What is Rounding in Vedic Meditation?

Thom Knoles — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 09:53:36 -0800

Outside of India, the word yoga has come to mean various forms of dynamic exercises that test your flexibility and strength. Yoga is in fact much more than just these physical exercises, which are more correctly referred to as asanas.

And believe it or not, asanas weren’t created to make us look good in lycra! Asanas were first created to help prepare the body for meditation and union with The Absolute.

In this episode, Thom explains how asanas, pranayama and Vedic Meditation are used in combination, also called ‘Rounding,’ to give us ‘industrial-strength meditation’ and to accelerate the benefits we get from ‘standard’ meditation.

He talks about the importance of proper instruction and supervision so we can truly let go and, if necessary, have the support we need if deep stresses are released.

You can learn and practice Rounding at Thom’s annual retreats in Sedona, Arizona, and Gerringong, Australia. To find out more visit the retreats page on our website. https://thomknoles.com/vedic-meditation-retreats/.

Timestamps:

[00:45] Asana, Pranayama, Vedic Meditation

[02:49] Releasing Stress

[04:18] Proper Instruction Needed

[06:24] Industrial-Strength Meditation

[08:02] Don’t Try This at Home

[10:25] Heightened Consciousness States

[11:43] The Going-Home Program

The Relevance of the 25 Qualities of the Unified Field

Thom Knoles — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 16:00:00 -0800

Twentieth-century science made a groundbreaking discovery: the Unified Field. This concept revolutionized physics, prompting scientists to reconsider the completeness of the Newtonian understanding of the universe.

However, the Unified Field wasn't a new concept. Vedic Rishis and scholars have understood its existence for thousands of years, referring to it as "the field of Being."

In this episode, Thom explores the Vedic perspective on this Unified Field of Consciousness and how it applies to our daily lives.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Sankhya - The Cosmic Story Line
[04:21] Is-ness, Am-ness, I-ness, My-ness
[06:45] The 25 Qualities of the Unified Field of Consciousness
[08:54] Breaking of Symmetry
[13:09] Sequential Elaboration
[17:45] Dharma - What is the Most Relevant Thing for You to Be?
[21:07] Refreshing Our Relevance Through Vedic Meditation
[24:27] Removing Identities of the Past
[27:03] Not Just Any Meditation

Useful Links

How to Tame Your Inner Critic

Thom Knoles — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:00:00 -0800

While there’s no shortage of external critics ready to judge us on any given day, none can match the relentless voice of our own inner critic. Always prepared with an arsenal of “evidence” to justify its stance, this inner voice excels at “keeping us in our place,” often at the expense of our confidence and growth.

This poses a significant problem: countless human potential is squandered through self-diminishing inner dialogue.

In this episode, Thom sheds light on the nature of the inner critic, revealing that it’s far from a new phenomenon. He explains how it can be effectively overcome using a simple yet powerful technique—one that unlocks a wide range of transformative benefits.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] The Prosecutor and the Advocate

[03:53] The Discriminating Force

[06:02] Evolution of the Ego

[09:37] Biased Intellect

[12:41] Breaking the Cycle with Vedic Meditation

[15:24] I Am Totality

[18:41] A Schism Begins

[20:58] The Prosecutorial Intellect Capitulates: Self-Doubt Disappears

[23:48] It Takes a Thorn to Remove a Thorn

[28:12] Bring It On!

Useful Links

The Ultimate Discipline

Thom Knoles — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 16:00:00 -0800

Discipline is often hailed as the key to solving life’s challenges. We’re told that with enough discipline, we can change our habits, endure hardships, stay focused, and achieve our goals.

But can discipline sometimes backfire? Is it possible to become so rigid in our approach that we miss valuable opportunities or even create more problems than we solve?

In this episode, Thom introduces the concept of the “ultimate discipline.” He explains how this approach ensures we maintain the structure and focus we need while remaining flexible enough to adapt to the ever-changing demands of life.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Formulae for Self-Improvement
[03:49] The Evolutionary Storyline
[07:37] Forgetting to Think
[10:51] Vedic Meditation - The Ultimate Discipline
[12:54] A Non-Negotiable Phenomenon
[15:09] Control States
[18:37] Stop What You’re Doing
[21:31] Become an Invincible Human Being with a Fabulous Storyline

Useful Links

Established in Being, Perform Action

Thom Knoles — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 16:00:00 -0800

Unlike rules-based teachings prevalent in both modern and ancient texts, Vedic teachings are renowned for not prescribing commandments or rigid “rules.” Instead, Veda offer timeless wisdom through lessons that we can interpret and apply according to our level of consciousness.

One of the core Vedic teachings, The Mahabharata, contains a specific set of chapters known as the Bhagavad Gita — the Song of God. Within these chapters lies a profound teaching distilled into just five words that, if fully understood and implemented, have the power to end our suffering.

In English, these words are: “Established in Being, perform action.”

In this episode, Thom unpacks the meaning and transformative impact of this teaching. He also shares the technique that enables all of us to integrate this wisdom into our daily lives.

If you’d like to dive deeper into the Bhagavad Gita, we invite you to take a look at Thom’s Exploring the Bhagavad Gita series of courses.

These engaging and lively courses examine how the ancient and profound lessons of the Bhagavad Gita can be applied to modern life.

You can find out more at https://thomknoles.com/bhagavad-gita/,

Episode Highlights

[00:45] The God Song

[03:34] Mahabharata

[05:29] Pandavas and Kauravas

[08:12] Krishna’s Choice: Army or Advisor/Charioteer?

[09:47] Arjuna’s Dilemma

[13:09] Go Beyond All Relativity, Perform Action

[16:29] How to Solve All Problems

[19:11] Brahman Saṃsparsash: The Kiss of Totality

[22:12] The Universe Having a Human Experience

Useful Links

Criticism, Manipulation, Verbal Abuse

Thom Knoles — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0800

We often find ourselves unsettled by the words of others—criticism, manipulation, and verbal abuse are just a few examples of communication that can feel hurtful. But does it have to be this way?

In this Q&A episode, Thom explains with clarity who truly holds responsibility for the hurt caused by critical or unkind words. The best part? By following his recommendations, you can free yourself from ever being at the mercy of someone else’s words again.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Q - How do we positively handle criticism?

[00:50] A - Your Critics Are Your Best Friends

[02:54] Thank You

[05:50] Q - How should we respond to criticism when it’s harsh?

[05:56] A - With Compassion and Gratitude

[09:13] We Want to Find the Gold

[10:39] Q - What’s the best way to handle manipulation or manipulative behaviors?

[10:45] A - Manipulative Behavior Requires a Reward

[13:44] A Suffering Competition

[16:32] The Greatest Crime Against Nature

[17:59] Q - Can you share any strategies for responding to verbal abuse?

[18:03] A - Just a Noise

[20:02] A - They Must Be Suffering

Useful Links

The Distinction Between Kama and Prema

Thom Knoles — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0800

Sanskrit is a beautiful language that captures subtle distinctions that English and other modern languages often cannot.

Take the word “love,” for example. In English, this word spans a wide net of emotions and feelings. For example, love can describe feelings a parent has for their child, as well as the fondness someone might feel for a football team or a favorite brand of chocolate.

In this week’s podcast episode, Thom explores the distinction between two Sanskrit words often translated as "love"—kama and prema—and reveals their unique and separate meanings.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Puruṣārtha

[03:59] Kama

[04:35] Pleasure Experienced Through the Senses

[07:19] Prema

[09:58] Love is So Ill-Defined

[12:35] Vedanta

[15:02] Prema and Kama: A Dynamite Package

[18:05] The Crest Jewel of Discrimination

Useful Links

Narcissism - The Cause and a Solution

Thom Knoles — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0800

It’s common to label someone as a narcissist, but while we often think of narcissism as excessive self-regard, the ultimate cause might be quite different. In fact, narcissism may stem from an underlying insecurity rather than an inflated sense of self-worth.

In this episode, Thom explains the root causes of narcissism and shares key indicators of narcissistic behavior. Importantly, he encourages us to approach narcissists with compassion and offers a potential solution for those who recognize narcissistic tendencies in themselves.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Narcissus

[04:48] Somebody Has Done This to Me

[06:49] The Narcissist’s Caveat

[08:42] One-Upmanship

[11:30] An Impostor Syndrome

[14:50] An Underlying Feeling of Desperation

[17:40] Reconstructed Life Stories

[19:48] Calming Narcissism Through Vedic Meditation

[23:21] The Effects of Vedic Meditation on Narcissism

Useful Links

How to Manage Dopamine and Other Feel-Good Chemicals Naturally

Thom Knoles — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0800

The pursuit of altered states of consciousness through substances like drugs and alcohol is an age-old practice. Despite their potential risks and negative consequences, these substances continue to be widely used with an increasing variety of options available.

In recent decades, a new challenge has emerged: the conscious or unconscious manipulation of our body's feel-good chemistry. Activities like excessive social media use, compulsive shopping, and overindulgence in sugary foods can trigger dopamine releases, creating a short-lived sense of pleasure.

This "more-is-better" mentality often leads to addiction and various chronic health issues.

In this episode, Thom explores the impact of the more-is-better mentality and proposes a more balanced and sustainable approach to well-being. By focusing on natural methods, such as Vedic Meditation, we can harness our body's innate ability to produce feel-good chemicals without relying on external substances or compulsive behaviors.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] An Obsession With Control

[02:53] Dopamine Should be Left Alone

[05:41] Scurvy: The Unintended Consequence of Vitamin C Supplements

[09:05] It's Better for You to De-Excite

[11:34] Active Ingredient Mentality

[14:22] Undesirable Effects

[16:48] Nature Knows Best How to Organize

[18:56] It's What You Do with What You Eat

[21:48] Awaken Perfect Balance in the Human Brain

Useful Links

Got Questions on Your Mind?

Thom Knoles — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 16:00:00 -0800

In this episode, Thom explores the corners of the mind, in response to listener questions about various aspects of the mind: how we think, what we think, why we do things, and so on.

Thom answers the perpetual question about controlling the subconscious mind and sets the record straight on using affirmations.

Thom also gives us a shortcut to overcoming motivational blocks and provides a sustainable solution for anyone who lacks self-compassion or struggles with feelings of low self-worth.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Q - What’s the best way to control your subconscious mind?

[00:49] A - Avoid it Like the Plague

[03:01] Become One with the Home of All the Laws of Nature

[06:39] Q - Do Affirmations Make a Difference?

[06:42] A - The Opposite is True and I’m Trying to Make it True

[08:18] Internalized Locus of Control

[10:43] Aham Brahmasmi - I am Totality

[14:23] Go Beyond Thought Entirely

[16:22] Q - How can I overcome motivational blocks?

[16:26] A - Choicelessness is the Hallmark of Cosmic Motivation

[19:26] Tidings of Comfort and Joy

[23:03] Q - How can I overcome a lack of compassion for myself and feelings of low self-worth?

[23:10] A - Think Like a Scientist

[25:32] Support of the Bank of Goodwill

[27:14] “But, but…”

[29:29] You Have Infinite Potential

[32:04] Equip Yourself Properly with Vedic Meditation

Useful Links

Overcoming Loneliness in a Disconnected World

Thom Knoles — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 16:00:00 -0800

There are more humans on the planet today than ever before, and we have more ways of connecting with each other than ever before, yet loneliness has reached epidemic proportions.

The World Health Organization (WHO) launched an international commission on the problem last year, reporting that the health risks from loneliness are as bad as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day and are even greater than those associated with obesity and physical inactivity.

The US Surgeon-General released a report on Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, reporting that even in the years prior to Covid lockdowns, about one-in-two adults in America reported experiencing loneliness. And Japan, one of the most densely populated countries in the world, even has a minister in charge of measures for loneliness and isolation.

Thom outlines some solutions to loneliness in this podcast episode, reminding us that connectivity and connection are very different things, and that, ultimately, it’s our job to make ourselves socially relevant.

Thom also outlines an advantage that Vedic meditators have, making it possible to be alone while still enjoying rich company.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Pheromone Clouds

[02:50] Adaptive Mechanisms

[05:36] Enriching Our Presence Through Vedic Meditation

[07:03] Stepping Out of the Illusion of Loneliness

[08:56] Social Chocolate

[11:36] Sociological Exercise

[13:16] Social Relevance

[14:28] Human Interaction - Surgeon General Recommended

Useful Links

The Myth of Hard Work

Thom Knoles — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 16:00:00 -0800

Hard work is often worn as a badge of honor. If someone works hard, then they “deserve” their successes. We might even say they have a “good” work ethic.

But if someone appears to attain a particular outcome without working hard, we might say they’ve got it too easy. Too easy compared to what?

Thom gives us some very clear guidelines in this episode on how to let Nature guide us on just how much effort is actually required for us to fulfill our dharma and to effectively meet the need of the time.

Thom also helps us understand the distinction between effort and hard work. As is always the case, it’s merely a matter of perspective.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Reclassifying Success

[03:39] Suffering is a Mistake

[06:24] Kriya - Frictionless Flow of Activity

[08:09] Michelangelo Liberating the Captives

[10:23] Stop Being Merely an Individual

[12:37] Hard Work Insinuates Suffering

[14:52] You Are Nature

Useful Links

How to Cope with Toxic Behavior

Thom Knoles — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 16:00:00 -0800

If you’ve noticed an increase in the use of the word “toxic” in relation to human behavior in recent years, you’d be right. Its use has become so prevalent, that Oxford Dictionaries named "toxic" as their Word of the Year in 2018.

Oxford noted a 45% increase in lookups for the word on their website and observed its expanded usage beyond its literal meaning to describe various social and political issues.

Of course, it’s tempting to look for causes and attempt to fix them at the source. The rise in the use of social media, for example, has undoubtedly contributed to this increase, so we might be tempted to control toxicity there.

Thom proposes a radically different cause in this episode, backing it up with a solution that puts us in control of potentially toxic behavior around us, rather than being at the mercy of it.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Toxophilus - Poisoned Arrows

[02:56] Source of All, Course of All, Goal of All

[05:14] Too Big to Be Made Toxic

[07:58] The Capacity to Be Toxified

[09:21] Robust and Resilient

[12:25] Overloads of Experience

[14:19] Premature Cognitive Commitments

[16:06] Unprecedented Rest Through Vedic Meditation

[18:56] A Net Position of Structural Integrity

[20:10] Attain to Personal Invincibility

Useful Links

How to Control Election Outcomes

Thom Knoles — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 16:00:00 -0800

Most listeners of The Vedic Worldview live in democracies and are all too familiar with the fact that irrespective of who is elected, there will always be a faction of the population who is disappointed and another who is pleased with the outcome.

For those on the side of disappointment, many times the next thought that occurs is despondency or powerlessness. “What was my vote all for?” they might ask.

While it might seem like one vote has little impact, Thom suggests otherwise. In this episode, he shares how Vedic meditators, in particular, have a unique ability to influence outcomes—not through politics, but by elevating collective consciousness.

Thom explains that true power for change doesn’t lie in government institutions like Congress or Parliament but in our capacity to transform consciousness.

This episode revisits and continues with the themes from a previous discussion, The Crisis of Governance and Your Role in Its Resolution. You can listen to it here: https://thomknoles.com/podcast/crisis-governance-role-resolution/.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] The Origins of Governance

[03:56] The Concept of Democracy

[06:46] The Average of the Collective

[08:55] Step Out of Mistaken Intellect

[11:48] Ultimate Identity

[14:43] The Importance of Direct Experience

[17:31] Be a Satisfactory Citizen

[19:57] Dharma - Your Personal Role in the Evolution of Things

[22:01] I’m Not in Charge of What I’m Experiencing

[24:50] Escaping an Impossible Situation

[28:14] A Critical Mass for a Phase Transition

[30:06] The Temperature of the Collective

[32:14] Radiate Life for All to Enjoy

Useful Links

Questions About Social Discomfort

Thom Knoles — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 16:00:00 -0800

Welcome to another Q&A episode, with Thom fielding a range of questions from listeners with a common thread of social discomfort.

Thom holds forth on the subjects of social division, embarrassment, how to accept compliments gracefully, how to strengthen relationships in tough times, and anger, specifically whether or not enlightened masters can be angry.

As always, it’s an episode with universal appeal that could potentially tick off a few boxes in your own evolutionary journey.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Q - Why are people so divided right now?

[00:48] A - Destructive Normalization

[02:05] Mistaken Identity

[04:03] The It-ification of Other Humans

[05:51] Be an Inspiration to Others to Learn Vedic Meditation

[08:07] Q - How can we recover after embarrassing ourselves?

[08:11] A - Get Yourself a Sense of Humor

[09:53] The Human Condition is Not a Serious Condition

[12:09] Q - How can I accept compliments gracefully?

[12:19] A - Words Can’t Even Express Your Greatness

[14:11] Thank You

[16:44] Q - How can we strengthen a relationship during tough times?

[16:49] A - Alliances vs Relationships

[19:33] Honor the Best Interests of Each of You

[21:28] Vedic Meditation Reminds You Who You Really Are

[23:09] Work on Our Capacity to Give

[25:16] Q - Can enlightened masters be angry?

[25:20] A - Moments of Strong Expression

[27:32] Be Masterful Without Being Angry

Useful Links

What's it Like to Be You? Understanding Empathy

Thom Knoles — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 16:00:00 -0800

Being an empath might seem like a gift—experiencing what someone else is going through must surely deepen our understanding of one another.

But in this podcast, Thom brings a surprising twist to the concept. He explains that not all empathy is created equal; different levels of empathy can lead to very different outcomes. While some forms can unintentionally add to our suffering, "high-grade empathy" is what actually alleviates it.

Thom leaves us with a clear sense of how to cultivate this higher level of empathy so we’re better equipped to bring true comfort and understanding into our interactions.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Direct Experience of Being Another

[02:56] Moving in the Direction of Unity Consciousness Through Vedic Meditation

[05:47] An Extension of One’s Own Inner Self

[07:55] Big Toe Consciousness

[09:39] Siddhis - Extraordinary Human Capabilities

[11:52] Limping Dog Suffering

[13:42] Capability to Alleviate Suffering

[15:35] You Are Totality

[18:01] Knowledge is for Action

Useful Links:

The Purpose of Education

Thom Knoles — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 16:00:00 -0800

In a world where education is available to nearly everyone, one might expect that the major challenges facing humanity would have been solved by now, leading to a more prosperous and harmonious existence.

But, as we can clearly see, that’s far from the reality.

In this episode, Thom explores the underlying cause: education today is focused on the wrong outcomes.

Thom offers a profound solution—an approach that cultivates students who are able to tap into infinite creative intelligence, unlocking problem-solving abilities far beyond what mere knowledge accumulation can provide.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] What Is a Problem For You?

[02:35] Archimedes and Leverage

[06:29] Do You Have Problem-Solving Techniques?

[08:10] University - Unified Diversity

[10:51] What Kind of Human Have They Become?

[12:29] Credentialed Persons

[13:45] Highly-Qualified Uber Drivers

[15:17] Knowledgeable in Very Certain Areas

[17:23] Ignore, Ignore, Ignore

[20:53] Increase Knowledge of the Knower

[22:51] Knowledge of the Knower

[24:57] Vedic Meditation Awakens the Home of All Knowledge

Useful Links

Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga

Thom Knoles — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 08:57:48 -0800

One could easily spend a lifetime exploring Vedic literature and still barely scratch the surface in terms of the wisdom that’s available to us. Between the four Vedas, Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Atharva Veda and Yajur Veda, the Upanishads, the Brahma Sutras, the six schools of Vedic philosophy, and countless other written and oral texts or translations, there’s no shortage of avenues to explore.

And even if you could absorb them all in a lifetime, you’d probably need to reread them to understand them from a more evolved point of view.

Fortunately, the Vedic worldview is that all this wisdom is experiential, and we can shortcut the process of attaining wisdom through “knowledge of the Knower.”

Thom provides an example of this in this assessment of Patanjali's Eight Limbs of Yoga, a subset of The Yoga Sutras.

Thom clarifies that the piecemeal approach of trying to check off the eight limbs through our actions in order to attain the state of Yoga, is a misguided approach to take, and that practicing Vedic Meditation provides an express route that accelerates our personal evolution.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] The Yoga Sutras

[02:36] Ashta Anga

[03:44] Yoga - Unification

[06:27] Samadhi

[07:39] The Simultaneous Arrival of Balance

[09:57] 1. Yama and Its Five Qualities

[13:21] Outcomes vs Causes

[15:05] 2. Niyama and Its Five Observances

[20:18] 3. Asana - The Sequential Elaboration of Limbs

[23:32] Asana for Transcendence

[24:51] 4. Pranayama - Administration of Breath

[27:00] 5. Pratyahara - Inward Intentionality

[29:31] Reversing Habits of the Senses

[32:05] 6. Dharana - Inward Movement

[33:41] 7. Dhyana - Arriving at the Subtlest Layer of Thought

[35:14] 8. Samadhi - Being Knows Itself

[36:50] Samadhi Affects Yama

[39:50] Spontaneous Self-Sufficiency

[41:34] Samadhi Affects Niyama

[45:09] Samadhi Affects All Other Limbs

[46:56] A Process of Verification and Validation

Useful Links

https://thomknoles.com/ask-thom-anything/
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Revenge vs Justice

Thom Knoles — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0700

We often hear cries for justice when what’s being called for is actually revenge. So, what exactly is justice? And how do we distinguish the difference between the two?

In this episode Thom lays out the Vedic perspective on revenge and justice, giving us clear guidelines to follow, and indicators on when we might have favored revenge over justice.

Fortunately the distinction between the two is unambiguous and will leave us in no doubt moving forward as to whether we are leaning towards justice or revenge in our actions.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Restoration of Balance

[05:03] Was It Just?

[07:33] Misguided Avengers

[10:28] Satisfaction Through Moksha - Liberation

[12:50] Karma - Actions or Thoughts That Bind You

[15:43] A Futile Act

[19:48] Does Nature Know What It's Doing?

[21:33] Aham Brahmasmi - I Am Totality

[23:53] Further Studies

Useful Links

Leela Shakti - Play Power

Thom Knoles — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0700

One thing that sets the Vedic worldview apart from other schools of thought is the notion that everything that we get to witness, every form, every phenomena, is the unfolding of an epic story.

Thom explains the mechanism of evolution in this episode, including the infinite organizing power that it takes for stories to play out, with play being the operative word. Seeing our lives unfold in this way offers us an opportunity to reconsider our own stories from a vast, more Universal perspective.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] The Writing of the Gods

[02:53] The Infinite Organizing Power Attributed to The Feminine

[04:50] Play Power of The Totality

[07:41] Simplicity to Sophistication

[09:15] Sequential Elaboration

[11:55] Elevational Theater

[14:04] Plateaus and the Status Quo

[16:02] Leela Shakti and the History of The Universe

Useful Links

Karma, Charm, Art, and Suffering

Thom Knoles — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Listeners are steering the ship once again, in our latest Q&A episode.

Thom answers a question about karma and how it fits into the dynamics of our relationships. It turns out that it’s our relationship with our Self that matters most.

Thom also tackles a question about charm, in particular, how we can adapt when charm doesn’t seem to be as supported by Nature as we would expect.

Finally, Thom gives a definitive answer to the age-old question, can there be art without suffering? It’s a question that could easily be answered with one word, but Thom provides a rationale that leaves us in no doubt about the role of suffering in art.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Q - How do karmic relationships with others work?

[01:20] A - Karma: Action That Binds You

[03:24] The Knot of Karma

[05:22] Kṛiya - Spontaneous Right Action

[07:29] Untying the Knots of Karma

[09:25] Moving in the Direction of Kṛiya

[12:15] Vedic Meditation - Losing the Tendency to Create Problems

[14:12] Q - How can I understand the nuances of charm?

[14:52] A - A Big Bundle of Capability

[16:55] Charm and Aversion

[18:52] Thinning Out of Charm

[20:02] Moving from Capability to the Field of Need

[22:27] Witnessing vs. Engaging

[23:53] Witnessing the Self in Action Through Others

[26:03] Engage or Witness: Do What You Can

[27:45] Q - Can There Be Art Without Suffering?

[27:47] A - The Most Artistically Productive Era?

[29:25] What Creates Great Art?

[30:33] Artistic Talents Despite Suffering

[32:17] The Artistic Gift

Useful Links

Kumbha Mela - A Celebration Like No Other

Thom Knoles — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0700

If you've ever wondered where one of the world's most astonishing gatherings takes place, look no further than the Kumbha Mela. This grand festival of spiritual significance draws tens of millions of devotees from around the globe in a display of harmony, wisdom and tolerance like no other.

Having been to several Kumbha Melas over the past 50 years, and currently preparing to attend the next Kumbha Mela in January 2025, Thom is well equipped to give us a small but enticing glimpse into the significance and the spectacle of this truly unique phenomenon.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] A Contained Celebration

[03:25] Triveni - Where Three Sacred Rivers Meet

[06:03] Maha Kumbha Mela

[08:10] Diversity of the Mela

[10:05] Millions at Kumbha Mela

[12:41] Ardh Kumbha Mela

[14:50] Kumbha Mela 2025

[16:29] Maintaining Order and Safety

[18:52] Om Namah Shivaya

[20:37] A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

Useful Links

The Great Puruṣārtha - Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha

Thom Knoles — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Followers of Vedic wisdom often refer to the four goals, Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha, as something we should aspire to in our lives.

While these are, indeed, qualities that mark our level of consciousness, in this episode, Thom clarifies the status of these four qualities. In doing so, he also clarifies the meanings of each of the four qualities, which are often referred to in overly simplistic, and slightly misleading terms.

As always, Thom will put the horse back in front of the cart, and equip us with a process that will ensure we embody these four qualities to the best of our ability at all times.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] The Four Goals

[05:30] Your True Dharma

[08:00] Tat Wale Baba - Abundant in All Things

[10:27] No Abundance: What a Terrible Life

[12:41] What True Abundance Looks Like

[14:26] The Ability to Extract Maximum Pleasure

[17:11] Living in a Dual Awareness

[19:15] Attaining Puruṣārtha Through Vedic Meditation

[21:45] Self-Realization by Numbers

[23:57] The Process is the Outcome

[26:03] Measuring Rods of Enlightenment

Useful Links

Laws of Nature - How to Align with Evolution and Avoid Suffering

Thom Knoles — Sun, 22 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Most of us think of laws of Nature as being those laws that determine how the environment behaves on a physical level. The Vedic worldview expands the scope of these laws to include consciousness itself, and its constantly-evolving intentions.

This effectively makes Nature a conscious entity, hence why you’ll often find us spelling it with a capital N.

In this episode Thom gives us a masterclass on how to live in alignment with the laws of Nature, taking into consideration not just the variability of the physical laws of nature, with a small n, but also the ever-changing intentions of Nature, with a big N.

It’s an approach that guarantees to reduce, and ultimately eliminate suffering from our lives.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Q - What Are the Laws of Nature?
[00:51] A - Patterns of Cause and Effect
[02:25] Elegance - The Pinnacle of Sophistication
[04:12] Science's Evolving View of Nature
[06:31] Laws that Change With the Need of the Time
[08:36] A Universe Becoming Conscious of Itself
[10:58] Your Role in the Evolutionary Flow
[12:58] Survival Through Evolution
[15:24] Survival is a Product
[17:20] Reduce Suffering - Act in Tune with Nature
[19:07] Vedic Meditation and Laws of Nature
[21:08] Be The Universe
[23:44] Survival is a Product of Evolution
[25:42] Theory + Practice = Science
[28:15] Practice Vedic Meditation and Become an Effective Agent of Evolution

Useful Links

What is the Impact of Witnessing an Eclipse?

Thom Knoles — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Many people go to great lengths to view eclipses, sometimes traveling thousands of miles to witness the shadow of the Moon passing across the Sun or the shadow of the Earth crossing the Moon.

In Jyotish, or Vedic Astrology, however, such events can be seen as inauspicious, and the recommendation might be that we take shelter from them rather than expose ourselves to them.

But such things are not so cut and dry. In this episode, Thom proposes that the impact of an eclipse depends, as does the impact of most things, on the consciousness state of the observer.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Parashara Saṃhita

[02:40] Self-referral Consciousness and Object-referral Consciousness

[05:59] What's in the Sky and What's Not in the Sky

[09:00] Who are You and What are You?

[11:10] What is the Nature of the Knower?

[13:15] Degrees of Suffering

[16:23] Reinforcing Totality Consciousness Through Vedic Meditation

[18:58] A Little Bit of a Muddying Effect

Useful Links

Quantum Mechanics for Beginners

Thom Knoles — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0700

When we think of quantum mechanics, most of us conjure up images of nutty professors and blackboards filled with incomprehensible equations. Though quantum mechanics does indeed have a lot to do with seemingly incomprehensible math, the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics are well worth understanding as they give us a fresh perspective on which to view the Universe we live in.

In this episode, Thom gives us a lay-person overview of the essentials of quantum mechanics. Importantly, he explains how our consciousness shapes our world and why we should always question our assumptions.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] The Quest for Quarks

[04:33] Ignore That

[07:28] The Ultimate Discovery of Physics

[09:30] Consciousness in Physics

[11:28] There Are No Particles

[13:01] Questioning Assumptions

[15:50] You Live in a Universe that is a Response to Your Expectation

[19:15] The Aristotelian Demand

Useful Links

Spiritual Mediums, Right and Wrong, Partners Who Don't Meditate

Thom Knoles — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Listeners are running the show again today, with another of our popular Q&A sessions.

This time around, Thom tackles a question on spiritual mediums, and whether we can trust what they say. His answer may surprise you.

He also answers a question about right and wrong, using the Bhagavad Gita to set the context for spontaneous right action.

And he also puts a listener’s mind at rest, in answer to a question about whether a Vedic meditator can successfully be in a relationship with a non meditator.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Q - Are spiritual mediums communicating with people who have passed away?

[01:11] A - Accuracy and Purpose of Mediumship

[03:26] A Misunderstanding of What It's Like to be Dead

[05:30] Communicating from One State to Another

[07:13] How Exact Are the Medium-Delivered Messages?

[08:40] Vedic Meditation is More Effective Than Seeking Messages from the Departed

[10:16] Limitations of Mediums in Spiritual Communication

[11:55] Controlling Behavior Towards the Departed

[13:29] Let Go of the Need to Control and Embrace Self-Sufficiency

[14:49] Q - Is There a General Right and Wrong in Life?

[15:50] Q - The Paradox of Right and Wrong

[16:54] The Bhagavad Gita

[19:08] Thinking From the Narrow End of the Funnel

[21:41] Spontaneous Right Action

[23:52] Q - Can a Vedic Meditator be in a Relationship With a Non-Meditator?

[24:46] A - We Want the Pizzaz

[26:56] Consciousness Dynamics in Relationships

[29:03] Embrace and Learn from Each Other’s Views

[30:46] Being Different Makes Relationships Better

Useful Links

Yagyas - Awakening Impulses of Creative Intelligence

Thom Knoles — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Ceremonial fires have been used in most cultures for millenia. Often these fires just have a symbolic purpose, but the Vedic worldview has a particular use of fire, in combination with sounds and offerings, which has a specific impact on consciousness itself.

In this episode, Thom gives an entry-level view of yagyas, a fascinating and specialized process that can be used to awaken impulses of creative intelligence and allow us to reveal more of what Nature intends for us. A yagya is a bridge between desire and manifestation, so to speak, giving us a helping hand to make our potential a reality.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Sanskrit - The Unambiguous Language

[03:41] Awakening the Impulses of Creative Intelligence

[05:59] Name and Form are Infinitely Correlated Indeed

[07:50] Serving the Intention of the Knower

[10:38] Stirring the Depths of Consciousness

[12:27] Agni - The Sound Nature Makes When Intending Fire

[15:29] Bring Forth All the Gifts

[18:22] Favorable Conditions in the Consciousness of the Knower

[20:06] Increasing Capability

Useful Links

Who’s Who: Understanding Sanskrit Titles

Thom Knoles — Sun, 18 Aug 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Sanskrit terminology has been slowly creeping into common usage outside of India, quite often incorrectly. Yoga, for example, has a widely understood meaning outside of India, which doesn’t reflect the actual meaning of the word.

In this episode, Thom explains the meaning behind many of the titles applied to or bestowed upon various positions within the Vedic realm. You’ll learn the definitions for titles such as swami, yogi, yogini, and guru and understand the true meaning of these terms.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Umbrella Terms

[02:22] Acharya

[04:04] The Figurative Meaning

[05:59] The Connotative Meaning

[06:32] Grihasta and Grihasti

[09:15] Vanaprasta and Vanaprasti

[12:04] Sannyasz

[15:58] Yogi

[16:57] Guru

[17:44] Mahamandaleshwar, Swami and Akhara

[20:51] Maharaj

[23:37] Pandit or Pundit

[24:50] Maharishi, Maharishika

[26:50] Satguru or Sadguru

[28:43] Sadhu, Saddhaka, Saddhaki

[30:03] Shishya or Shishyi

[30:03] Swami

[32:01] Yogi, Yogini and Yoga

Useful Links

The Bhagavad Gita - Lessons in Life from the Battlefield

Thom Knoles — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 12:00:00 -0700

The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most pivotal spiritual texts of all time. Its teachings have been taught for millenia throughout India, and outside of India for the past 100 years or so, inspiring billions with insights into how we can reduce suffering in our own lives.

In this episode, Thom gives us a brief introduction to the Bhagavad Gita as a primer for his upcoming three-day course in which he’ll take a deep dive into the subject, alongside fellow Vedic Meditation Initiator and Vedic literature aficionado, Jamey Hood. You can find out more about the upcoming course at https://thomknoles.com/bhagavad-gita/.

Note: The prerequisite of Thom’s new course on the Bhagavad Gita is the completion of a qualified Vedic Meditation training.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Song of God

[04:46] The Mahabharata

[07:21] Veda Vyasa

[10:27] The Kurus

[14:02] A Battlefield at Kurukshetra

[16:46] A Deal with Krishna

[19:05] Arjuna - The Invincible Archer

[21:09] I Won't Fight!

[24:03] The Despondency of Arjuna

[26:07] Learning to Meditate on the Battlefield

[29:44] Transcend the Problem

[31:28] What Makes a War Story so Pivotal?

[35:30] Fulfillment is a Consciousness State

[37:26] The Ultimate Spiritual Experience

[39:13] A Study Course with Thom

Useful Links

Masculinity in the Modern Age

Thom Knoles — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 16:00:00 -0700

What does it mean to be masculine in the modern age?

In this episode, Thom strips the discussion back, questioning not just the premise of masculinity, but also the premise of modernity.

Thom invites us to reset our expectations of ourselves and others, and to reevaluate our apparent need to compartmentalize behaviors.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Terribly Modern

[03:16] What Does It Means to Be a Human?

[05:31] Journey from Zygote to Human

[07:27] Omnisexuality: Our True Nature

[11:22] The Crazy Tiger

[13:58] Cultural Inventions

[16:14] Ardhanarishvara: The Balance of Masculine and Feminine

[18:04] Being vs. Doing: What It Means to Be Human

Useful Links

The Science and Art of Mantras

Thom Knoles — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 16:00:00 -0700

In the modern world, mantras come in all shapes and sizes. Though they originate from the Vedic tradition, it’s becoming more and more common to see/hear mantras used in a more modern context, as political slogans or even as a rallying cry to get people behind a common cause.

Modern and ancient mantras all have a similar purpose, to alter the thinking of the listener and/or the speaker of the mantra.

In this episode, Thom Knoles delves into the origins and concept of mantras, and explores the various functions and intentions of some mantras that have been used consistently for thousands of years.

Thom explains the functional differences and applications of these mantras, including their role in Vedic Meditation and their broader use in various aspects of life. It’s a deep dive into the scientific and practical aspects of mantras, providing insights into their transformative potential.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Name and Form are Infinitely Correlated

[03:09] Denotative vs. Connotative Meaning of Mantra

[04:44] Nivar Tatvam - Go Where You Are Not

[08:00] Bija Mantra - Working on the Level of Sound

[09:51] Right Mantra for the Right Person

[11:48] Drawing Towards the Source of Thought

[13:34] Effortlessness is a Skill Set

[16:02] Vaidya Mantras

[18:53] Om and Omkaraz

[22:01] Gayatri Mantra and Surya Namaskar

[24:25] Rishi - A Seer of Vedic zSounds

[26:40] Sanskrit: The Sound of Nature's Intention

[29:24] Expressive vs. Symbolic Languages

[31:13] Thought-inducing Mantras

[33:02] Mantras for All Occasions

Useful Links

The Fallacy of Control

Thom Knoles — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Most of us attempt to control other people or situations more often than we like to admit it. Much of the time we’re not even conscious of it, but control shows up in our lives in so many ways.

In this episode, Thom addresses the fallacy of control. This is a series of curated questions and answers from Thom’s online Satsang community, a resource for receiving lectures, sharing group meditations, and submitting questions for Thom to answer in real time. If you’d like to know more about Satsang, please visit the website.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Satsang

[01:26] Is IVF Unnatural or Controlling?

[02:05] Where Do Babies Come From?

[03:33] Hit and Miss

[05:27] Is It Charming?

[06:13] A Bizarre Comparison

[08:26] Another Analogy

[09:55] A Growing Body of Knowledge

[11:41] A Beautiful Soul Wanting Embodiment

[13:36] Simple, Natural, Innocent

[14:58] Responding to Nature's Invitation

[17:30] How Can I Release Control in Professional Situations?

[18:01] Loyalty-Based Administration

[19:06] Fear-Based Administration

[20:02] The Absolute Theory of Management

[22:06] Be an Exemplar

[24:10] How Can I Align With My Partner when Our Communication Styles Differ?

[24:24] Get Rid of Our Superiority Complex

[25:12] Birds of Different Feathers

[26:21] What's Your Point?

[28:02] Be Willing to Invest the Time

[29:12] Satsang

Useful Links

An Invitation to Vedic Meditation Initiator Training

Thom Knoles — Sat, 20 Jul 2024 12:00:00 -0700

The pinnacle of the journey for any meditator is to become an Initiator of Vedic Meditation.

Not only does it give you the tools and opportunity to teach the technique to others, but it also gives a quantum boost to your own evolution.

The opportunity to spend 12 weeks in the birthplace of our technique, absorbing Vedic wisdom from Thom and other course leaders, and the chance to develop lifelong bonds with new friends and colleagues from far and wide is unequaled.

In this bonus episode, Thom extends an invitation to join him in January for our 2025 round of Initiator Training. Get ready to be inspired, and to maybe make the potentially life-changing decision to apply.

Listen to the episode, then go here for more details: https://thomknoles.com/initiator-training/

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] A Sacred Setting

[02:11] Program Structure

[03:25] High Rounding

[04:54] Representing the Shankaracharya Tradition

[05:48] Independent Initiators

[07:28] A Life-Altering Endeavor

[09:04] Apply to Create the Fondest Memories of Your Life

Useful Links

Guru Purnima - The Origin and Significance

Thom Knoles — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 15:04:56 -0700

This episode of The Vedic Worldview explains the significance of Guru Purnima, which falls on this weekend, July 20-21. Vedic meditators are invited to join Guru Purnima celebrations with Thom and other Vedic Meditation Initiators around the world over the course of the weekend. If you'd like to join these celebrations, please visit thomknoles.com/guru-purnima for details of events near you.

The Vedic calendar is full of days of celebration, but one of the most revered of these celebrations is Guru Purnima.

It’s a day where we honor all the teachers, and the teachings in our life, the lessons that have contributed to our evolution.

In this episode, Thom discusses the origins and significance of this important and much-loved celebration.

Los Angeles Guru Purnima Celebration - thomknoles.com/los-angeles-guru-purnima-celebration/
Los Angeles Celebration with Thom Knoles - thomknoles.com/guru-purnima/

Episode Highlights:

[01:23] Movable Dates

[04:29] Soma Chandra

[05:50] Many Moons Ago

[07:18] Apaurasheya - Not Authored By Anyone

[10:15] Vyasa Purnima

[12:29] Guru Puja

[13:58] The Waxing Full Moon

[16:37] Holding Awareness of Life's Teachers and Life's Lessons

[18:11] Guru Deva

Useful Links

The Guru Gita - Song of the Guru

Thom Knoles — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 16:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we're celebrating the student-guru relationship, and the role it has in our evolution. Each year we celebrate this relationship, and the all the teachers and teachings in our life, with Guru Purnima. Vedic meditators are invited to join Guru Purnima celebrations with Thom and other Vedic Meditation Initiators around the world during the weekend of July 20-21, 2024. If you'd like to join these celebrations, please visit thomknoles.com/guru-purnima for details of events near you.

The word Guru is very much misunderstood outside of India. Parodies often show the Guru as being someone who makes demands of their followers, and the disciple as being one who blindly follows the instructions of the Guru.

But the truth of the relationship is much deeper than that, and it goes both ways.

The wisdom of the teacher is brought forth by curiosity of the student, which in turn leads to a level of earned trust in the teacher from the student. Thus the student follows the instructions of the teacher with eyes wide open, not blindly, as most Western mischaracterizations of this relationship suggest.

In this episode, Thom previews the Guru Gita, the song of the Guru, which eloquently and elegantly explains the teacher-student relationship. It gives us a benchmark to know when we’ve had the well-deserved great good fortune to invite a Guru into our life who is worthy enough to support our evolution.

Episode Highlights:

[01:33] The Process of Illumination

[04:14] Grades of Manifestation

[06:54] Elements of the Self

[09:41] Expanded Awareness

[11:17] Sensing the Cascades of Cause and Effect

[13:42] Skanda Purana

[16:10] The Song of the Guru

[18:56] Sweet Surrender

[21:58] Stop Trying to Control Everything with Thinking

[23:42] Guru-Disciple Relationship

[25:39] How to Make Use of the Guru Gita

[28:06] Nama Rupa Sahitam Bhavati Eva

[30:09] Well-deserved, Self-created Good Fortune

Useful Links

The Pain of Childbirth

Thom Knoles — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 16:00:00 -0700

The pain a mother experiences when giving birth is an experience that only a mother could know. Though it’s often overplayed in movies and on television, it’s a sacred experience that brings extremes of emotion into play.

In this episode, Thom leans heavily on the experience of midwives and mothers, and shares how the Vedic perspective on pain can be applied to the process of labor and childbirth.

He also shares why Vedic Meditation is not recommended during the process of childbirth.

Whether you plan on giving birth or not, this is an episode we can all learn from and apply to other experiences of pain in our lives.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] The Greatest Act of All Time

[02:12] 400,000 Births per Day

[03:48] Embrace the Situation

[06:02] A Necessary Level of Intensity

[08:26] Facilitating the Movement

[10:30] Avoid Meditation in Labor

[11:54] Necessary Stress Chemistry

[14:21] Indie Birth

Useful Links

Mastering the Siddhis

Thom Knoles — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Vedic meditators are blessed with a life-changing technique that can make a profound difference in their lives.

Many meditators, though, seek to progress even further, and tap into the vast well of Vedic wisdom that is available to us all.

One avenue for further progress is knowledge of and initiation into practicing the “Siddhis.” These advanced practices allow us to tap into extraordinary human capabilities and realize more of our human potential.

In this episode, Thom gives us a brief overview of Mastering the Siddhis, his popular course which covers a vast array of the Siddhis practices, and is available only through approved Vedic Meditation Initiators.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Maharishi Patanjali

[04:02] Yoga is a State

[06:47] Sutra - A Short Aphorism

[09:22] Closing the Gap Between Individuality and Universality

[11:36] Siddhi - Extraordinary Human Capability

[13:07] A Foundation for Greater Capabilities

[15:23] The Ability to Master and Capture Cause and Effect

[18:12] MTS - A Course of Six Instalments

[20:51] Enjoy Life to the Fullest More Easily

Useful Links

How to Make Things Right

Thom Knoles — Sun, 23 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0700

As Vedic meditators, we have the distinct advantage of knowing that evolution is the only thing ever happening. So, if this is the case, do we ever need to make things right?

Aren’t they right already?

In this episode, Thom reminds us that we aren’t just pawns in some cosmic storyline that’s out of our control and that we aren’t just here to witness the story as it unfolds.

In fact, as Vedic meditators, we have an additional responsibility to not just perceive when things need to be put right, but to step up and do what’s needed to maintain the evolutionary storyline.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Has Anything Actually Gone Wrong?

[02:27] Vedanta - The Final Conclusion

[04:10] The Big Bang

[06:09] What Happened?

[07:55] Who is this I?

[09:53] Am I Being Called to Make Things Right?

[11:47] Influencing the Storyline

[13:28] Extended You

[15:08] Scratching the Itch

[16:37] Invitation and Capability

[18:52] The Mahabharata - A Cracking Good Tale

[20:57] This Isn't How I Want the Story to Go

[22:46] You Can't Just be the Knower

Useful Links

Questions on Spiritual Principles

Thom Knoles — Sun, 16 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Spiritual principles can sometimes seem straightforward when we hear them, but when we put them into practice, we might find them difficult to uphold.

This is especially the case when the principles have been misunderstood or misinterpreted.

In this episode, Thom tackles some misconceptions about “charm,” wealth, and vegetarianism in answer to some listener questions.

These are important principles to understand correctly so we can transcend old ways of thinking and get closer to achieving the 200% of life that Thom often refers to.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Q - Is it evolutionary to move towards greater suffering?

[02:57] A - Dynamic Interaction

[05:26] The Demands of Social Relevance

[07:47] The Interactive Edge of Your Inner Potential

[09:12] A Sustainable Lifestyle

[10:42] Q - Is Wealth Compatible with Spiritual Principles?

[11:20] A - False Assumptions

[13:44] Desire and Fulfillment

[16:27] It Would be Good to Have a Helicopter

[19:36] The Universe Itself Desiring

[22:29] The Formula - Transcend All of This

[24:55] Transcending Transport

[26:51] The Ultimate State to Be In

[28:45] The Master of All You Survey

[30:51] Q - Do you have to be vegetarian to be spiritual?

[31:12] A - Follow Charm

[32:38] Deer Hunters

[34:55] State of Consciousness is Primary

[37:39] Transcend

Useful Links

Austerity and Enlightenment

Thom Knoles — Sun, 09 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0700

As humans, we often draw conclusions based on observations. However, these observations can frequently lead us down the wrong path.

Take, for instance, the assumption that wisdom or enlightenment demands an austere or stoic life. This belief stems from centuries of observing monastics and ascetics, who have traditionally been custodians of wisdom.

This can lead people to think either, a) that they must lead an austere life to become enlightened, or b) that enlightenment is out of reach for them because they can’t imagine themselves leading an austere life.

Thom sets the record straight in this episode, exploring the history of the custodians of Vedic wisdom, and the origin story that led to this misunderstanding, at least with respect to Vedic knowledge.

It will come as a relief to many and put enlightenment back within reach of those who might think it’s beyond their scope in this lifetime.

Thom also shares the technique that we can all use to accelerate the process.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] False Assumptions about Enlightenment and Monastic Living

[02:46] Living a Tasteful Life in Enlightenment

[04:51] Origin of the Misconception

[06:36] Shukadeva's Vision

[08:45] Geography's Role in India's Civilization

[10:40] Shukadeva's Foresight

[12:41] Emergence of Monastic Orders

[14:50] Colonization and the Monastic Tradition

[16:38] Buddha's Pursuit of Enlightenment

[18:29] Transitioning from Monastic to Householder Enlightenment

[20:32] Maharishi's 200 Percent Joys of Life

[21:58] We Cannot Gain Enlightenment by Suffering More

Useful Links

You Deserve the Best

Thom Knoles — Sun, 02 Jun 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Sacrificing the comforts of life is often seen as part of the “spiritual path,” so it might seem unusual to hear from a Vedic master that, “You deserve the best.”

Yet this is one of the key teachings of Swami Bramhananda Saraswati, Thom’s master’s master, also referred to as Guru Deva.

In this episode, Thom clarifies the meaning and intent of Guru Deva’s quote, reconciling the notion of deserving the best with the “pervasive guilt” that often holds us back from claiming or accepting the best. It’s an episode you deserve to listen to…

Episode Highlights:
[00:45] Your Birthright

[02:38] In the Best Interests of All

[04:12] Pervasive Guilt Consciousness

[05:37] Living Your Best - Tat Wale Baba

[07:46] A Dark Cave in the Jungle

[09:19] As You Sow, So Shall You Reap

[11:08] Lean Into the Best

Useful Links

Embracing the Sweet Truth

Thom Knoles — Sun, 26 May 2024 16:00:00 -0700

“The truth hurts!”... or so we’re often told. Many of us have no problem being truthful, even if the recipient gets hurt in the process.

After all, isn’t honesty the best policy?

On the other end of the spectrum, for those who have difficulty telling the harsh truth, a “white lie” can often be a compelling and justifiable alternative.

In this episode, Thom argues the case for something in between—the sweet truth—not only because it has a more unifying effect, but because the “truth” itself, isn’t as black and white as we like to think it to be.

Episode Highlights:

[00:59] The Idea of Sweet Truth

[02:55] Dressing Up Truth

[04:35] The Absolute Truth

[06:57] The Only Truth: Unified Field of Consciousness

[08:44] Trotaka's Story

[11:10] Temporal Nature of Truth

[13:15] Absolute Truth Without Cruel Truth

[15:41] Embrace Sweet Truth With Meditation

Useful Links

Mind, Intellect, Ego

Thom Knoles — Sun, 19 May 2024 16:00:00 -0700

What’s the distinction between mind, intellect and ego? And what are their functions? Unlike many modern psychological approaches, the Vedic worldview honors and celebrates the role of all three.

While they may not always function perfectly – like the 'mistaken intellect' often discussed by Thom – each of these elements plays a specific and essential role in our evolution.

Thom explains in this episode, that rather than putting our efforts into “getting rid of the ego,” we’re best served by enlisting our ego as a cooperative component in our quest for enlightenment. Ironically, it’s allowing the ego to transcend itself, that gives it the ability to truly know its ultimate, unchanging essence.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Vedic Psychology on Mind, Intellect, and Ego

[02:32] Manas

[03:53] What Remains Unchanged Within Us?

[05:21] Mind Stays the Same

[06:39] Two Elements of Manas

[07:49] Buddhi

[08:54] Ego in Western Psychology

[11:47] Vedic Ego (Ahaṃkar)

[13:32] Intellect's Role in Ego Formation

[14:41] The Ego Structure

[16:22] Ahaṃkar in Vedic Meditation

[18:03] You Minus All the Thoughts

[19:24] True Nature of the Self

[20:48] When Mantra Surpasses Ego

[22:31] Ego's Experience of The Unbounded Field

[24:03] Ego + Cosmic Consciousness

[25:57] No Ego, No Enlightenment

Useful Links

My Maharishi - A Paragon of Abundance and Self-Sufficiency

Thom Knoles — Sun, 12 May 2024 16:00:00 -0700

When most people think of abundance or self-sufficiency, they think of cash and assets, having the wealth to do what they want when they want it. In fact, for many people, it’s a driving goal to become “financially independent” so as to have more choices in their lives.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi took an alternative approach, demonstrating that true freedom and true abundance actually require us to surrender our sense of choice and to simply follow the call of Nature.

Through this approach, he was able to accomplish more in half a lifetime, than most of us would accomplish many lifetimes over, all while remaining ”penniless” himself.

Thom shares some real-life examples from his experiences with Maharishi in this episode, giving us a taste of the true meaning of wealth.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Five Blind Men and an Elephant

[03:11] Different Perceptions of Maharishi

[04:31] Maharishi's Simple Possessions

[08:34] Wooden Sandals and Shahtoosh

[10:19] Traveling the World Without a Penny

[12:08] Maharishi's Persuasive Consciousness State

[13:55] Why Maharishi Didn't Have to Think Before Acting

[15:54] Follow Charm and See What Happens

[16:53] Helicopter Came

[17:46] Simple, Natural and Innocent

[19:12] Charm, Action, and Results

[20:17] The Inexorable Forces of Nature

[22:01] Be a Maharishi Yourself

Useful Links

Intervention, Evolution, Contribution, Equilibrium

Thom Knoles — Sun, 05 May 2024 16:00:00 -0700

We’re celebrating episode 200 of The Vedic Worldview by featuring more questions from listeners and answers from Thom. The questions cover a variety of topics…

To what extent should we intervene when we see someone potentially harming others, especially young children?
Will enlightenment for all mean an end to humanity?
How do we meet the demands of the moment?
How can we counteract toxic masculinity?

It’s a mixed bag, with each question and each answer having relevance to us all, Enjoy…

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Q - How to Deal with Loved Ones Causing Suffering?

[01:18] A - Become an Inspiration

[02:57] Silence for Wise Influence

[04:44] Align Knowledge with Inquiry Levels

[06:40] Responsible Intervention in Egregious Situations

[08:27] Foster Inspiration for Societal Change

[09:27] Q - Will Enlightenment for All End Humanity?

[10:08] A - The Cycle of Evolution and Reincarnation

[11:51] Impact of Human Enlightenment on Reincarnation Patterns

[13:26] Q - How to Discover My Purpose and Contribution?

[14:06] A - Spontaneous Right Action

[15:48] In the Zone with Vedic Meditation

[17:32] Changing Course to Stay on Course

[19:35] Strategy, Tactics, and Frictionless Flow

[21:41] Q - How to Balance Masculine and Feminine Energies to Counteract Toxic Masculinity?

[22:07] A - Masculine and Feminine Archetypes

[24:08] Break the Symmetry

[25:53] Avoid Lopsided Perspectives Through Transcendence

[27:39] The Secret to Removing Toxicity

[29:43] Achieving Balance with Regular Meditation Practice

Useful Links

Vedanta - The Final Conclusion

Thom Knoles — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Modern science and ancient Vedic wisdom often take different routes to reach the same destination.

Many of the concepts of Ayurveda, for example, have been known and understood for millennia, yet modern science is only just now catching up with some of these principles, and explaining them from the scientific point of view.

Perhaps the most profound slice of Vedic wisdom, Vedanta, is another frontier that modern science, quantum physics specifically, has only recently crossed.

There is only one thing. This has been the final conclusion of The Veda, Vedanta, for well over 5,000 years, and now quantum physics has come to the same conclusion.

Thom explains Vedanta, and its correlation with quantum physics, in this episode, and shares the technique we can all use to not just understand Vedanta at a theoretical level, but to embody it at an experiential level.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Meaning of Vedanta

[02:57] Physics and Vedanta

[04:50] "You Are It"

[06:56] You Are the Unified Field

[09:02] The World Embodies Vedanta in Unity Consciousness

[10:24] The Greatest Challenge of Unity Consciousness

[12:06] Defining Empty Space

[15:27] The Purpose of Vedanta

Useful Links

I Had an Awakening Experience. Now What?

Thom Knoles — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 16:00:00 -0700

There’s no end to the number of ways we can have awakening experiences. It can come as an epiphany, a realization, a side-effect of taking a hallucinogen, a near-death experience, or even just a spontaneous event while sipping a cup of tea.

While reports on such experiences vary dramatically, they consistently feature a high level of contrast between these normal and our regular day-to-day experiences, and a longing to have more of the same.

Thom explains the mechanics of such events in this episode, and how we can cultivate awakening experiences on a more consistent basis. Importantly, he describes awakenings as the enlivening of something that is dormant within us, making such experiences more accessible than most might think.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Realizations

[02:35] Bija Mantra: Gateway to Transcendence

[04:25] Awakening the Unified Field

[06:39] Breaking Free from the Web of Constant Thought

[08:23] Bliss is the Product of Supreme Inner Contentedness

[10:19] Stabilizing the Inner Awakening

[12:06] Transient Transcendence: Near-Death Experience

[13:58] Varieties of Awakening

[15:40] Transcendence in the Junction Points

[17:29] Transcendence in Consciousness States

[19:15] Irregular Transcendent Experiences

[21:31] The Role of Vedic Meditation in Systematic Awakening

[23:18] The Truth Behind Meditation and Transcendence

[26:11] From Awakening to Enlightenment: Vedic Meditation's Promise

Useful Links

Minimizing Violence Through Ahiṃsa

Thom Knoles — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Ahiṃsa is a term made famous outside India, in large part, as a result of Mahatma Gandhi's ‘non-violent’ approach to securing independence for India.

It’s often thought of as pacifism, rejecting violence altogether. For some, that means non-violence towards fellow humans, and for others, it means non-violence towards all living beings.

As is often the case, this common understanding of Ahiṃsa is incomplete. Thom explains the meaning of Ahiṃsa in this episode and clarifies the role of Ahiṃsa in our personal evolutionary process.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Yoga – A Place Inside of Us

[02:48] Ashtanga, Samadhi, and Ahiṃsa

[05:16] Misinterpretation of Ahiṃsa

[06:54] Story of Meditation and Ahiṃsa

[08:37] Ahiṃsa in Practice

[10:26] The Reality of Ahiṃsa

[12:06] Inevitability of Hiṃsa in Life

[13:56] Pure Ahiṃsa Can Never Be Achieved by Human

[16:01] Yoga and Ahiṃsa

[17:57] Vedic Worldview on Veganism

[19:28] Gandhi's Non-Violent Approach to Indian Independence

[21:17] Influence of Vedic Philosophy on Gandhi

[24:04] Ahiṃsa in Warfare

[25:43] Ahiṃsa Unfolds Naturally through Meditation Practice

[27:32] Nishkama Karma Yoga

Useful Links

How to Inspire Worthy Enquiry

Thom Knoles — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Wisdom is of little use unless it’s shared, however it can go to waste if it’s shared where it isn’t wanted. It can even have a damaging effect if it’s shared where it’s unwelcome.

So when you have wisdom that you know would be valuable, knowledge about Vedic Meditation for example, how can you inspire others to receive that wisdom willingly?

Thom frequently talks about “worthy enquiry” on the podcast, and in this episode he dives more deeply into the subject. He explains the concept of worthy enquiry and it’s origin, which is deeply embedded in Vedic history.

He also explains how we can inspire worthy enquiry, and provides reassurance that even if we don’t, we’re in good company…

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Wise Do Not Bewilder the Ignorant

[02:27] Loving Controllers

[04:32] Wise and Trusted Counselor

[06:15] Maharishi Mahesh Yogi - The Ultimate Inspirer

[08:06] Subtle Ridicule

[10:13] Not an Absolute Sure Shot

[11:31] An Incident on an International Border

[13:17] Mangoes Don't Come from Walnut Trees

[14:55] Knowers of Reality

[16:16] Radiate Life for All to Enjoy

Useful Links

The Symbology of the Shiva Lingam

Thom Knoles — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 16:00:00 -0700

One of the mistakes often made by those outside of India is to look at Vedic symbology in superficial terms.

The Shiva Lingam is one such symbol. Frequently viewed as a representation of male and female genitalia, it actually has a much deeper and richer significance than this.

Thom gives us an entry-level look at the subject in this episode, correcting the misuse of the term Shiva Lingam, and clarifying its symbolism.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] A Sacred Form

[02:40] Shakti: The Fabric of Creation

[04:31] Yoni

[06:44] Parashakti and Parashiva

[08:57] Union of Yoni and Lingam

[11:01] Masculine and Feminine in Vedic Perspective

[12:34] Ardhanarishvara: Fusion of Masculine and Feminine

[15:12] Interplay of Masculine and Feminine Energies

[16:59] Omnisexuality

[18:59] Shiva and God Consciousness

[20:42] Consciousness Through Different States

[22:22] From Transcendental to Cosmic Consciousness

[24:11] Five Facets of Supreme Being

[26:20] Shiva - The Supreme Being

[27:52] Every Being is a Manifestation of Mother Divine

Useful Links

Devas 101

Thom Knoles — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 16:00:00 -0700

All of us are used to perceiving the world around us in terms of varying objective characteristics; hard and soft, hot and cold, solid and fluid, and so on.

We might even attribute subjective qualities to the world around us; hostile, inviting, harsh, comfortable…

But does it make sense to attribute ‘personality’ to the world around us?

In the Vedic worldview, it doesn’t just “make” sense, but it’s actually a natural consequence of the refinement of the senses that we can perceive personality in everything around us.

In this episode, Thom gives us an entry-level look into the worlds of Devas. He shares a tempting glimpse into the delights that await us, especially those who maintain their regular twice-daily practice of Vedic Meditation.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Deva: More Than Just Shining One

[04:17] Vedic Literature and the Devas

[06:35] Power of Mantras

[08:55] Letting Go of External Distractions

[10:38] Fascination of Subtle Mind States

[12:15] Enchantment in the Super-Subtle Mind

[13:57] Ritam: Transition to Pure Transcendence

[16:27] The Laws of Nature

[18:57] From Snow to Flow: Nature's Transformations

[20:55] The Source of All Laws: Consciousness

[23:02] Sharpening Your Senses Through Meditation

[25:24] The Shining Ones

[28:24] Development of God Consciousness

[31:02] Benefits of Experiencing the Devic World

[33:14] The Wise Seers

[35:38] Progression to Cosmic and Deva Consciousness

[37:37] Consciousness Is Everything

[39:58] Your Inner Observer

[42:17] Deva Quality in Meditation

[44:16] Let Deva Consciousness Come to You Naturally

Useful Links

AI, Sacred Cows, Exceptional Children

Thom Knoles — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 16:00:00 -0700

It’s another Q&A episode with Thom, answering questions with a common thread of consciousness running through them.

He starts off by tackling the question of consciousness and AI, before exploring the consciousness of cows, and bulls for that matter, and what it is about their consciousness that makes them sacred (Hint:evolution is the only thing that’s ever happening).

And he also helps a mother navigate the responsibility of supporting a child whose consciousness gives him levels of perception beyond the ordinary.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Q - Does AI Have the Potential to Experience Consciousness?

[00:54] Consciousness Is the Foundation of Everything

[02:38] AI Is Already Conscious

[05:47] The Repertoire of AI

[07:05] Q - Why is the cow sacred in the Vedic Worldview?

[07:11] A - Cows Everywhere in India

[09:06] The Legal Sacredness of Cows

[10:28] A Very Simple Thing

[12:24] Fond of Dairy

[13:27] Q - How to Support a Sensitive Toddler?

[14:16] A - Wise Do Not Bewilder Ignorant

[16:11] Honor and Validate Your Child's Perceptual Abilities

Useful Links

How Do I Alleviate the Suffering of Others?

Thom Knoles — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 16:00:00 -0700

The desire to help others is baked into human DNA, and the sight of someone suffering often triggers a need to take action.

This is one of the reasons our species has been able to thrive.

Often, however, our attempts to alleviate the suffering of others don’t succeed, not necessarily because of lack of effort or misguided intentions. It’s because there’s another dynamic at play that can thwart our efforts.

In this episode, Thom reminds us that the desire to be helped doesn’t come as naturally as the desire to offer help, and that the greatest help we can sometimes give, is to not give help at all.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] The Natural Desire to Alleviate the Suffering of Others

[02:23] Harmonizing Inner Alignment with External Responses to Change

[04:03] Unsought Advice

[05:43] How to Help Someone Who Is Suffering

[07:27] Perceiving Cues

[09:02] The Role of Humility in Seeking Help

Useful Links

The Fruits of Action

Thom Knoles — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 16:00:00 -0800

Desire is one of the most misunderstood facets across all Wisdom traditions. Teachers often teach, and readers often misinterpret, some of the writings of the texts, both from Veda as well as other ancient wisdom cultures, as meaning that desire is bad, or that the key to enlightenment is to eliminate our desires.

One such example of this misunderstanding is the Vedic epic Bhagavad Gita, specifically Chapter 2, Verse 47, in which Krishna tells Arjuna, “Live not for the fruits of action.”

The misinterpretation of this text leads many to think that desire itself is the cause of suffering, and thus attempt to suppress or ignore desires in the hope of avoiding suffering.

Thom sets the record straight in this episode, clarifying the purpose of desire, and giving us a technique whereby we can ensure that our desires are not just aligned with Nature, but serve to meet the need of the time.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] What’s the Point of Taking Action?

[00:55] Bhagavad Gita and the Mahabharata

[03:12] Arjuna and Krishna: The Central Characters of Mahabharata

[05:07] Krishna's Guidance

[06:38] The Song of God

[08:16] Krishna's Message on the Fruits of Action

[10:27] What is the Need of the Time?

[12:07] What is Cosmic Desire?

[14:03] Beyond the Scope of the Intellect

[15:59] Let Charm be the Driver of Action

[17:32] Surrender to Nature's Intelligence

[19:36] Cosmic Intelligence in Action

[20:44] We Don't Want Options

[22:47] Move Beyond Fruits

Useful Links

Why the Long Hair?

Thom Knoles — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 16:00:00 -0800

While most of us think of hair in terms of current fashion trends and style ourselves accordingly, (or not!), most long-lasting schools of thought still have customs related to hair based on traditions that have lasted millenia.

The Vedic worldview is no different, and in fact, many of the traditions related to the hair can be traced back to Vedic origins.

In this episode, Thom explains that hair has a very subtle yet specific function, beyond just keeping the head or the body warm, that dictates a style of relating to the world, or even retreating from the world.

While it may not affect how you manage your own hair, it will give insights into the ways in which many masters, monks, sadhus and other teachers manage theirs.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Hair as a Conduit

[02:06] One Set of Tubes After Another

[04:12] A Larger Information Base

[06:11] Signaling the Phase of Life

[08:15] Hair that Grows Unfettered

[10:21] Three Kinds of Characters

[11:58] What's Cooking in the Outside World?

[13:36] Please Tell Me All About Everything

[14:51] Shakya Muni

[16:14] Demonstrating Self Sufficiency

[17:58] Stop Cutting Your Hair

[20:30] The Best Time to Get a Haircut

[22:00] Don't Let Your Life Go in Orbit Around Here

[23:51] Don't Make a Big Issue of It

Useful Links

My Maharishi - Humor Incarnate

Thom Knoles — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 16:00:00 -0800

Spiritual leaders are often perceived as being stern and serious, in some cases even humorless. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, while he could be serious when needed, was famous for his smile, his laugh, and his sense of humor in general.

In this episode, Thom shares some anecdotes from his 26-plus years of being with Maharishi, where Maharishi put his sense of humor on display. Some of these were public displays, while others were from behind the scenes; all of the stories reflect Maharishi’s famous quote, “We have an infinite number of reasons to be happy, and a serious responsibility not be serious.”

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Maharishi's Humor

[02:36] Maharishi's Way of Answering Serious Questions

[04:59] The Million-Pound Reply

[06:09] A Lover of Analogies

[07:29] The Complaint About Meditation

[09:12] Fifty Dollar Bet on Effortless Mantra

[11:17] Think Mantra Without Effort

[11:59] "I Am an Imposter."

[13:35] Journalist Wanted to Expose Maharishi

[15:15] "I'm Here to Find and Report Facts."

[16:39] Laughter-Filled Meeting With Maharishi

[18:03] Surprising Turns: Maharishi's Impact on the Journalist

[18:56] A Force Five Hurricane of Happiness

Useful Links

Dark Room Retreats

Thom Knoles — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 16:00:00 -0800

Silent retreats and cave retreats are nothing new and have been around for millenia, giving seekers an escape from the demands of daily life and a chance to simply let the mind be with itself.

A modern twist on this is the use of Dark Room Retreats, a growing business model where the cave might be swapped for a cabin, and food and other needs are provided for you, leaving you alone to experience the potential bliss of sensory deprivation.

In this episode, Thom shares his own experience with cave retreats, along with his perspective on dark room retreats.

He also shares an alternative method for sensory deprivation. One that doesn’t require dark rooms or even silence but which still yields the bliss we might be looking for if we were to consider a dark retreat.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Awakening the Mind's Innermost Potential

[02:41] Techniques of Sensory Deprivation

[04:33] How do I Experience Pure Consciousness?

[06:32] Deep Rest in Vedic Meditation

[08:35] The Charm of Silence

[12:02] The Reason the Mind Falls Mute

[13:39] Modern Technology's Impact on the Search for Bliss

[14:52] Limits of Sensory Deprivation in Achieving Bliss

[16:52] Reduced Oxygen Consumption - The Measure of Deep Rest

[18:20] Testing Bliss Levels

[20:03] Extended Meditation in Solitude

[21:37] Sensory Deprivation as a Test, Not a Shortcut to Bliss

[23:42] Left With Your Own Joy

[25:27] Passing the Bliss Exam

[26:45] The Bliss of Being Beyond Relativity

Useful Links

Ayurveda - A Definition and a Display

Thom Knoles — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 16:00:00 -0800

Ayurveda is often defined as “the science of life, but this definition is somewhat simplistic, and doesn’t fully describe the origin and intent of the word.

In this episode, in answer to a listener’s question, Thom gives a deeper explanation of the subject, including its origins and a fuller description of its meaning.

This question and answer sets the stage nicely for the follow up contribution from a listener, which is effectively a display of both Ayurveda and self-referral in action.

No matter what your level of understanding of Ayurveda is currently, this episode is sure to deepen your appreciation for it.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Q- Can You Describe Ayurveda from the Sanskrit Perspective?

[01:01] A - Knowledge has Organizing Power

[02:50] Apaurasheya - Without and Author

[05:06] Veda Vyasa Categorizing the Vedas

[07:03] The Four Vedas and Their Significance

[08:56] Ayurveda: A Subordinate Veda of Rig Veda

[10:53] Breathing and Longevity in Ayurveda

[12:35] Ayurveda's Goal: Maximizing Joy in Relevant Longevity

[14:25] Q - Seeking Vedic Guidance on My Journey to Wellness

[16:38] A - The Rishi in You

[18:37] Autodidact of Veda

[20:17] Learn from a Vedic Master to Accelerate Progress

Useful Links

How to Move Forward from a Divorce or Separation

Thom Knoles — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 16:00:00 -0800

A quick scan of the internet tells us that divorce and separation rank highly for most people as far as stressful events go, often coming second only after the death of a loved one.

This is not surprising, given how much weight is put into the idea of committed relationships being permanent in most cultures around the world.

Thom reminds us in this episode that, given that change is always occurring, perhaps our expectations of permanence in relationships are unrealistic in the first place.

With that being the case, he offers up an alternative perspective, one that recognizes and honors change and which allows us to decouple progressively and without unwanted stress.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] It's All About Happiness

[02:50] Reframing Relationships and Life Changes

[04:09] Change and Renewal in Relationships

[05:27] Relationship Expiry and Transitioning to Happiness

[06:27] Contemplating Divorce (for 60 Years)

[07:50] Experimenting with Happiness

[09:07] A/B A/B Design to Be Happier

[10:48] No Mistakes

[12:28] Separation as a Catalyst for Personal Transformation

[13:56] Unwedding

[16:05] The Unfair Advantage of a Vedic Meditator

[17:12] Harnessing the Power of Baseline Happiness

[18:47] Change Ownership: Embracing the Unpredictable

[20:20] The Aftermath of Change: Crafting a Positive Narrative

[21:57] Bring it On.

Useful Links

Can Art Be Separated from the Artist?

Thom Knoles — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 16:00:00 -0800

Discussions about the separation of artists and their art are not new. The subject has been discussed for centuries, usually in the context of legacy, but in recent times, and especially with the rise of cancel culture, the question more often comes up in relation to the behavior of an artist.

Does the conduct of an artist negate the appreciability of their art?

In this episode, Thom invites us to consider artworks from the perspective of Cosmic influence, and offers a simple measure we can use to assess what that level of influence might be.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] What Are You?

[02:52] Me-ness in Art

[04:40] The Works of Something Deeper

[06:37] Artistic Expression of the Unified Field of Consciousness

[09:01] What Makes Some Art Forgettable?

[10:13] Cosmic Influence in Art

[12:33] When the Medium Becomes the Art

[14:27] Cosmic and Individualistic Layers of Art

Useful Links

The Gift of Neurodivergence (and Vedic Meditation)

Thom Knoles — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 20:13:00 -0800

People who are neurodivergent, sometimes referred to as being “on the spectrum,” can often be viewed as being “gifted.” Their style of thinking, outside of the norm, often blesses them with insights and creativity that would be beyond the reach of those of us who are not so divergent.

What most of us don’t realize though, is that neurodivergence has played a critical function in the evolution of the human species in general.

Thom explains in this episode that neurodivergence has gifted us with brains that are neuroplastic, making us much more adaptable than they otherwise would have been. He also explains how Vedic Meditation can help us use our neuroplasticity to our advantage.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Neurotypicality and Neurodiversity

[02:52] Neurodivergence in Human Brain Evolution

[04:44] Left and Right Brain

[06:23] Adaptive Neuroplasticity

[08:06] Flexibility in Evolution Needs Neurodivergence and Anomalies

[09:34] The Mainstream is Defined by the Fringe

[11:16] Neuroadaptive Brain: The Brain of a Meditator

Useful Links

The Light Inside: Empowering Incarcerated People Through Meditation

Thom Knoles — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 16:00:00 -0800

In October 2023, Thom Knoles participated in a panel discussion at a fundraiser event for The Light Inside, an organization providing Vedic Meditation courses for inmates in prisons in the United States, with plans to operate internationally.

Other panelists included: Joh Jarvis, a Vedic Meditation Initiator and the founder of The Light Inside; Rev. Dr. Michelle Anne Simmons, founder of Why Not Prosper, an organization that provides support for women after they exit the prison system, and a board member of The Light Inside; and Robert Hammond, also a Vedic Meditation Initiator and a board member of The Light Inside, facilitated the discussion.

This episode is a slightly truncated recording of that event, with a short introduction from Joh Jarvis. As well as reflections on Thom’s own experiences working in prisons, we hear about the impact The Light Inside is having on prisoners and everyone else whose lives they touch.

The Light Inside website: www.the-lightinside.org

Why Not Prosper website: https://www.why-not-prosper.org/

The Compassion Prison Project website: https://compassionprisonproject.org/

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Setting the Context

[03:25] Step Inside the Circle

[04:52] Introductions

[06:12] Collective Responsibility for Change

[08:09] Unlocking Baseline Happiness for World Peace

[09:26] From Incarceration to Inner Peace

[11:06] Starting The Light Inside

[12:35] Teaching in Rikers Island

[13:57] Purpose and Vision of The Light Inside

[14:59] Meditation in Rikers Island

[16:29] Spiritual Alignment of Reverend Michelle to The Light Inside

[17:41] Transformative Experience in Jail

[18:50] From Resentment to Revelation

[19:53] Meditation as a Tool for Recovery and Personal Growth

[21:09] Beyond Therapies: The Impact of Self-Forgiveness and Meditation

[22:14] Teaching Tools for a New Path

[23:58] Teaching Meditation in the Toughest Jails

[25:47] Passing the Test

[28:52] Freedom Behind Bars

[30:26] Transforming Lives in San Quentin

[32:06] Meditation's Impact on Rival Gangs

[33:25] Changes in Inmates Doing Meditation

[34:41] Challenges and Transformations in Rikers Island

[35:45] "I Sound Less Angry."

[37:11] Power of Leadership in Culture Change

[39:27] Culture Change in the Prison

[40:50] Strategic Teaching: Engaging Prison Guards to Impact Inmates

[43:15] Mental Health in Prisons

[45:02] Meditation as a Coping Mechanism

[46:06] Supporting The Light Inside

[47:24] Spreading the Light

[48:36] A Different Workplace

[50:19] Tenderness Amongst Violence and Chaos

Useful Links
info@thomknoles.com

Exploring the Veda

Thom Knoles — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 16:00:00 -0800

“Knowledge is structured in consciousness.” This is one of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s most famous quotes.

Five simple words that don’t just convey a meaning, they also embody that meaning.

You might hear this quote and think you “get it,” but when you revisit it later on, when your consciousness has broadened even further, then you realize that there’s actually an even deeper level of meaning to it, and now you “really get it.”

And when you revisit it later on, you realize there’s an even deeper level of meaning to it…

This is part of a self-fulfilling loop, whereby knowledge progressively becomes wisdom, wisdom that can be applied in real time, in response to the circumstances we find ourselves in.

Vedic meditators have a distinct advantage in this, taking twenty minutes twice each day to visit the home of all knowledge, to refine the process of Knowing, to become the Knower of the Known.

But Vedic Meditators also have an additional advantage; access to Thom’s most popular and enduring course, Exploring the Veda, a program that was recorded more than 20 years ago. It was a response to the need of the time, a need that is even more relevant now than it was back then, hence why hundreds of meditators take the course, or even repeat the course, every year.

Think of it as your Masters in Knowledge and Consciousness, an opportunity to accelerate your understanding, not just of the laws of Nature, but the nature of Nature itself.

In this episode, Thom delivers a brief precis of Exploring the Veda, and invites you to enquire with your local Vedic Meditation Initiator to find out when they might be holding the course locally.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] What is the Veda?

[02:39] Exploring the Veda in Eighteen Hour Increments

[05:04] The Magic of Bija Mantras

[07:19] 20 Minutes to Inner Silence

[10:03] Passing Through the Veda Field

[12:28] Creation, Maintenance, and Destruction

[15:03] Exploring the Veda Course

[16:31] Learning how the Laws of Nature Work

Useful Links

How to Prepare for the Year Ahead

Thom Knoles — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 16:00:00 -0800

The holiday season can be an emotional roller coaster for many.

December celebrations can bring highs and lows, even for those who aren’t part of the Judeo-Christian community, but then New Year comes around, marking a line in the sand where we can start afresh.

At least in theory, anyway.

The reality is that most folks set themselves heightened expectations for the year, inevitably leading to frustration and disappointment within a pretty short time.

Thom invites us in this episode to reevaluate our approach to New Years, looking at it from a more evolutionary perspective, setting ourselves up to be in sync with Nature’s expectations, rather than pushing against them.

He gives us the opportunity to be active participants in the unfolding of the year ahead, rather than being reluctant victims, battling circumstances and struggling to keep ourselves afloat.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] An Arbitrary Decision

[03:00] More of the Same in 2024

[04:58] The Five Fundamentals of Progress

[06:00] Stability

[09:28] Infinite Organizing Power of Knowledge

[11:17] Our Constant Resolution

[13:32] Adaptability

[16:38] Interacting Successfully with the Need of the Time

[17:59] Let's be Designers of Change

Useful Links

Time, Dark Matter, Surrendering vs Passive

Thom Knoles — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 16:00:00 -0800

It’s another Q&A episode, this time with a common thread of perception running through each of the questions and answers.

Thom tackles the question of time; specifically, how we can control our perception of time and how we can slow it down like it used to feel as children.

He explores the mystery of dark matter from the Vedic perspective, and how it relates to how we live our daily lives.

He also provides clarity on the distinction between surrender and passivity and why we need to know the difference so we can meet the need of the time.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Q - Can We Slow Down Time?

[00:53] A - Happier Time Passes More Quickly

[01:43] A Wonderful Co-Incidence

[03:20] Blessed Solitude to Slow Down Time

[05:13] Witness the Five Senses

[06:40] Access the Ability to Slow Down Time

[07:53] Q- What Is the Impact of Euclid's Launch on Dark Matter, the Universe, and Life?

[08:13] A - Reinterpreting Darkness and Light in the Universe

[09:51] Limitations of Human Perception in the Universe

[11:22] Dark Matter Mystery

[13:13] Dark Matter as a Return to the Unmanifest Field

[15:43] Q- What Is the Difference Between Surrendering and Passive Behavior in Life?

[16:06] A - Surrender But Don't Be Passive

[17:54] When Nature Says Go

Useful Links

The Relationship Between Manifestation and Charm

Thom Knoles — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 16:00:00 -0800

Manifestation has become somewhat of a buzzword in the past 20 years or so. The promise of having your desires met easily and effortlessly is a compelling proposition.

So much so that often a disproportionate effort is put into a supposed “process” of manifestation, affirmations, visualizations, and so on, than is put into doing the thing that might be required for the manifestation to occur.

Thom sets the record straight in this episode, looking at manifestation through the lens of “charm,” a specific mechanism of desire that we can use as a compass of sorts, but which doesn’t leave us at risk of the disappointment of unmet expectations.

If you'd like to learn more about the subject of charm, we invite you to take Thom's popular course, The Art of Following Charm. This course will help you to overcome indecisiveness and to understand the nature of your intuition and desires.

You can find out more at thomknoles.com/charm. That's thomknoles.com/charm

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Stop Manifesting What You Don't Want

[02:31] Desire in the Manifestation Process

[04:12] Desire and Fulfillment

[06:04] Unified Field of Consciousness and Evolution

[08:31] Preferences and Charm

[10:15] "I, Me, Mine"

[12:14] Manifest that S#!^

[14:21] Who is This "I"?

[16:17] Charm, Meditation, and Evolution

[17:59] The Alchemy of Change

Useful Links

Self-Referral Happiness vs Object-Referral Happiness

Thom Knoles — Sun, 10 Dec 2023 16:00:00 -0800

What makes you happy? Most people could come up with a long list of answers to this question.

Ironically, it’s all the things that make us happy that make us unhappy as well; either because we have them but the happiness wears off, or we find out there’s something/someone else that we might like better, or we have them but lose them, or we find that they don’t make us as happy as we thought they would…

It’s a never-ending cycle of whack-a-mole that leaves most people with short periods of happiness, with longer periods of frustration, disappointment, and “wanting” in between.

In this episode, Thom offers up an alternative approach to happiness, one that’s infinitely more reliable and which allows us to enjoy the delights and variety of life without leaving us at the mercy of external circumstances.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Two Kinds of Happiness

[02:43] Man's Ever-changing Happiness in the Upanishad

[04:45] Object-referral Happiness

[06:59] The Challenge of Being Happy

[09:03] Control Freaks of Happiness

[10:48] When Happiness Becomes a Obsession

[12:46] Self-referral Happiness

[15:07] Where Thoughts Come From

[17:33] Energy in Thoughts

[19:42] Making Sense of Our Thoughts

[21:28] Finding Calm Through Vedic Meditation

[23:31] The Magic of Repeating Sounds in Meditation

[25:57] The Joy of Vedic Meditation

[28:03] Going Beyond Ordinary Happiness

[30:31] Making Inner Happiness Your Foundation

[32:45] Balancing Inner and Outer Happiness

[34:53] Liberation from Chasing Happiness

Useful Links

Mindset Minus Mind Games

Thom Knoles — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 16:00:00 -0800

There’s no end of affirmations, guided meditations, and other positive thinking tools that we can use to master our mindset.

But are these necessary? And do they even work?

As is often the case, Thom bucks the trend in this episode, giving us cause to think twice about using mind games to keep us on the path to success. He proposes a more elegant approach, one that’s aligned with the Vedic worldview and one with a higher likelihood of success.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] "All things are well if our minds be so."

[02:36] The Cart in Front of the Horse

[03:54] Capability Comes First

[05:30] What if? What if? What if?

[06:54] Faking it 'Til You Make it

[08:13] Releasing Stress via Vedic Meditation

[10:42] Freshly Liberated from Stress

[12:18] Stolen Truths

[13:43] Be the Be

Useful Links

Soma - The Fluid Dynamics of Consciousness

Thom Knoles — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 16:00:00 -0800

There’s no shortage of options for people “researching” chemical shortcuts to spiritual experiences.

While psychedelic drugs such as LSD, or hallucinogens such as ayahuasca, frequently have enough of an impact to arouse curiosity and experimentation, they don’t offer reliable, repeatable experiences, let alone still allow one to function reliably in day-to-day life.

This is because they are mistaking biochemistry as being a cause of spiritual experiences rather than an effect of spiritual experience. As Thom frequently reminds us, consciousness, conceives, governs, constructs and prints out the body, not the other way around.

In this episode Thom describes the function and origin of Soma, the ultimate celestial biochemical.

Importantly, Thom makes the distinction between it being an effect of consciousness, rather than a cause of spiritual experiences.

He lays out the simple steps we can take to switch on our own Soma plant, and to enable spiritual experiences far more profound than those offered by artificial means, while still remaining relevant to those around us.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] The Vedas

[02:54] Soma Mandala

[05:23] What Does Soma Do?

[07:11] Overcoming Mistaken Identity with Soma

[09:25] Soma's Influence on Cosmic and God Consciousness

[11:38] Soma and Sensory Perception

[13:35] Soma's Path to Unity Consciousness

[15:34] Soma's Stress-Relieving Powers

Useful Links

How to Have Thanksgiving Every Day

Thom Knoles — Sun, 19 Nov 2023 16:00:00 -0800

One of the traps for the human intellect is to take much of life for granted.

Though we have special occasions peppered throughout the year, the days, weeks and months in between often don’t have the same shine as the special occasions.

Given that ‘normal’ days are greater in number, it makes sense for us to consider ways in which we can make gratitude an everyday occurrence.

In this episode, as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday in the USA, Thom invites us to cultivate a daily sense of awe and wonder to turn every day into a special occasion.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Thanksgiving Tradition

[02:59] Turn Gratitude into a Daily Habit with Meditation

[04:36] Morning Awakening to Gratitude

[06:28] Blessings of Our Planet

[08:14] Life on Earth: A Journey Worth Celebrating

[09:43] Finding Joy in Everyday Moments

[11:49] Our Role in Making the World Better

Useful Links

Progressive Change, Perspective, and the Past

Thom Knoles — Sun, 12 Nov 2023 16:00:00 -0800

One of the biggest struggles people have is in coming to terms with apparent problems, whether they be current problems, or problems from the past.

While we might be able to grasp the concept of evolution or progressive change intellectually, when the experience becomes uncomfortable it becomes more difficult to rationalize.

In this episode, Thom answers questions from listeners seeking resolution to problems that seem too big to be solved, or that have gone beyond the time when something can be done.

It’s a reminder that perspective isn’t just an intellectual process, and that it’s a byproduct of consciousness.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Q - Why do Things Seem to be Getting Worse?

[00:55] A - Battle of Bedtime and Entertainment

[02:40] Evolution and Corrections

[04:40] Meditation Broaden Our Awareness

[06:59] Mother is at Home

[09:09] Change is Not Optional

[11:53] Embrace the Change

[13:51] Q - How do we Handle Grief about the Changing Climate?

[14:06] A - Human Adaptation Throughout History

[15:48] Infrastructure and Global Warming

[17:33] Be Active

[19:41] Embrace Adaptation and Innovation

[21:43] Q - Can it Be Useful to Revisit the Past?

[22:07] A - Time Is a Contiguous Continuum

[24:16] Have Proper Perspective

[24:46] Embrace Future Perspective

Useful Links

Sankalpa - A Fresh Perspective on Bucket Lists

Thom Knoles — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 16:00:00 -0800

Desire is one of the most demonized characteristics of human behavior. Some schools of thought argue that desire is the cause of all our suffering, and that the path to enlightenment is to become detached from them.

Thom sets the record straight in this episode, using the concept of Sankalpa to clarify both the function and importance of desire, and giving us a primer on how to ensure our desires remain relevant to our evolution and aligned with Nature’s intention.

And if you want to take the subject further, you might also like to explore Thom’s online course, The Art of Charm - https://thomknoles.com/charm-course/. This course is open to all graduates of a qualified Vedic Meditation course.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Sangha Kalpa

[03:14] Misconceptions About Sankalpa

[05:06] The Origin of Desire in Vedic Philosophy

[07:13] Buddhism vs. Vedic Worldview on Desire

[08:59] Desire and Suffering in Buddha's Teachings

[11:12] Authorship of Desire

[13:27] Ruchika: The Element of Charm

[15:59] Fulfillment as Inner Contentedness

[18:29] Charm - Nature's Compass for Desires

[21:11] Desires Over Time: The Sankalpa Accumulation

[23:13] Transcending Unfulfilled Desires

[25:49] Embracing Fresh Desires and Letting Go of the Old

[28:22] How Meditation Refreshes Your Desires

[30:20] Old vs. New Desires

[32:26] Explore the Charm Course

Useful Links

The Simple Science of Happiness: Be Here Nowra Public Talk

Thom Knoles — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 16:00:00 -0700

In June 2023, Thom was the guest of honor at a talk in Nowra, South of Sydney in Australia, on the subject, The Simple Science of Happiness.

The host of the talk was Barron Hanson, a Nowra local and a Vedic Meditation Initiator (teacher) who has created Be Here Nowra, a community happiness project committed to increasing the number of meditators in the town and researching the benefits arising.

This episode is a recording from that event, including a discussion between Thom and Barron, and Q&A with the audience.

To find out more about Be Here Nowra you can visit their website at https://www.beherenowra.com/ or on Instagram @beherenowra.

Episode Highlights:

[06:02] Be Here Nowra: The Birth of a Transformational Idea

[08:11] From Sydney to Goulburn: Freedom Behind Bars

[09:38] Journey to Nowra: Nature, Art, and Indigenous Wisdom

[11:31] Q- What is Happiness?

[11:41] The Harmony of Inner Potential and External Demands

[12:44] Q-How Does Happiness Affect the Body on a Neurophysiological Level?

[12:53] The Ever-Changing Human Body

[14:28] Thoughts and Body Chemistry

[16:10] Q-How Does Collective Consciousness Relate to Individual Health?

[16:30] The Science of Collective Consciousness

[18:33] Impact of Meditation on the Collective Consciousness

[20:46] Q-What Changes Can We Expect If 1% of a Population Start Meditating?

[21:14] Measuring the Impact: Crime Rates and Meditation

[22:51] More People Meditating, How Bad Can That Be?

[24:21] Q-What Role Family and Community Play in Happiness?

[25:23] The Tribal Roots of Human Social Behavior

[26:50] Shared Experience: How We Define Our Sense of Self and Others

[28:22] Q-How Can Parents Be Happy When Their Children Are Sad?

[28:42] An Ideal Parent

[30:10] Meditation in Parenthood

[31:53] What Truly Makes a Family

[33:20] Q- What Role Does Sadness Play in Happiness?

[33:39] Contrast

[35:45] Q- What Are the Two Types of Happiness?

[36:00] Object Referral Happiness: When Events Define Emotions

[37:23] Baseline Happiness: Finding Inner Certainty

[39:05] Embrace Baseline Inner Contentedness: The Foundation for Happiness

[39:56] Q-How Does Meditation Give Us Baseline Happiness?

[40:01] Meditation and the Exploration of Mind's Bubbles

[41:47] Awakening Baseline Happiness through Meditation

[43:57] Q- Why Doesn't Everyone Choose Happiness If It's So Simple?

[44:04] The Discoveries From Tooth Brushing to Meditation

[45:26] Meditation as Hygiene: Cleansing the Stress of Everyday Life

[47:15] Maharishi's Wisdom: It's Not About Happiness, It's About Normalcy

[47:57] Q-Are Modern City Dwellers More Stressed Than People from 200 Years Ago?

[48:12] Stress in the Modern World: Is It Really on the Rise?

[50:14] Q-What Role Social Media Is Playing in the Current Global Happiness?

[50:23] The Reality of Social Media

[52:30] Q-What Role Does Love Play in Our Happiness?

[53:03] Stress and Missed Opportunities for Love

[54:26] The Link Between Love and Happiness

[56:09] Q-How to Build a Meditation-Focused Community?

[56:33] Community Meditation: A Worthwhile Experiment

[57:51] Q - Why Vedic Meditation Over Other Techniques or Apps?

[58:04] It's Effortless

[01:01:16] Q - Does the Number of Thoughts Decrease with Baseline Happiness?

[01:03:59] Q - Can Growth Overshadow the Objective?

[01:05:07] Knowing When Enough is Enough

[01:08:39] Q - How Can Vedic Meditation Help Us Discern Truth?

[01:09:19] Reducing Suggestibility

[01:12:12] Q - How Can Vedic Meditation Shift Repetitive Thought Patterns?

[01:12:32] Removing the Stress

[01:17:17] Q - Can Happiness and High Consciousness Coexist?

[01:17:26] Everything's Dying

[01:20:37] Q - How Can We Support Young People?

[01:21:12] What's Your True Identity?

[01:24:40] Jai Guru Deva

Useful Links

Awakening Abundance - Preview Episode

Thom Knoles — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0700

This special episode of The Vedic Worldview is a preview episode of Thom’s newly released course, Awakening Abundance.

Though the wisdom has been around for millenia, the Vedic perspective on abundance will be fresh to most listeners.

It bucks the trendy solutions of “wealth mindset,” “law of attraction,” “accumulation” and “leverage” and offers up a simpler, more fundamental approach to the subject. It’s an approach that’s within reach for all listeners.

Thom’s course includes over six hours of lectures and Q&A sessions, recorded in front of a live audience.

You can register for Awakening Abundance at https://thomknoles.com/abundance-course/.

If you register before November 18, 2023, you will also be able to participate in an additional live online Q&A session with Thom, where you may even have your own question answered.

Enjoy the preview.

Episode Highlights:

[01:08] Abundance = Knowledge

[03:50] What Are You?

[05:27] The Unified Field Behaves in a Particular Way

[07:43] Abundance - Everything You Want, When You Want It

[10:37] We Start Hoarding

[12:32] The Delusion of What You Are

[13:29] The Most Abundant Man I Ever Met

[15:42] Abundance is Self Sufficiency

Useful Links

Avoiding the Unwanted Effects of Om Through Pranava

Thom Knoles — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 18:33:54 -0700

Anyone who has attended hatha yoga classes outside of India at some time has probably been invited by the teacher to begin or end the class with a group chant of the sound of Om. Or maybe they’ve experimented with the use of Om in a meditation practice.

It can sound and feel beautiful, and when we hear it chanted by a group of monks it can have a deeply resonant effect on the body and the mind.

But what most people don’t realize is that the sound of Om has a very specific intention, and it’s not an intention that most of us would want for ourselves.

In this episode, Thom gives us reason to be more discriminate when it comes to making the sound of Om, as well as offering up a loophole, so to speak, that allows us to reference it without making the sound.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] What Is Om and Why Is It Important?

[03:00] Pranava: The Secret Behind Om

[05:16] Omkara: The Spiritual Layer of Om

[08:05] Om and Its Impact on Daily Life

[10:05] The Influence of Om

[12:15] Financial Detachment and Om Chanting

[14:03] Replacing Om with Shri

[16:02] Strategic vs. Tactical Use of Om

[17:45] Why We Don't Use Om as a Mantra in Vedic Meditation

Useful Links

The Third Eye - What it is and What You Need to Know About it.

Thom Knoles — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 16:00:00 -0700

Spiritual seekers can often be found experimenting with different techniques to “open their third eye” in the hope that it will give them insights they might not otherwise have, or at least to tick a box on their evolutionary progress score sheet.

In fact the reference to it as a third eye can often lead people down the path of mood making, where they think they are literally seeing things with their third eye rather than imagining them.

In this episode, Thom clarifies just what type of insights one might get from the third eye, and the factors that allow these insights to happen. It’s a down-to-earth explanation that reinforces the need to have a technique that reliably releases stress from the body.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] The Third Eye - The Eye of Wisdom

[03:12] Symbolism of the Third Eye

[05:26] Soma

[07:55] The Vedic View of Consciousness

[10:06] The Flow of Consciousness: Soma

[12:40] Stress Reduction and Soma Generation

[15:03] Enhancing Awareness Through Soma Flow

[17:08] Transformation Through Vedic Meditation and Soma

[19:07] The Third Eye's Role in Expanding Consciousness

Useful Links

The Solution to All Problems

Thom Knoles — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 16:00:00 -0700

If we look at the origin of the word “problem,” we see that it originally meant to “throw forward” for discussion.

In mathematics, problem is still used in the same context, in that we find a solution to an equation, with the equation being the problem.

In day-to-day life, though, problems are more than just propositions; they are actual issues that need to be solved rather than just propositions to ponder.

Or are they?

In this episode, Thom “throws forward” a new proposition for us to ponder, one that can practically and logically allow our problems to go away…

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] The Solution to All Problems

[02:57] Problem Solving

[05:32] Solutions in Less Excited States

[07:31] Darkness Is Beautiful

[09:33] Problem Is Actually a Consciousness State

[11:48] Archimedes and Problem Resolution

[14:06] See Obstacles as Opportunities

[16:16] Evolution of Solutions

[18:17] There's a Problem

[20:24] There's No Problem

[22:28] The Pathway to Solution

[24:33] Get Knowledge of the Knower

[26:39] Practice Vedic Meditation and Reveal Inner Knowledge

[29:02] From Problem Consciousness to Solution Consciousness

Useful Links

Are Body-Based Goals Evolutionary?

Thom Knoles — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 16:00:00 -0700

One of the features of modern life that sets us apart from our ancestors is our focus on the shape, form and function of our bodies, or “looking good,” so to speak.

Though many of us give little thought to the subject, some are obsessed with how we present ourselves physically, and most of us are somewhere in between.

It would be fair to say, though, that we’re probably much more “body-centric” than our grandparents or earlier generations were.

So is such behavior evolutionary or does it slow us down and keep us at the superficial level of life?

In this episode, a listener poses a question to Thom about the compatibility of body-based goals with our evolution, and whether they hold us back or not.

As is often the case, Thom makes the distinction between cause and effect, and gives us clear instructions on where to focus our efforts.

Episode Highlights:

[00:58] What's Beyond the Body?

[02:46] Overcoming Odds for Enlightenment: Ashtavakra and Helen Keller

[04:11] Magnificent Creatures

[07:00] Tat Wale Baba

[08:18] Jata

[10:00] Consciousness Shapes Appearance

[12:18] Aligning with the Laws of Nature

[14:01] Know Your Body

[16:01] Perfecting Health with Ayurveda

Useful Links

A Vedic Perspective on Postpartum Depression

Thom Knoles — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 16:00:00 -0700

Carrying a child, giving birth and raising a baby places a huge burden on mothers, physically and emotionally. Each mother’s experience is unique and there is no reliable user guide showing how to navigate this transformational stage of life.

And while everyone concerned hopes for the mother to have a joyful experience, for many that’s not the case. Though it’s only received medical recognition in recent decades, postpartum depression, (aka postnatal depression) has been a part of the motherhood journey for millenia.

In this episode Thom explores the Vedic perspective on postpartum depression, highlighting the fact that it’s much more common than we might think, and inviting us to take a compassionate position, even to the point of reframing our relationships with our own mothers.

Episode Highlights

[00:47] The Magnificent Gift of Motherhood

[03:04] The Needy Sound of a Baby

[05:36] A Peaceful Pregnancy: The Ayurveda Way

[08:03] Ayurvedic Herbs for New Mothers

[10:08] Walking in Mom's Shoes

[11:58] Vedic Meditation for Mothers To Be

Useful Links

The Mechanics of Stress and Stress Release

Thom Knoles — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 16:00:00 -0700

All of us are familiar with the feeling of being stressed, or the results of accumulating stress in the body, but, how many of us actually know the mechanics of this process?

We know we can feel frustrated, annoyed, angry, fearful, sad, anxious, and so on, but where do these feelings come from, and why do we all react differently to them?

Thom takes a deep dive into the subject today, looking at the mechanics of stress, how we feel it, where it goes, what happens when we have too much of it, and, most importantly, what we can do to remove it.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] The Nature of Stress

[02:39] Adaptation Energy

[05:33] Depleting the Adaptation Energy Account

[07:34] Stress Response: Fight or Flight

[10:08] Effects of Stress on Skin

[11:48] Hydration and Stress

[13:20] Digestive System and Stress Effects

[14:43] Tunnel Vision

[16:23] Dramatic Reactions

[17:30] The Memory of Stress Reactions

[19:55] Universality of Stress Reactivity

[21:39] Accumulation of Stress Memories

[23:24] Stored Stress and Faded Memories

[24:51] The Meditator's Advantage: Stay/Play Response

[27:03] The Silence of Bliss

[29:13] Body's Adaptation to the Mind

[31:34] Past Stress and Present Beingness

[33:44] Un-Stressing and Detoxification through Meditation

[36:01] Dissolving Stress During Vedic Meditation

[38:04] The Impact of Regular Vedic Meditation

[40:46] Factors Affecting the Dissolution of Stress

[42:45] Rounding in Vedic Meditation Retreats

[45:34] Getting Stressed Is Not Bad, But Staying Stressed Is

[47:37] Turiya - The Fourth State of Consciousness

[49:42] Systematic Accumulation of Stress in Today's World

Useful Links

Inspiration, Apathy vs Non-Attachment, An End to Humanity?

Thom Knoles — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 16:00:00 -0700

It’s Q&A time once again.

In this episode Thom helps out a listener who doesn’t know why it might be important for her spouse to learn Vedic Meditation. Thom includes the possibility that it might in fact not be important for him to learn

He discusses the distinction between apathy and non-attachment, and the very simple yet distinct indicator that tells us which we might be experiencing.

And he considers a hypothetical scenario where all of humanity becomes enlightened. More specifically, he discusses where the supply of souls seeking enlightenment comes from.

Needless to say, we won’t be running out of souls any time soon…

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Q - Is it Important for My Spouse to Learn Vedic Meditation?

[01:48] A - The Importance of Personal Inspiration

[03:31] Even Rocks Melt

[00:05:38] A Little Bit Silly

[06:53] Leveraging Role Models - Arthur Ashe's Example

[09:29] Winning Over a Resistant Husband

[11:20] Q - What Is the Difference Between Apathy and Non-Attachment?

[11:35] A - Apathy as a General Condition

[13:23] Non-Attachment and the Freedom to Let Go

[15:21] The Dynamic Nature of Non-Attachment

[18:08] Q - What Happens to Enlightened Souls After Death?

[18:21] A - The Enlightenment State - Cosmic Intelligence

[20:46] No Reincarnation for the Enlightened

[22:33] Cosmic Intelligence Continues Its Work

[24:55] Cosmic Intelligence in New Generations

Useful Links

The Role of Beliefs in Dharma

Thom Knoles — Sun, 03 Sep 2023 16:00:00 -0700

Our beliefs play a fundamental role in how we engage in life. What we learn in our early years becomes our guide as to the actions that we choose to take or not take in our lives.

For the most part these beliefs serve us well. They help us to live in harmony with our surroundings and our community, but are there points where we must set aside our beliefs for the higher good?

Most of us find ourselves from time to time, much like Arjuna on the battlefield with Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, in situations where our “duty” is at odds with our beliefs.

In this episode, Thom lays out a plan of action not too dissimilar from Krishna’s response to Arjuna, a plan that we can all put into practice easily on the battlefield of life.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Virtuous Behavior

[03:30] Dynamic Nature of Ethical Principles

[04:49] Awakening Consciousness Through Meditation

[07:01] Living Dharma: Aligning with Intentionality

[09:31] Reinterpreting Dharma: Beyond Roles and Professions

[11:14] Journey of Self-Discovery: From Virtues to Dharma

Useful Links

Does Charm Always Feel Easy?

Thom Knoles — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 16:00:00 -0700

Synchronicity has become a buzzword in the past 20 years.

The notion that things can go your way and everything becomes seemingly effortless is considered a sign of evolutionary progress. Some might even say it’s a form of spiritual favoritism.

But is evolution necessarily easy? In particular, does charm always lead us down an easy path?

Thom gives us a short discourse on the matter, inviting us to enjoy the ride that we sometimes find ourselves on when Vedic Meditators follow charm.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] The Path of Least Resistance

[04:25] Unsustainable Formulae

[06:05] A Higher Level of Function

[08:15] Embracing the Sensations of Change

[11:13] The Sensations of Evolution

[12:37] The Art of Following Charm

Useful Links

Cultural Appropriation and Cultural Integrity

Thom Knoles — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 16:00:00 -0700

The ease with which we can travel has blurred many cultural boundaries over the past couple of hundred years, and especially so in the past 50 years.

On any given day you could start your day with a Vedic Meditation practice originating in India (of course), followed by Capoeira from Brazil in the park, have a croissant for breakfast, attend Spanish language lessons in the morning, enjoy Yum Cha from Hong Kong for lunch, spend the afternoon at a local indigenous cultural experience, meditate again before a Middle Eastern dinner, then watch an opera sung in Italian for the evening.

It’s not a typical day by any means. but these are the options available to many of us.

They build our understanding and appreciation of each other and add color to our world, but at what point does appreciation become appropriation?

How can we maintain cultural integrity without overstepping the mark? Thom explores this subject through the lens of Vedic wisdom and its application to modern life.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] None of Us is an Island

[03:22] There Shall be No Italian Food

[05:44] Representing a Culture

[08:33] Is There any Theft Occurring?

[10:22] The Shankaracharya Tradition

[12:46] Troth of Initiator

[14:12] The Command to Teach Vedic Meditation

[16:41] The Layer Known as Yoga

[19:29] Yogastha Kuru Karmani

[21:40] Training and Accreditation to Preserve Cultural Traditions

[23:33] The Secret Knowledge

[25:57] Climb to Authentic Knowledge

[28:25] Embracing Knowledge from Non-Native Practitioners

[30:42] Invitation to Deepen Understanding of Indian Traditions

Useful Links

The Function of Dreaming Consciousness

Thom Knoles — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 16:00:00 -0700

Why do we have dreams and what do they mean?

Some schools of thought attempt to attribute specific meanings and interpretations of dreams, but the Vedic stance is somewhat different.

The Vedic worldview recognizes seven different states of consciousness, including dreaming, but as Thom explains in this episode, not all dreams are dreams, and none of them require interpretation…

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] What Does My Dream Mean?

[02:18] One More Possibility Gone

[03:57] The Illusion of Dream Duration

[05:53] Dreams and Rapid Eye Movement (REM)

[07:23] Dreaming in the Waking State

[08:52] Dreams as Expressions of Stress Release

[10:39] Sigmund Freud's Dream Theory

[12:20] Brain's Storytelling Mechanism in Dreams

[13:52] A Story Unfolds

[15:15] Let It Go

[17:03] Release of Stress

[18:41] Exploring Turiya: Beyond the Three Relative States

[20:40] Lucid Dreaming to Transcendent Experiences

[22:53] Nature Does Not Speak in Code

Useful Links

The Role of Devotion in Our Evolution

Thom Knoles — Sun, 06 Aug 2023 16:00:00 -0700

Devotion is often heralded as a path to enlightenment, but what does that mean? To whom or to what should we be devoted to?

Thom presents the Vedic position on devotion in this episode, teaching us that devotion is an effect rather than a cause, an outcome rather than an action.

It’s a compelling case that gives us full control over our ability to experience devotion and the rich rewards that come with it.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] The First Element of Devotion

[02:50] The Significance of Personalized Mantras

[05:01] The Proposition of Learning

[06:39] Another Extraordinary Thing

[08:02] Commitment to Regular Practice of Vedic Meditation

[09:20] How Did You Live Without It?

[10:45] Devotion & Dedication

[12:55] Deva-Ocean

[14:47] A Supreme Form of Love

[16:58] Falling in Love with Our Self

[18:54] Unity Points and Recognition of Self

[20:23] Transition from Love to Devotion

[22:47] Mood-Making is Not Recommended

[24:12] Dedicated Practice and the Emergence of Devotion

[26:16] Devotion as a Natural State of Consciousness

Useful Links

The Function and Relevance of Kirtan

Thom Knoles — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 16:00:00 -0700

Kirtan has become popular outside of India in recent decades. The heightened feelings that can arise from devotional chanting have made it a compelling activity for many wanting to experience Vedic wisdom at the level of feeling.

But there’s a lot more to kirtan than meets the ear.

In this fascinating episode, Thom discusses the origins and the function of kirtan, and explains how it can be experienced optimally and with deep reverence.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Bhajan - A Devotional Hymn of Praise

[01:30] A Taste of Home Away from Home

[02:58] Hare Krishna

[05:22] Attuned With the Qualities of Divine Beings

[07:00] Mahakumbha Mela

[08:54] Sangham Triveni

[10:47] Millions of Moonlit People

[12:12] Kirtan En Masse

[13:31] Kirtan Around the Corner

[15:08] Anukirtana

[16:36] Rounding on Retreat

[18:33] Agnimile Purohitam

[20:24] An Effect on Consciousness

[22:42] The Witness Benefits Most Greatly

[24:07] Anukirtanam and Vedic Meditation

[25:30] Puja in Person

[27:14] Maintaining the Purity of the Teaching

[28:06] The Forgotten Art of Transcendence

[29:41] A Regal Recipient

[31:03] A Preference for Listening

[32:16] Transcendent Relief

[33:42] Nishkam Karma Yoga

[34:56] Pronouncing Impulses of Creative Intelligence

[36:17] I Want Wawa

[38:09] Yagya

[40:08] Destructive Interference

[42:15] Become the Innocent Witness

Useful Links

India - The Cradle of Civilization

Thom Knoles — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 16:00:00 -0700

Few countries match India for its vast variety of people, cultures, languages, and of course, styles of cuisine.

While most of us appreciate different aspects of this vast and colorful nation, few of us have a worthy appreciation of the role India has played in shaping civilizations outside of India.

Many languages have an ancestral relationship with Sanskrit, the original spoken language of India. Vedic astrologers were centuries ahead of their European counterparts when it came to understanding the movement of celestial objects.

India played a pivotal role in shaping the way we use numbers, being among the first (if not the first) to introduce zero as a number. And many modern myths and legends can be traced back to Vedic literature.

While it would take multiple series of documentaries to celebrate the ancient Indian influence on modern life, in this episode Thom celebrates the most crucial contribution India has made, and preserved, over the centuries. It’s an influence that continues to play a crucial role today, and will do so for millenia to come.

If you’d like to experience India first hand with Thom, he invites you to join him on his annual retreat, held in January each year. Visit https://thomknoles.com/india for more information.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Untouched for Millenia

[03:00] The Pioneers of Neolithic Living

[04:38] The Art of Questioning Consciousness

[06:49] The Discovery of Turiya: Fourth State of Consciousness

[08:59] The Veda and Vedic Civilization

[11:27] The Expansion of Consciousness States

[13:45] India's Resilience Against Invasions

[16:00] Global Hub for Consciousness Exploration

Useful Links

My Maharishi - A Second Father to Me

Thom Knoles — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 16:00:00 -0700

While most of us have mentors or figures that have a significant impact on our lives, few of us have the great good fortune to spend much time with a great leader such as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

In this episode, Thom reflects on both the origin story of his relationship with Maharishi, and the final chapter of the “in-person” interactions he had with him.

It’s a sweet tale that gives us a deeper appreciation of Guru-Student relationships, how the tradition of Masters that have been custodians of Vedic wisdom has evolved over time, and how the consciousness of the tradition is maintained throughout the centuries.

Episode Highlights:

(00:45) A Great Seer

(02:22) MIU

(04:24) A Second Father

(06:04) Give Me a Quote

(08:31) A Good Night's Sleep

(10:38) Om

(12:59) All Rise

(14:44) A Force Five Hurricane of Happiness

(16:27) Jai Guru Deva

(18:03) An Exclamation of Joy

(20:13) Angavastra Dhoti

(22:22) Asana

(24:22) Guru Purnima

(26:24) Puja

(27:46) An Advanced Technique

(29:10) An Alternative to the Advanced Technique

(31:09) Minimize the Effort, Maximize the Success

(33:17) A Peculiar Phenomenon

(35:05) Not Different to Me

(37:46) The Field

(39:02) Seelisberg, Switzerland

(41:05) The Resurgence of Ayurveda

(43:34) The Call to Return Home

(45:14) Rich People Problems

(47:21) The Waiting State of Consciousness

(48:52) "Then What?"

(50:07) A Reliable Connection

(51:56) "You Got It?"

(54:10) Accepting the Graduation

(55:48) The Last Time in Person

(57:15) I and U Became M

(01:00:35) A Drop Disappearing from the Ocean

(01:02:02) A Loudspeaker of the Tradition

Useful Links

Our Role in Parent-Child Relationships

Thom Knoles — Sun, 09 Jul 2023 16:00:00 -0700

Why do we choose our parents and why do our children choose us?

Working out the evolutionary function of parent-child relationships is tricky, and quite possibly a waste of time. While it might satisfy the intellect to come up with an answer, the contributing factors are likely to be more complex than the intellect can process.

What we can do though, is to become exemplars in the relationship, whether it be with our parents, or with our children. We can bypass the need to know, or the need to control the dynamic, and shine the light for parents and children to follow, should they choose two.

Thom explains more in this Q&A episode…

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Q-Why Did I Choose My Parents?

[01:12] A-The Purpose of Jiva

[03:33] The Menu of Potential Parents

[05:40] Governing Agents in Our Lives

[07:34] Gratitude for Challenging Home Life

[09:20] The Curse and Blessing of Materialism

[11:24] Parenting Our Parents

[14:13] The Gift of Enlightenment

[16:29] Q-How to Inspire Stubborn Child's Knowledge Without Force?

[17:09] A-Inspiration

[18:43] Teachable Moment

[21:05] Encouraging Self-Discovery in Children

Useful Links

Why do We Self Sabotage Ourselves?

Thom Knoles — Sun, 02 Jul 2023 16:00:00 -0700

There’s no shortage of self judgments we can make that don’t make us feel good, and self sabotage is up there with the best.

It provides a talking point for countless therapy sessions, and gives us plenty of ammunition for those moments when we’re trying to rationalize our actions.

So what is self sabotage and why do we do it? The good news is that, like all things, it has an evolutionary function.

Thom explains in more detail in this episode, releasing us from the need to explain ourselves in the process.

Episode Highlights:

[03:32] Mood Changes

[05:03] Breaking Free from the Habit of Constant Mental Activity

[07:08] The Endless Quest for Something Better

[09:16] Dreams as Stress Release

[11:02] Dreams and Realities

[12:48] Dreaming Within Dreams

[14:29] The Relationship Between Consciousness and Suffering

[16:11] It's All Part of a Learning Curve

[18:40] The Interplay Between Capability and Suffering

[20:41] Pursuing Happiness Amidst Discomfort

[22:35] Thoughts and Bodily Functions

[24:49] The Deep Inner Workings of the Human Mind

[26:28] Enjoyable Crying Episodes

[28:58] You're Going to Be So Happy from Your Sadness

[30:26] Attaining Satisfactory Sadness

[31:54] Embrace Vedic Meditation to Seek Happiness

[33:55] The Suffering Experiment

[35:27] Don't-do-it Lectures Don't Work

[37:17] Feeling Good All the Time

[38:51] Letting Go of Suffering

[40:24] All That Is

[42:25] Breaking the Cycle of Self-Sabotage

[44:21] Expose Yourself to a Deeper Understanding

Useful Links

World Peace is an Inside Job

Thom Knoles — Sun, 25 Jun 2023 16:00:00 -0700

War is a 24/7 business, and none of us have lived through a time when there isn’t war raging in some part of the world, whether it be a full-blown international conflict, or a localized civil war.

So the idea of world peace might seem like a pipe dream, something over which we have no control.

In this episode, Thom reminds us of the magnitude of the problem, and educates us on the magnitude of the solution.

It turns out that the solution is actually more simple than we might think, and that our contribution to the solution is more significant than we might realize…

Episode Highlights:

[03:34] The Endless Cycle of War: From the Past to the Present

[05:52] Individual Peace is the Basis of World Peace

[07:31] The Evolution of Industrial Killing

[09:23] Stalemate

[11:36] The Nightmare of Another World War

[13:46] The Paradox of Democracy and Nuclear Weapons

[15:32] Finding Happiness Beyond Money

[17:23] The Limits of Material Wealth in Achieving Happiness

[18:58] This Elusive Thing Called Happiness

[20:56] Exploring the Relationship Between Thought and Energy

[22:54] Ananda: Finding Happiness Through Our Inner Being

[25:12] Path to Inner Peace

[27:25] Feel Happy from Inside Yourself

[29:33] The Power of Inner Happiness

[31:29] Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Vision for Global Peace

[33:35] The Power of One Percent

[35:36] It's Just a Matter of Time

[37:16] Our Contribution to World Peace

Useful Links

The Akashic Record Explained

Thom Knoles — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 16:00:00 -0700

“Readings” of the Akashic record have become popular in recent years. In our quest to understand the mysteries behind who we are, how we got here, and why this, that or the other thing happened, the promise of the Akashic record is compelling.

But what exactly is the Akashic record? Can you actually access it? And, if so, how?

Thom explains the true meaning of the Akashic record in this episode, which reflects the wisdom of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s famous quote, “Knowledge is structured in consciousness.”

It’s a reminder that no matter what tools we call upon, the only limitation to our access to knowledge that’s relevant for us to have, is our state of consciousness.

Episode Highlights:

[03:11] Mastering Sanskrit Pronunciation

[06:17] Maha Bhuta: The Five Great Elements

[09:18] Chit and Consciousness

[12:29] Reverse Engineering The Universe: Understanding the Beginning of Time

[14:35] Akashic Record Holds the Secrets of The Universe

[17:29] The Two Truths: Temporal and Transcendent

[19:54] The Unchanging and Ever-Changing Nature of Truth

[22:32] Unlocking Hidden Truths with Vedic Meditation

Useful Links

The Relationship Between Trust and Charm

Thom Knoles — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 16:00:00 -0700

A lot of weight is put on the notion of having “trust” in our choices. And while many of us do so, we might find ourselves analyzing the results of our choices and debating whether the trust was warranted or not.

The Vedic worldview has a different perspective on this, and finds trust to be an unreliable companion. In fact it’s the need for trust that leads to the need for it to be evaluated.

The Vedic position is reminiscent of the lesson delivered from Krishna to Arjuna on the battlefield in the Bhagavad Gita, “Established in Being, perform action.”

Thom explains in this episode, the distinction between trust and charm. Charm being the tool available to Vedic meditators, that provides the impulse to take action without the need for trust, or even the need to analyze the results after the fact.

It’s a subtle but essential distinction for those interested in accelerating their evolution.

And if you’d like to reduce your dependence on trust and dig a little deeper into the subject, Thom’s course, The Art of Following Charm is a perfect next step.

Episode Highlights:

[02:45] The Distinction Between Trust and Knowledge

[04:49] How to Gain Knowledge and Transcend Trust

[06:26] The Laws of Nature are Changing All the Time

[08:30] From Aversion to Charm: The Role of Vedic Meditation in Shifting Perspectives

[10:18] The Power of Charm in Making Choices

[12:17] The Most Reliable Indicator of What is Evolutionary

[14:06] Lack of Charm for a Full Moon Party

[15:19] Do I Need to Know Why?

Useful Links

The Evolutionary Function of Suicide

Thom Knoles — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 16:00:00 -0700

In a recent episode, Thom explored the subject of where suicidal thoughts come from. And while this might help us understand the origins of suicidal thoughts, it doesn’t explain the evolutionary role that suicide plays.

Thom takes us deeper in this episode and delivers a comforting perspective, which doesn’t condone suicide as such but explains how it is at least evolutionary.

Importantly, he explains that while it may be evolutionary, there are even more evolutionary alternatives available.

This is a must-listen episode for anyone affected by, or harboring suicidal thoughts.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis:

In the United States: Dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org

In Australia: Dial 13 11 14 or go to https://www.lifeline.org.au/

In all other countries, visit this page for your local prevention hotline: https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Q - What is the Evolutionary Function of Suicide?

[00:57] A - An Extreme Form of Self Destruction

[02:35] Going Beyond the One Body Mentality

[03:59] Risky Behavior

[05:43] Imbibing

[07:34] Long, Slow Suicide

[08:54] There's No Escape

[10:45] What's Causing the Suffering?

[12:39] Life Without Suffering

[14:48] Sensing What Nature is Up To

[17:13] Self Knowledge

[18:50] Radiating Life for All to Enjoy

[20:57] What is Our Contribution?

[22:46] A Lighthouse in the Darkness of Ignorance

Useful Links

Understanding the Caste System of India

Thom Knoles — Sun, 28 May 2023 19:40:12 -0700

When we think of India, many people question the fairness of the so-called caste system, which, on the face of it, appears to divide the population into different classes, based on the family one is born into.

This perception appears to limit the opportunities people have in their lifetime, and some even think that being born into a “lower” caste can be a result of so-called “bad karma.”

In this episode, Thom sets the record straight, describing the actual structure and function of the caste system, and how it came to be distorted to the point that it effectively became a class system.

He includes a beautiful example from the Tradition of Masters that have been the custodians of Vedic Meditation over the centuries, of one particular Master who flexed his caste to be even more fully of service than he already was.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] The Caste System in India

[02:14] The Four Castes or Varnas

[04:40] The Caste System: A British Creation

[06:47] Four within Four

[09:02] Adi Shankara: The Brahmin Who Considered Himself a Shudra

[11:04] Gandhi's Legacy in Abolishing the Caste System

[13:15] The True Vedic Civilization

Useful Links

Why do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

Thom Knoles — Sun, 21 May 2023 16:00:00 -0700

In the recent episode about punya and deserving power, Thom clarified that good fortune is a result of expanding our consciousness, rather than a reward for good behavior.

This still leaves the question open though, about why “bad things” happen to “good people.”

In this episode, Thom closes the loop on the question, and invites us to reconsider our definition of “bad things” and to see the role that they play in our evolution.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Heroes and Villains

[02:27] The Essence of Heroism

[04:28] The Riverine Life: Flowing Forward Through Challenges

[06:20] Bad Things Lead to Progress

[08:29] Moving Beyond "Bad Things"

[10:17] The Role of Struggles in Our Evolution

[11:35] The Intriguing Nature of Life's Obstacles

[13:48] The Illusion of Good and Bad in Evolution

[15:54] Lotus Flower – From Mud to Magnificence

Useful Links

Punya - How to Increase Your Deserving Power

Thom Knoles — Sun, 14 May 2023 16:00:00 -0700

Good fortune is often seen as some kind of cosmic reward for good behavior. “If I do good things, then good things will happen to me.” This has actually evolved as a misunderstanding of the concept of karma.

Rather than being a reward, the Vedic position on good fortune is that it is actually a result. More specifically, it’s a result of enhanced consciousness, brought about by the removal of stresses that prevent us from seeing the most evolutionary opportunities available to us.

Thom explains this in more detail in this episode, in which he clarifies the meaning of punya, or deserving power, and he explains the path to maximizing your punya.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] What is Deserving Power?

[02:38] How Our State of Consciousness Shapes Reality

[04:49] Who Am I Really?

[06:37] The Power of Pure Consciousness: Embracing the Unmanifest

[08:32] Transcendence and Truth: The Key to Understanding Self

[10:30] Punya: Finding Your True Self

[12:25] How to Get 90% Punya

[14:27] Authenticity in the Age of Social Media

[16:12] Low Punya & High Punya

[17:57] The Young Man Who Knew It All

[19:45] "I Don't Care About My Body."

[21:22] Non-Negotiable Strategy of Vedic Meditation

[23:29] The Oceanic Consciousness: Adopting the River of Life

[25:37] Embracing Totality: The Journey to Cosmic Consciousness

[27:39] 100% Punya: The Key to Living a Life of Fullness

Useful Links

Yudhishthira and the Most Wondrous Thing

Thom Knoles — Sun, 07 May 2023 16:00:00 -0700

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi said on more than one occasion that free will was God’s greatest gift to mankind. And while that may well be, we have to ask ourselves whether we actually make the most of this gift.

In this episode, Thom takes us to a pivotal moment in The Mahabharata, when Yudhishthira, the offspring of Dharma, and Arjuna’s older brother, puts his wisdom to the test to restore the lives of his brothers.

Like much of The Mahabharata, and most Vedic literature, it makes a sobering point about how we can take more responsibility for our own evolution, and bring and end to the cycle of life and death.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Sequence in the Form of Storyline

[03:18] Mahabharata: The Story of India's Royal Family

[05:06] Exile of the Pandava Brothers and Draupadi

[07:30] Nakula and The Crane

[09:24] A Genetic Advantage

[11:44] Hurtling Towards Death

[13:39] A Pivotal Point

[14:56] The Most Valuable Asset

[17:36] The Ultimate Vedic Teaching

[20:03] This is What I Am

[21:57] We Form an Opinion of Ourselves

[23:57] I Am Also This

[25:51] I Am a Human Being, Not Just a Human Doing.

[27:30] Longevity is a Fatal Condition

[29:57] Make Great Priorities in Life

[31:48] Living in Heaven-on-Earth Status

Useful Links

Navigating Family Relationships When Times Are Difficult

Thom Knoles — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 16:00:00 -0700

Family relationships aren’t usually simple or straight forward.

This is a matter of design, because our karmic blueprint brings us into family situations where we can play out the dramas necessary for our evolution.

In this episode, Thom answers questions from listeners about the dynamics of family relationships during times of difficulty.

He discusses how to cope with family relationships that have broken down, and how to show adult children how they can make the most of their world, even when outer circumstances appear tough.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Q - How Can I Find Peace of Mind After My Adult Son Has Abandoned Me as His Mother?

[00:50] A - A Wry Sense of Humor

[02:54] Accepting the Reality of Your Child's Consciousness State

[04:36] Expanding Your Sense of Self After Abandonment

[06:22] The Transcendent Influence of a Conscious Mother

[08:14] Q - How to with Emotionally Abusive Family Members?

[08:28] A - Guru Deva's Message — You Deserve the Best

[10:22] Soma — How Our Responses Feed Bad Behavior

[12:33] Dealing with Soma Bandits in Relationships

[14:43] Good Behavior Gets Soma

[15:39] Not Available for a Hold-up

[17:09] Q - How Can I Communicate with Discouraged Adult Children?

[17:32] A - The Uncertainty Principle

[19:29] Creative Intelligence Always Finds Employment

[21:52] Be the Guru

[22:45] An End to All Uncertainty

Useful Links

AI and Singularity. Is this the beginning of the end?

Thom Knoles — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 16:00:00 -0700

By the time 2023 comes to a close, there’s a very good chance that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be a front runner for the Word of the Year. Since the release of ChatGPT late last year, the use and development of AI tools for day-to-day purposes has exploded.

People are coming up with creative ways of using AI to take on some of their regular tasks, and often even to take on their creative workload.

There’s no doubt that AI is a boon to humanity and that it comes with great benefits, but is there any downside to having a tool as powerful as this? Is there a chance that we’re one step closer to the reality that so many ‘science fiction’ movies and books have described, where the robots take over?

Of course we’ll have Thom’s views on the subject in this episode, and in fairness to AI, we also gave it a chance to participate, and posed the question to ChatGPT, What would Thom Knoles say about AI and Singularity?

Read the answer below and listen to Thom’s view on the matter on the podcast, then you can be the judge as to how accurate the answer was…

Question: Good morning. What would Thom Knole's say about AI and Singularity?

Answer: Thom Knoles is a Vedic meditation teacher and I cannot say for certain what his views on Al and Singularity are. However, generally speaking, the Vedic tradition emphasizes the importance of human consciousness and inner development. In this tradition, the ultimate goal of human life is to realize one's true nature and attain a state of enlightenment.

Regarding Al and Singularity, some Vedic teachings may suggest that while technological advancements can be useful, they cannot replace the importance of human consciousness and spiritual evolution. It may be said that Al, no matter how advanced, lacks consciousness and self-awareness, which are essential components of human life.

However, without specific information on Thom Knoles' personal views on the subject, I cannot give a more specific answer.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] What Would Thom Knoles Say About AI and Singularity?

[03:04] AI Singularity

[05:08] Is-ness to Am-ness to I-ness to My-ness

[07:49] The Breaking of Symmetry

[10:14] The Evolution of Technology: From Fire to AI

[12:03] Cascades of Technologies and Capabilities

[14:12] The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Technology

[15:56] The Abuse of Technology

[17:55] A Little Knowledge is a Dangerous Thing

[20:11] Is Technology Bad?

[22:11] The Mirage of Fulfilling Life

[24:29] Finding Fulfillment in the Bliss Layer

[26:17] Awaken the Full Potential of Consciousness

[28:47] The Larval Stages of AI: What Lies Ahead?

[30:32] Fire 3.0

[33:10] Y2K and AI: False Alarms or Real Threats?

[35:34] Is AI a Potential Danger or a Tool for Enlightenment?

[37:50] Interacting Effectively with the Demands of the World?

[39:34] The Potential for Humanity

Useful Links