Vedic Worldview

The Purpose of Education Nov 10, 2024

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

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Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga Nov 06, 2024

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

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Revenge vs Justice Oct 27, 2024

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

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Leela Shakti - Play Power Oct 20, 2024

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

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Karma, Charm, Art, and Suffering Oct 13, 2024

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

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Kumbha Mela - A Celebration Like No Other Oct 06, 2024

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

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The Great Puruṣārtha - Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha Sep 29, 2024

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

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Laws of Nature - How to Align with Evolution and Avoid Suffering Sep 22, 2024

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

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What is the Impact of Witnessing an Eclipse? Sep 15, 2024

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

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Quantum Mechanics for Beginners Sep 08, 2024

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

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Spiritual Mediums, Right and Wrong, Partners Who Don't Meditate Sep 01, 2024

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

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Yagyas - Awakening Impulses of Creative Intelligence Aug 25, 2024

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

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Who’s Who: Understanding Sanskrit Titles Aug 18, 2024

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

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The Bhagavad Gita - Lessons in Life from the Battlefield Aug 12, 2024

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

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Masculinity in the Modern Age Aug 11, 2024

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

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The Science and Art of Mantras Aug 04, 2024

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

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The Fallacy of Control Jul 28, 2024

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

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An Invitation to Vedic Meditation Initiator Training Jul 20, 2024

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

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Guru Purnima - The Origin and Significance Jul 18, 2024

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

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The Guru Gita - Song of the Guru Jul 14, 2024

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

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The Pain of Childbirth Jul 07, 2024

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

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Mastering the Siddhis Jun 30, 2024

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

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How to Make Things Right Jun 23, 2024

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

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Questions on Spiritual Principles Jun 16, 2024

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

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Austerity and Enlightenment Jun 09, 2024

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

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You Deserve the Best Jun 02, 2024

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

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Embracing the Sweet Truth May 26, 2024

“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

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Mind, Intellect, Ego May 19, 2024

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

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My Maharishi - A Paragon of Abundance and Self-Sufficiency May 12, 2024

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

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Intervention, Evolution, Contribution, Equilibrium May 05, 2024

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

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Vedanta - The Final Conclusion Apr 28, 2024

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

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I Had an Awakening Experience. Now What? Apr 21, 2024

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

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Minimizing Violence Through Ahiṃsa Apr 14, 2024

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

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How to Inspire Worthy Enquiry Apr 07, 2024

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

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The Symbology of the Shiva Lingam Mar 31, 2024

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

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Devas 101 Mar 24, 2024

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

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AI, Sacred Cows, Exceptional Children Mar 17, 2024

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

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How Do I Alleviate the Suffering of Others? Mar 10, 2024

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

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The Fruits of Action Mar 03, 2024

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

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Why the Long Hair? Feb 25, 2024

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

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My Maharishi - Humor Incarnate Feb 18, 2024

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

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Dark Room Retreats Feb 11, 2024

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

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Ayurveda - A Definition and a Display Feb 04, 2024

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

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How to Move Forward from a Divorce or Separation Jan 28, 2024

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

info@thomknoles.com

Can Art Be Separated from the Artist? Jan 21, 2024

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

info@thomknoles.com

The Light Inside: Empowering Incarcerated People Through Meditation Jan 14, 2024

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 Jan 07, 2024

“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

info@thomknoles.com

How to Prepare for the Year Ahead Dec 30, 2023

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

info@thomknoles.com

Time, Dark Matter, Surrendering vs Passive Dec 24, 2023

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

info@thomknoles.com

The Relationship Between Manifestation and Charm Dec 17, 2023

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

info@thomknoles.com

Self-Referral Happiness vs Object-Referral Happiness Dec 10, 2023

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

info@thomknoles.com

Mindset Minus Mind Games Dec 03, 2023

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

info@thomknoles.com

Soma - The Fluid Dynamics of Consciousness Nov 26, 2023

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

info@thomknoles.com

How to Have Thanksgiving Every Day Nov 19, 2023

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

info@thomknoles.com

Progressive Change, Perspective, and the Past Nov 12, 2023

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

info@thomknoles.com

Sankalpa - A Fresh Perspective on Bucket Lists Nov 05, 2023

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

info@thomknoles.com

The Simple Science of Happiness: Be Here Nowra Public Talk Oct 29, 2023

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

info@thomknoles.com

Awakening Abundance - Preview Episode Oct 26, 2023

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

info@thomknoles.com

Avoiding the Unwanted Effects of Om Through Pranava Oct 22, 2023

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

info@thomknoles.com

The Third Eye - What it is and What You Need to Know About it. Oct 15, 2023

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

info@thomknoles.com

The Solution to All Problems Oct 08, 2023

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

info@thomknoles.com

Are Body-Based Goals Evolutionary? Oct 01, 2023

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

info@thomknoles.com

A Vedic Perspective on Postpartum Depression Sep 24, 2023

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

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The Mechanics of Stress and Stress Release Sep 17, 2023

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

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Inspiration, Apathy vs Non-Attachment, An End to Humanity? Sep 10, 2023

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

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The Role of Beliefs in Dharma Sep 03, 2023

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

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Does Charm Always Feel Easy? Aug 27, 2023

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

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Cultural Appropriation and Cultural Integrity Aug 20, 2023

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

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The Function of Dreaming Consciousness Aug 13, 2023

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

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The Role of Devotion in Our Evolution Aug 06, 2023

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

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The Function and Relevance of Kirtan Jul 30, 2023

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

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India - The Cradle of Civilization Jul 23, 2023

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

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My Maharishi - A Second Father to Me Jul 16, 2023

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

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Our Role in Parent-Child Relationships Jul 09, 2023

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

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Why do We Self Sabotage Ourselves? Jul 02, 2023

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

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World Peace is an Inside Job Jun 25, 2023

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

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The Akashic Record Explained Jun 18, 2023

“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

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The Relationship Between Trust and Charm Jun 11, 2023

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

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The Evolutionary Function of Suicide Jun 04, 2023

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

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Understanding the Caste System of India May 28, 2023

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

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Why do Bad Things Happen to Good People? May 21, 2023

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

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Punya - How to Increase Your Deserving Power May 14, 2023

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

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Yudhishthira and the Most Wondrous Thing May 07, 2023

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

info@thomknoles.com

Navigating Family Relationships When Times Are Difficult Apr 30, 2023

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

info@thomknoles.com

AI and Singularity. Is this the beginning of the end? Apr 23, 2023

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

info@thomknoles.com