Vedic Worldview

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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“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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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“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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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“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

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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?

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Few things stir up fear quite like the economy does. Though few of us could even accurately define what “the economy” actually is, talk of a tough economy is enough to cause most people worry.

Whether it be mortgage increases, rising inflation, falling stock prices, or looming recessions, as soon as the financial experts start talking down the economy, large parts of the population start seeing problems with their own situation that they don’t understand, let alone know how to solve. 

Given the infinite variety of economic situations that each of us face, coming up with universal tactics that we could all apply is an impossible task. But while there may not be a viable universal tactical approach that we could all take, there is a viable universal strategic approach that we can take.

In fact it’s so universal, that it isn’t just applicable to economic situations, and can apply to any problem or challenge that comes our way…

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Tough Economic Features

[02:25] Contributing Factors

[04:13] Problem is a Consciousness State

[05:46] The Impact of Consciousness on Coping with Economic Hardship

[07:31] Overloading the Brain

[09:07] Fight-Flight Reactivity

[10:46] Stress Accumulation vs Deep Restfulness

[12:56] Unleash Your Brain's Potential with Vedic Meditation

[16:57] Accurate Expectations via Vedic Meditation

[18:52] "Where's the Money Going to Come From?"

[20:27] Opulence at $5 a Day

[21:31] Sleeping on the Couch in the Presidential Suite

[22:53] A Fully Awakened Brain

[24:12] How to Deal with Problems

[25:41] Welcome to the Solution to All Problems

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If we look at the origin of the word habit, it comes from Latin, meaning have, or consist of. Hence the once common saying, Habits maketh man.

So if our habits essentially define, in a sense, who we are, then it makes sense for us to adopt habits that are more evolutionary in nature than others.

This episode is a sneak preview of what to expect from Thom’s new course, Evolutionary Habits. 

It goes beyond the common approach of simply using discipline and willpower to force change, and inspires a fundamental shift in how we think of ourselves, thus inspiring change elegantly, rather than forcing it upon ourselves from a sense of lack or inadequacy. 

Episode  Highlights:

[00:45] Who Am I? What Am I?

[02:43] Your Habits Shape Your Reality

[04:53] The Big Bang

[07:17] Evolution is Inexorable

[09:15] This Entity I Call Myself

[11:09] You Can't Step Into the Same Body Twice

[12:47] Your Thoughts Shape Your Physical Self

[14:36] The Fundamental Aspect of Habituation

[16:02] A Very Positive Change

[17:22] The Habit of Identifying Oneself Correctly

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One of the most commonly misunderstood Sanskrit terms is the word Maya. It’s frequently referred to as “illusion” and is sometimes used to describe “reality” as being unimportant or insignificant. 

Often when it’s used in spiritual circles, it’s an attempt to imply that one has a sense of detachment, “It’s just Maya, an illusion. Nothing to take too seriously…”

But like many Sanskrit words, its meaning cannot really be found in a single English word. 

Equally, the importance of Maya means putting the word “just” in front of it, doesn’t do it justice. Maya is neither unimportant, nor insignificant.

Listen in and allow Thom to set the record straight, and give Maya the mystery and significance she deserves.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] A Poorly Understood Concept

[03:16] Appearance

[05:30] Appearance Requires Some Action

[07:33] Brahman in Action

[10:38] Brahman as Para

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Thom gave us plenty of reading in his recent episode covering his favorite Vedic literature. In this episode, he closes the loop and shares some of his favorite non-Vedic literature. 

Not surprisingly, most of it is non-fiction and explores the ways in which the Universe, and we humans work. 

Thom also includes a fictional piece which is very much aligned with the Vedic worldview of consciousness being everywhere and in everything.

As Thom says in the podcast, “...even if you are a fast reader, you'll probably spend the better part of the year trying to get through some of this stuff.”

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Recommended Reading

[01:38] The Overstory

[03:14] Non-fiction Books by Paul Davies

[06:23] Davies' Exploration of the Perfect Conditions

[08:03] Come to Your Own Conclusion

[09:41] Professor John Gribben's Thesis

[10:45] Professor Brian Josephson's Works

[12:31] Books on Neuroscience - Norman Doidge

[14:27] Sapiens - Yuval Noah Harari

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The notion of karma raises a lot of questions, often because the concept is totally misunderstood. It’s most commonly seen as a cosmic form of reward and punishment, but nothing could be further from the truth.

It is certainly a tool for course correction, but it doesn’t come with any of the judgment that is attributed to it. 

In this episode, Thom addresses listener questions, tackling issues such as instant karma vs delayed karma, why we still seem to experience karmic effects even when we’re doing all that we can to advance our evolutionary progress, and why we might choose a life of suffering rather than comfort.

These are common questions, but the answers Thom gives are by no means common. This is an episode you might want to put on repeat for a while so the learning can really sink in.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Q- Why does karma have varying timeframes for resolution?

[00:54] A - The Cause of Karma

[03:21] Relationship Between Karma and Kriyā

[05:36] Instant Karma

[07:28] Moving Between Karma and Kriyā Zones

[09:52] The Relationship Between Meditation and Karma

[11:52] The Role of Meditation in Preventing and Resolving Karma

[13:39] How to Undo Karma

[16:22] Instant Detection of Karma

[18:35] Q - Can current difficulties be a result of karmic habits?

[19:09] Karmic Debt

[21:46] Mastering Rounding for a Deeper Meditation Practice

[23:50] The Power of Rounding in Dissolving Karma

[26:29] Don't be a Bull in a China Shop

[28:57] Q - Why does consciousness choose life in an abusive environment?

[29:21] The Story of Ashtavakra: Spiritual Guru with Deformity

[31:26] Ashtavakra's Calloused Chin

[33:35] The Role of Karma in Ashtavakra's Life Story

[35:33] Ashtavakra's Choice

[37:41] Buddha: The Abusive Life of a Child in a Palace

[39:25] Enlightenment of Buddha

[41:38] Karma and Unfinished Business

[43:29] Ideal Families Don't Guarantee Enlightenment

[45:29] The Science of Jyotish

[47:23] We Make the Choice of Birth Timing and Parents

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Anxiety is a downward spiral that many struggle to control. It’s the price many are paying for living in an overstimulated world. 

We’re bombarded with messaging from countless sources hundreds of times a day, and these are competing with our own restless minds, churning away with the same repeated thoughts, day after day after day.

In this episode, Thom explains the dangers of living in a state of “object-referral,” where you live at the mercy of circumstances, rather than a state of “self-referral,” where you have a solid foundation that anxiety finds unsustainable. Importantly, he outlines the solution, in practical terms that anyone wanting to take back control can implement effectively and swiftly.

Episode Highlights:

[01:03] Becoming Aware of Our Challenges

[02:55] Immense Rise in the Capacity to Commune

[05:06] Failure to Commune is Characterizing Human Interaction Today

[07:52] Meditation Allows Deep-Rooted Stresses to Dissolve

[09:58] Being a Time Bomb of Stress Reactivity is Not the Solution

[12:04] We Can't Rely on the Two Percenters

[14:14] To What Extent am I Individually Awakening My Fullest Potential?

[16:28] Accelerate Your Own Personal Development

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This bonus episode is an invitation from Thom for Vedic meditators to join his new Satsang online community.

Satsang is more than just an online community. It's your 24/7 home where you can transform Vedic knowledge into personal wisdom that you can use in your day-to-day life.

For more details about Satsang, please visit https://thomknoles.com/community.

And if you aren't a Vedic meditator yet, you can find out how you can learn via our International Vedic Meditation Teacher Directory - https://thomknoles.com/vedic-meditation-teacher-directory/

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Read any good books lately? Vedic literature is rich in timeless content, and few epics have lasted the thousands of years that some of the Vedic epics have survived.

Vedic epics combine the best of drama and unforgettable storytelling while still being steeped in deep wisdom at every turn. It is this powerful combination that continues to make them as relevant today as 5,000 years ago.

Thom shares a couple of his favorites in this episode, and gives us a helping hand by recommending specific translations that will make more sense to those of us who are not Vedic scholars.

And to help us even further, he suggests a couple of more contemporary books, both written by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to help us deepen our understanding of how to lead a rich and fulfilling life.

Suggested Reading:

The Science of Being and the Art of Living by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi on the Bhagavad Gita - a translation and commentary by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

The Mahabharata, translation by Ramesh Menon

The Ramayana, translation by Ramesh Menon

Love and God

 by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Episode Highlights:

[00:52] The Vedic Worldview Podcast

[02:38] The Science of Being and Art of Living - Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

[04:47] The Bhagavad Gita – Vyasa

[08:01] Krishna's Enjoinment to Battle

[10:33] The Mahabharata – Vyasa

[14:52] Vyasa - A Great Sage

[17:17] The Ramayana – Valmiki

[20:02] Love and God - Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

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Get ready for a fresh perspective on suicide and suicidal thoughts. 

In response to a question from a listener, Thom gives us a lot to contemplate in this episode, including redefining how we think about suicide, introducing the concept of “long suicide,” and reminding us that body death doesn’t mean consciousness death or bring an end to suffering.

He talks about the role Vedic Meditation can have in easing the suffering at the source of suicidal thoughts, and also affirms that you are worthy of, and must seek, professional help if suicidal thoughts have become a regular part of your thinking or if it’s something you feel inclined to act on.

Even if you aren’t contemplating suicide, this is wisdom we should all take on board, for the inevitable occasion when we might be able to influence someone considering a premature end to their life.

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] Where Do Suicidal Thoughts Come From?

[02:06] A - Seeking Help: A Necessary Step for Mental Health

[04:08] Break the Stigma

[05:45] What Happens to Consciousness After Death

[07:35] Nihilism, Atheism, and Suicide

[09:44] Natural Curiosity of Body Death

[11:25] Suicide is Not Self-Destruction

[13:35] Guru Deva - the Supreme Authority in the Vedic Worldview

[15:57] Guru Deva Bestows Epithets

[18:06] Guru Deva Dropped his Body

[20:18] Did Guru Deva Commit Suicide?

[22:23] Why Guru Deva Dropped his Body

[24:29] Cosmic Intelligence and the End of a Physical Body

[26:21] Witness of All Intellects

[28:36] Suicide: An Act of Desperation or Cosmic Intelligence?

[30:32] Zero Effectiveness of Warnings and Campaigns

[33:04] This is Not Suicide

[35:05] We Don't Call It Suicide

[36:46] What You Can Do?

[38:56] How Vedic Meditation Can Help

[41:00] Consciousness Beyond Physical Death: Insights from a Near-Death Experience

[43:03] Live Your Life Without Suffering

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Vedic Meditators frequently report heightened perception of the sense organs. 

Colors may become crisper, shades of light and dark may become more ‘interesting,’ subtler tastes may be detected in food, and smells may be detected, even in the most minute concentrations.

One of the most curious sensations happens at the level of hearing. In the same way that the mind is able to experience the subtlety of Being becoming manifest, the hearing organs are able to experience the sound of Being becoming manifest.

Thom explains both the mechanics and the result of this process. 

For many Vedic meditators, this episode will be a revelation, an explanation for that sweet, sweet sound, humming away in the background as a constant companion in day-to-day life, and for others it will be a preview of coming attractions.

And for those who haven’t learned Vedic Meditation, perhaps this will inspire you to learn the technique so you too can hear the sound of manifestation.

Episode Highlights:

[00:52] An Arcane Subject

[02:20] It's Not Tinnitus

[03:49] Increasing Acuity of Perception

[05:31] The Nectar of the Bliss Experience

[07:29] The Sound of the Symmetry Breaking

[09:18] Divine Which is Heard

[11:07] Bringing Your Consciousness State Forward

[12:21] Symphonic Sound

[13:40] The Sound of the Veda

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Most groups or communities have a few pretentious players within them; people who wear a mask or ‘put on a show’ to attract attention to themselves and to elevate their status.

While one might think that the “spiritual” arena might be beyond such behavior, regrettably that’s not the case.

In some circles they might be called “wannabees,” but Maharishi Mahesh Yogi had a special name for such people; mood makers.

While they are relatively easy to spot, in this episode Thom shares the signs to look for in a mood maker. 

If nothing else, this gives us an opportunity to check in on our own conduct and to ensure that we haven’t inadvertently become a mood maker ourselves.

Episode Highlights:

[00:53] The Temptation of Mood Making

[02:25] Faking It Till You Make It

[03:28] Badges of Rank

[05:15] A Big Blob on the Floor

[06:28] Our Destiny Summed Up on the Floor of Whole Foods

[07:42] God-given Parking Spaces

[09:08] Simple, Natural, Innocent

[11:05] Have a Proper Meal With Me

[12:20] "I'm Eating Brahman."

[14:17] Be Adorable to Nature

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The Oxford Dictionary defines luck as: success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one's own actions, or, chance considered as a force that causes good or bad things to happen.

Long-term listeners will straight away see that chance is incompatible with the Vedic worldview, hence luck isn’t likely to pass scrutiny either. 

So how then do we account for the fact that sometimes we seem lucky, or perhaps others seem lucky, and sometimes we don’t? 

In this episode Thom explains the Vedic perspective on luck and good fortune. The good news is, we have more control over it than most people think.

Episode Highlights:

[00:53] A Degree of Randomicity

[02:52] Well-Deserved, Self-Created Good Fortune

[05:09] There is Intelligence Involved

[06:13] Unconscious Design of Unhappiness

[08:04] Conscious Design of Happiness

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While many of us think of language as something that evolved from the grunts and noises made by our prehistoric ancestors, Sanskrit, the ancient language of the Veda, has a very unique distinction; it’s an ‘inspired’ or cognized language, reflecting the intention of Nature through sound.

Having obtained a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Sydney, majoring in Sanskrit, Thom is well placed to give us an overview of its origin and a demonstration of its beauty.

He explains how its custodians have preserved its integrity over the centuries, protecting it from the inevitable change of common use.

And for those of us who don’t want to dive deeply into understanding it more fully, he explains why we don’t need to understand Sanskrit intellectually in order to benefit from its meaning or intent.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] The First Child of the Language of Nature

[02:45] Rishi - One with Super Subtle Perception

[04:28] Sounds Like...

[06:35] Seeing the Sounds

[08:38] Lingua Franca

[10:29] An Absolute Language

[11:32] Fluid Languages

[12:32] Olde English

[14:19] An Effect Without Understanding

[17:00] The Means Alone Won't Get You There

[18:25] A Lifetime of Learning Isn't Enough

[19:28] Sama Veda - Enlivening Our Experience of the Unified Field

[21:23] Puja

[23:32] A Beautiful Sound On Its Own

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Mention tantra and most people think of sexual practices designed to prolong the sexual experience or to add a ‘spiritual’ element to it. While the principle of tantra can certainly be applied to sex, it’s actually a concept that has much broader and more interesting applications.  

Strictly speaking, when properly applied, even the art of procrastination, as distinct from the habit of avoidance, can be said to be a form of tantra.

As Thom explains in this episode, tantra is a form of brinkmanship, the ability to hover at the border of two different states, either conceptually or physically. As you’ll hear, it’s an art that Vedic Meditators become quite accomplished at…

Episode Highlights:

[00:55] Tantra Has Evaded All Attempts at Consistent Definition

[03:37] Understanding Tantra is Pivotal to the Development of a Vedic Meditator

[05:44] Creativity at Work Requires the Pressure of Present-Moment Awareness

[08:13] Tantric Awareness No Longer Fears Boundaries

[10:17] Boundaries Are Places of Rich and Condensed Knowledge

[12:34] Helium as a Gas to a Superfluid

[14:12] Superfluid Helium is a Quantum Mechanical Phenomenon

[16:37] Tantra Is a Consciousness State

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There’s no shortage of questions from our podcast audience, which is perfect because Thom is never short of an answer…

The common thread throughout this Q&A episode is that we’re all much more empowered than we might think.

Thom reminds us that Nature loves it when we commit, and that rather than preparing ourselves for worst-case scenarios, we must assume that we’re acting on Nature’s behalf and get behind our intention, and then act accordingly.

He gives us clues as to how we can use the present to inspire our past and the future to inspire our present. You'll need to flex the way you think about time but, as always, Thom gives us an elegant analogy to work with.

And to round things off, he takes the intention message one step further, inviting us to be flexible with our expectations and to be ready, and willing, to change plans at a moment’s notice.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Q - Should We Prepare for Worst-Case Scenarios?

[01:33] A - Collectives Create the Governance That Surrounds Them

[04:07] Government is in a Dependency Role

[06:11] Continue to Provide, No Matter Where the Funding Comes From

[07:55] "Here We'll Build Our Next Ashram"

[09:21] "The Money Will Come From Where it is Now"

[11:27] Seagull Parable from the Upanishad

[13:06] Millions of Birds Drying out the Ocean

[14:18] Garuda and Varuna

[16:23] Q - What is the Vedic World View of Parts Work?

[17:03] A - Reinspiring Consciousness

[18:50] One Contiguous Flow

[21:05] Inspiration From the Future

[23:22] Q - Does Intention and Goal Setting Contradict the Vedic Worldview?

[23:55] A - I Am Totality

[26:27] Nature's Bait and Switch

[27:50] This is Nature Itself Thinking

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Vedic wisdom is full of contrasting ideas. We’re told that evolution is the only thing that’s ever happening, yet we’re also told that the intellect is ‘mistaken’ and that it holds us back from experiencing enlightened forms of Consciousness. 

Can both be true? Can we be both mistaken and be playing a role in evolution at the same time? Here’s your chance to find out.

This is another masterclass on the Vedic Worldview, an episode worthy of your full attention and one that you’ll want to listen to a few times over to fully understand what it means for you and your own personal evolution. If you have trouble celebrating your ‘flaws’ this will go a long way to putting that to rest. 

Episode Highlights

[00:53] Pragya Aparadha

[01:55] Structure of Human Consciousness - Intellect

[03:44] Individual Ego and Cosmic Ego

[05:58] Experiencing Psycho-genesis - the Source of Thought

[07:59] Transcendance is the Unified Field Itself

[09:59] Every Thought is a Stream of Energy and Intelligence

[12:22] Bio-friendly Universe

[14:29] Mind Experiencing Dual Awareness

[16:26] Neuroplasticity of the Brain

[18:29] Joy of the Combination of Two Activities is Greater than Keeping them Separate

[20:44] Ritam - Thinking and Being at the Same Time

[22:51] Stabilizing Ritam

[24:47] A Very Fantastic Experience

[26:38] Neuroplasticity Allows for Stabilization of Two States Simultaneously

[28:31] Cosmic Consciousness

[31:21] The Power of the Mistaken Intellect

[34:07] Intellect has Handicaps

[35:52] Intellect Was the Bouncer to the Ego Structure

[37:39] Rehabilitation of the Sense of Self through Meditation

[39:44] Intellect is the Last Thing to Capitulate

[42:05] It Takes a Thorn to Remove a Thorn

[43:42] Mistaken Intellect Sabotages Our Best Internal Knowledge

[46:32] Prosecutorial Intellect and Advocacy Intellect

[48:51] The Resolute Intellect

[50:46] Pulling Back the String of the Bow

[53:05] Mistaken Intellect is the Last Thing to Allow Enlightenment to Zoom Forth

[55:07] Guru - Remover of Darkness

[57:16] Vedic Meditation Retreats Awakening the Resolute Intellect

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Most people are surprised to hear that Thom Knoles has spent time in prison. And not just one prison. Several in fact.

And not just in one country. He’s spent time in multiple prisons in Australia and the United States of America.

Listen in as Thom shares the tale of how he took control of his own destiny, and changed the destiny of hundreds of others in the process.

NB - See here for The Light Inside project that Thom mentions on the podcast.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] A Deep Conviction

[03:01] The Starry World

[05:08] Jyotish - Vedic Astrology

[06:47] Prison is in Your Future.

[08:27] "Go to Prison."

[09:47] Freedom Behind Bars

[12:53] Multiple Prison Stays

[14:24] Meditation in Prison

[18:01] The Light Inside

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Happy New Year! Or is it? 

While large parts of the world celebrate the start of a new calendar year on January 1st, much of the world celebrates the New Year at other times. Many cultures base their New Year on events in Nature, astronomical events, or a combination of both.

In this episode, Thom explains the basis for the Vedic New Year and the rationale behind it. 

While it isn’t celebrated as ‘enthusiastically’ as New Year is in the West, it marks a significant stage in the rhythm of life and is worthy of our attention each time it comes around, even if we have another New Year celebration that’s more significant to us.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] The Gregorian Calendar

[01:41] Cues From Nature

[03:24] Solstices and Equinoxes

[04:46] Yuletide

[05:51] Gap Week

[07:39] Vernal Equinox

[09:01] Spring - When We See the Fecundity of the Earth

[10:47] Creating Additional Joy

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This Ask Thom Anything episode explores ancient cultures, the process of evolution and the possibility of devolution.

Thom shares an anecdote about a journey to outback Australia as an envoy for Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to seek the blessing of Aboriginal Elders, where he discovered an unexpected, though not surprising, connection between the ancient people of Australia and those of India.

And in answers to two totally separate questions, he explains the evolutionary leap that made us the ‘smartest’ species on the planet, though potentially too smart for our own good. 

It’s a salient reminder that we all need to be vigilant with our Vedic Meditation practice and to share the benefits widely if we want the human species to continue to be part of Nature’s evolutionary process.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Q - What's the Connection Between Australian Aboriginal and Vedic Culture

[01:29] Indigenous People who Possessed Knowledge of Transcending

[02:38] "You Want to Talk to the Old Fellas?"

[04:28] Making Arrangements to See the Old Fellas

[06:17] Clean Sheets and Some Good Tucker

[07:32] Remarkable State of Contentedness

[09:41] We'd Like to Teach All the Fellas

[11:20] It'll Be Alright

[13:22] Q - What is the Truth About the Brain's Evolution?

[13:44] A - Darwinistic Evolution

[16:23] Science Likes One Original Miracle

[18:05] Bio-Friendly Universe

[20:32] Timing was Perfect for a Consciousness Revolution

[21:45] Evolutionary Pressures Caused Pivotal Evolutionary Change

[24:30] Q - Can We Evolve Regressively?

[25:23] A - Dumbing Down of Consciousness

[26:18] Intelligent Enough. Not Intelligent Enough

[28:08] A Little Knowledge is a Dangerous Thing

[29:27] Critical Mass of People Meditating

[30:55] The Few Lead the Many

[33:01] Not Smart Enough to Prevent Our Own Self-extinction?

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How much trust did you have that the sun would rise this morning? And even if it was hidden by clouds, did you still trust that it was there?

Unless you live near one of the polar caps, where you can go for months without seeing the sun, no doubt you had enough certainty that you didn’t need to apply any trust at all. You were certain it was going to rise and can be certain it will rise again tomorrow.

Much of the stress in our lives is caused by uncertainty, which we smooth over by applying trust or faith to a situation or to a person, but that’s an approach that leaves us exposed to outside influences.

In this episode, Thom shares a sure-fire approach to dial up the certainty in our lives and to make us resilient to the uncertainty that we need to keep life interesting.

We are certain you’ll enjoy this episode :-). 

Episode Highlights

[01:02] Object-referral Way of Looking at the World

[03:31] Problem Means Problem Consciousness

[05:10] No More Problem

[06:01] Self-referral Consciousness Commences with Vedic Meditation

[07:53] Consciousness Field is the Knower, Knowing and Known

[09:55] We Start Taking More Responsibility for What we Are Experiencing

[11:40] Percentage of Self-referral Awareness

[13:47] Internal Locus of Control

[15:18] External Locus of Control

[17:16] Faith and Trust - Suspension of Disbelief

[19:41] Certainty is Better than Trust

[21:18] Absolute Supreme Knowledge

[23:02] Vedic Rishis Don't Operate on the Level of Trust

[25:06] Knowledge Has Organizing Power

[27:21] Knowledge of the Knower has Infinite Organising Power

[29:26] Capture the Fort - Then the Entire Territory Belongs to You

[31:24] Water the Roots of the Tree - the Underlying Transcendental Field of the Tree

[33:44] Someone Who Meditates Becomes an Agent of the Evolutionary Process

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Evolution is the only thing that’s ever happening, but what’s the mechanism behind evolution? 

The Vedic perspective tells us that everything that happens in ‘the relative’ is governed by the three ‘gunas.’

In this episode Thom describes the three gunas as balancing agents, engaged in a constant interplay of intention, action and inaction, ensuring that everything is created in perfect harmony, and remains relevant for just as long as it needs to be, and no more. 

He also explains how Vedic Meditation, the art of transcending the three gunas, can be our most powerful weapon, even in the toughest of life’s battles.

Episode Highlights

[00:56] Bhagavad Gita - Song of the Supreme Consciousness Field

[03:20] Cousins Go to War

[05:30] Arjuna Deeply Conflicted

[07:57] "You Could Have Avoided All of This"

[09:45] "Your Cousins will Destroy the Entire Culture of India"

[11:53] Nistraigunyo Bhavarjuna

[13:51] Yogastha Kuru Karmani

[15:56] Evolutionary Force is Causing Ever More Elegant and Sophisticated Forms

[18:13] Humans - Relatively Inept Athletes

[20:03] But a Highly Sophisticated Human Brain

[22:01] Capacity to See Cascades of Cause

[23:42] Upright Neurocentric Arthropods

[24:45] Sattva, Rajas and Tamas - Three Balancing Agents

[26:09] Inertia of Stillness

[27:46] Inertia - A Way to Stop the Vehicle

[29:46] Change is Inevitable

[32:01] Meditation - Be Without the Three Gunas

[34:24] The Yoga Consciousness State gives the Expanded Perspective

[36:41] Turiya - the Fourth Consciousness State

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We could be forgiven for thinking that Mata, Pita and Guru, Mother, Father, and ‘Teacher,’ refer to specific people in our life. But as we’ve come to expect from Vedic wisdom, there is much more to these words than meets the eye.

In this episode Thom explains the connotative meaning of this triumvirate and the role that they play, moment to moment, in our lives. 

While most of us see life as a series of events happening to us, those who view life through the lens of Mata, Pita and Guru, see it as a series of events happening for us. No points for guessing which approach leads to the least suffering.

Episode Highlights

[00:56] The Three-Part Body of Knowledge

[02:36] Mata - The Gestator

[03:56] Matrix

[05:21] The Source of All New Moments

[06:45] Purification Takes Place

[07:46] Pita; The Instigator of Change

[08:41] Source and Cause

[09:47] Thought - A Stream of Energy and Intelligence

[12:03] A Thing Stimulates You to Have a Thought

[13:50] The Third Element - Guru

[15:29] "We Can Make Money Out of This."

[17:04] Truth of Snake-fear

[18:22] Darkness Remover

[20:40] Guru; The Shedder of Light

[22:20] Mata, Pita, Guru — Fundamental to Living a Happy Life

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According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one in three seniors in the USA dies with some form of dementia*. And with the rapidly-aging population, numbers are expected to double within the next thirty years.

These are sobering statistics but in this episode, Thom puts forward the Vedic perspective on the subject and a simple solution, which, ironically, lies in reviving our lost ability to forget.

With so many cognitive demands placed on us each day, and our obsessive need to remember, Thom reminds us that our twice-daily dose of Vedic Meditation gives our brain the much-needed respite from the demands of the day, and the chance to avoid the forced shut-down that dementia often provides in later life. 

It’s a hopeful message that could help many better understand the condition they fear more than any other.

*Alzheimer’s Association.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] The Value of Memory

[03:19] Fight/Flight Response

[05:30] Structural and Material Changes that Pertain to Fighting or Fleeing

[07:07] The Stress of Stress

[08:31] Our Immune System - Reducing Neoplsams

[10:21] Stress And Cancer

[12:28] We Get Stressed by Everything

[14:20] Our Memory and Memory in the Cells

[16:11] Power of Consciousness

[17:53] Hundreds of Thousands of Mantras

[20:05] Prime Property of the Mantra

[24:01] Forgetting and Remembrance Phenomenon

[25:43] Letting Go of Irrelevancy

[27:59] Letting Go of Attachment

[29:44] Forget and Remember

[31:49] The Major Problem

[34:11] Purpose of Memory

[36:45] Your Contribution to Evolution

[38:35] What is it You're Remembering and Forgetting? 

[40:03] What Form of Dying Frightens You the Most?

[42:01] Everything is Forgotten

[43:55] This Happened, and That Will Happen.

[45:59] Enjoy Forgetfulness

[48:17] Remembering the Right Things

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With a father as a high-ranking officer in the US Air Force, Thom Knoles has been traveling internationally from a very young age. Under the wing of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Thom traveled even more, visiting countries with him on almost every continent.

But the country Thom has spent the most time in, outside of the USA, is his home away from home, Australia. 

As a fresh-faced teenager, his keen interest in surfing led him to choose Australia as his destination of choice to set himself up as his meditation teaching career got under way.

Thom reminisces on his time spent there and the legacy of tens of thousands of meditators still active in Australia, and growing each day.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Early Contact with Australians

[02:51] The Art and Sport of Surfing

[05:13] One-Way Airfare

[07:08] 10 Jobs for Every One Person

[08:56] An Immigrant in Australia

[10:47] "What Do You Do for a Crust Mate?"

[12:30] Rhyming Slang of Outback Australians

[14:30] Yoga and Meditation Studio in Sylvania

[16:09] Maharishi Domicile in Switzerland

[18:08] Relatively Close to India

[19:39] A Tremendous Amount of Hospitality

[21:24] 10,000 Students

[23:29] Prisoners and Politicians

[26:01] Drawing People from Across Sydney

[27:38] Australia - the Crucible that Formed and Forged Thom Knoles

[29:30] Australia's Great Naturalness

[31:14] Robustness and Willingness to Take on a Challenge

[32:59] 20,000 Vedic Meditators in Sydney Region

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We’re turning over the content of the podcast to our listeners once again, with another Ask Thom Anything episode, this time with a recurring theme of ‘effectiveness.’

Protest has become fashionable in recent years but Mary from Australia wonders how effective it is, especially in the absence of ‘worthy inquiry.’

Saskia, also from Australia, asks about the effectiveness of Nadi Shodana and the correct use of ‘Rounding’ to support our Vedic Meditation practice.

And Sophia in the USA wants to know if Japa Meditation has the same effect as, or could be considered to be a type of, Vedic Meditation.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Is Protest Effective?

[01:44] A - Less Outrage

[03:13] Change Naturally and Spontaneously Occurs

[05:07] Thought Police

[06:59] Large-Scale Social Backlash

[08:46] Raise our Own Consciousness

[09:45] Q - What Are the Benefits of Nadi Shodana and How Many Rounds Are Ideal Before Meditation?

[10:03] A - Pranayama

[11:59] Rounding

[13:24] At-Home Program

[14:53] Industrial-Strength Meditation

[16:08] Q -  Is Japa Vedic Meditation?

[16:24] A - Some Resemblance

[17:07] Bija Mantra

[19:11] Japa Ajapa

[20:59] Bija Mantra Moves in the Direction of Being

[23:35] Effortlessness, Not Concentration and Control

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“No problem.” We’ve all said it on many occasions, and most of us say it, or a variation on it, on a pretty regular basis.

But do we really mean it? And do we know for sure if ‘no problem’ fits the occasion?

In this My Maharishi episode, Thom recounts an interaction where Maharishi Mahesh Yogi held Thom to his word after setting him what seemed to be a relatively simple task. 

Thom sums the lesson up nicely at the end and, if nothing else, will get you thinking twice before saying “No problem” again.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] A Force-Five Hurricane of Happiness

[01:48] Night of the Waxing Full Moon in Switzerland

[03:27] Flotillas on the Lake

[05:12] Morning of the Full Moon

[06:32] Roads Blocked Off

[08:02] "Maharishi, There's a Problem."

[09:43] "Thom, Stop Talking."

[12:51] Head of State

[11:02] Find the Highest Principle

[14:20] Problem is a Consciousness State

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Word of mouth is an unreliable means of communicating even at the best of times. And while the written word should theoretically be more accurate and more trustworthy than the spoken word, history has shown that that’s not the case. 

Words can be so easily misunderstood and misinterpreted that they can’t be relied upon to convey wisdom accurately over time.

So what’s the most reliable way to preserve ancient truths and keep them relevant to the times?

In this episode Thom explores the limitations of the intellect and the role of consciousness in creating a ‘direct line’ when it comes to accessing the wisdom needed for evolutionary progress to be made.

He also explains the role of a Guru in ensuring that they develop successors with the consciousness and capability to adapt teachings to meet the need of the time, and from generation to generation, without diluting the purity of the original teaching.

In short, it’s an explanation that it’s not what you know that’s important, it’s ‘how’ you know.

Jai Guru Deva.

Episode Highlights

[00:55] The Role of Tradition in Vedic Worldview

[03:37] Irrelevant Reaction

[06:04] Our Brain is Not Being Used to Its Full Potential

[08:19] The Brain as a Machine

[10:33] What is Our Brain Capable Of?

[12:08] Brain Development

[13:50] This is Veda

[16:26] Eureka!

[18:49] Maintaining the Purity

[20:51] The Vedic Worldview is Inexhaustible

[22:48] Limitations of Newton's Theory

[24:31] Quantum Mechanics Can Explain Things

[26:38] Maharishi Gifted Me...

[28:12] How Do You Get That?

[30:00] Why Do We Exist?

[31:28] The Dishwasher

[33:13] The Gardener

[34:44] The Colorless Sap

[36:13] Refining My Capability

[37:26] My Great Joy

[39:01] The Meaning of Jai Guru Deva

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The impact that Maharishi Mahesh Yogi had on the world is inestimable. With millions of people practicing the meditation technique that he popularized around the world, and many thousands more learning each year, the ripple effect of his work will last for centuries to come.

And not just here on earth. It’s fitting that Maharishi’s three favorite words, Jai Guru Deva, inspired lyrics within the famous Beatles song, Across the Universe, which, in 2008, became the first song beamed by NASA into deep space.

But what was it like being up close with Maharishi? In this episode Thom shares some of his observations from his 25 plus years of direct contact with Maharishi in India and throughout the world, often around the clock and for weeks and months on end.

He describes Maharishi’s most endearing characteristics and the impact they had on him personally, declaring that Maharishi shaped him to become the man he is today.

And for bonus value, he also shares the origins of another song from The Beatles that can be attributed to being influenced by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Episode Highlights

[00:55] What Maharishi Was Like

[03:14] An Inspiration to The Beatles

[04:58] A Great Grace

[07:17] Glory to Guru Deva

[09:23] An Artful Walk

[10:06] An Armful of Flowers

[11:09] A Car Seat in Sydney

[12:39] A Coffee Table and a Deerskin

[14:26] Questions From the Floor

[16:14] Response to Worthy Inquiry

[17:13] Dear Prudence

[18:56] Contagious Laughter

[20:18] Hari the Cook

[21:52] Feeling the Food

[23:14] An Incessant Phenomenon

[24:28] A Great Buzz of Activity

[25:58] The Colorless Sap

[28:06] What Happened?

[29:57] Is It Understood?

[31:57] From This Angle, From That Angle

[33:24] Creating Me

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What’s the Vedic worldview on sexuality?

Gender expression and sexual identity have been hot topics in recent years as more and more people choose to abandon gender and sexual stereotypes.

And while Vedic civilization was way ahead of its time in terms of accepting gender diversity, it turns out that sexuality may not be as important as it's made out to be.

In this bonus episode, Thom proposes a viewpoint whereby we can all look at sexuality from a different perspective and focus on a more reliable source of identity.

And if you’d like to dive a little deeper into the subject, Thom has a new course on Omnisexuality, available for people who have learned Vedic Meditation from a qualified and endorsed (by Thom) Vedic Meditation Teacher.

https://thomknoles.com/omnisexuality

PS - This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at a public event so please forgive the slightly less-the-perfect audio quality.

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Q - What’s the Vedic World View on Sexuality?

[01:23] Why Stop at Five?

[03:03] Doing is Not Identity

[04:51] Sexuality is a Thing That You Do

[06:43] Three Minutes...

[07:49] Be Open to Change

[08:37] Thom's Course on Omnisexuality

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More listener questions on the podcast this episode, with the focus on the metaphysical.

Thom puts a surprising twist in his answer to a question on time travel and gives us clues as to how we can sense the future in the making.

He has an emphatic response to a question about the Law of Attraction, one that will help you make your mind up if you’re in doubt about whether it’s real or not.

And he gives us some advice as to how we can use external influences to our benefit when it comes to our health and wellbeing (Spoiler alert: It’s an inside job!).

Episode Highlights

[00:45] Q - Is Time Travel Possible?

[00:49] A - What Does Now Mean?

[02:20] Deva

[04:53] Capturing Past and Future

[06:35] You Sense the Future in the Making

[08:33] Constructing the Future

[10:28] That's Time Travel

[12:03] Q - Is the Law of Attraction a Myth?

[12:07] A - "Don't Be a Defeatist."

[13:46] Individuality is on a Mission

[15:32] The Universe is Not Your Sugar Daddy

[17:26] Attraction Has Nothing to Do With Anything

[19:40] Q - Is the Body Influenced by EMR or Plant Essences?

[20:32] A - Let There Be Light

[21:57] Let's Make Ourselves Resilient

[23:54] Will We Dodge Bullets or Become Bulletproof?

[25:46] Stabilize and Purify

[27:18] Self Realization for All Purposes

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Vedic mythos, or storytelling, is often laced with humor to get a point across. 

In this episode of the podcast, Thom recounts a tale from the Katha Upanishad, of a Sergeant and a General. It’s a scenario that wouldn’t look out of place in an episode of “The Office” or any other workplace sitcom. 

Having a character take credit for someone else’s idea and then retelling it back to them is a pretty common gag, but in the Upanishad, it’s much more than just a tool for a cheap laugh. 

It’s a profound lesson which, once learned, can be a source of empowerment and a tool for living a more deliberate life.

Episode Highlights

[00:56] Katha Upanishad

[03:19] A Friend in the Sky

[05:27] The Breaking of Unity

[07:31] "You see that hill there?"

[09:57] An Amazing Idea

[11:44] A Source of Thoughts Deep Inside of Us

[14:11] A Wave is Nothing but Ocean

[16:44] Desire

[19:12] I Am Totality

[21:28] A Parody on Praying to God

[22:39] An Unnecessary Step

[23:52] We Just Say Yes

[26:53] Permitted to Act

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Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was ahead of his time in 1975, when he predicted an end to The Cold War and the fall of the Berlin Wall, among many other changes that he foresaw as arising from the dawning of the ‘Age of Enlightenment.’

With The Cold War showing no signs of thawing at the time, most people saw it as a fanciful notion at best. Yet Maharishi, the great seer, saw it as an inevitable outcome of the shift in consciousness that was growing in pace at the time. 

Following on from our recent episode, The Yugas and the Importance of Understanding Them Correctly, in this episode Thom discusses Kali Yuga, the age of ignorance, in more detail. 

He explains the role of consciousness and how enlightenment and ignorance can coexist, just as the moon can bring light to the night. Most importantly, he explains that the age of ignorance doesn’t place limits on our experience, individually or collectively.

Episode Highlights

[00:55] Kali Yuga—The Age of Ignorance

[02:48] The Dawning of the Age of Enlightenment

[04:44] Seven Days of Silence

[06:44] The Cold War at its Peak

[08:21] The Mutually-Assured Destruction Philosophy

[09:53] Things Will Get Better

[10:51] Enjoying the Good News

[12:00] Incremental Improvements

[13:42] Dawning Cannot But Happen in Darkness

[15:55] Part of the Solution

[17:31] The Meditator's Advantage

[19:19] There is a Lot of Work to be Done

[20:30] Underutilized Potential

[21:46] Impatient Behavior

[23:42] Demands Become Pivot Points

[25:38] Liberating Our Full Potential

[27:11] Resisting the Progress

[29:43] I Am Also the Big Self

[31:30] We Become Lighthouses

[32:52] This is What Light Does

[34:59] Who Knew?

[36:44] Become Masters of the Transcendental Smile

[37:50] We Feel Very Secure

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As Eastern philosophies have spread in popularity throughout the world in the past thirty years or so, ‘detachment’ has become somewhat of a buzzword. 

It has become a spiritual scorecard of sorts, the theory being that the more detached one is, the more enlightened one is. Or not…

In this episode Thom sets the record straight, explaining the distinction between detachment, which implies attachment in the first place, and non attachment, which negates any attachment at all.

It’s a subtle distinction but it’s much more than just a semantic argument. 

While one can fake detachment, thus creating another form of attachment, one can’t fake non attachment. As usual, Thom also shows us how to become non attached, without the strain of having to fake it till we make it. 

Episode Highlights

[00:54] Maharishi Patanjali and Yoga Sutra

[03:19] That's Not What Yoga Is

[05:21] Asana, Pranayama, Dhyan

[07:38] Yoga Sutra

[10:24] Not Just Any Old Meditation

[12:46] Vairagya is Not Detachment

[14:56] Detachment Isn't Possible

[16:47] Non-attachment May Occur

[18:57] Neti - Not This

[20:32] Detachment is Not a Practice

[22:12] Detach from Detachment

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It’s time for another Ask Me Anything episode, with this one focused on affairs of the heart.

Thom answers a listener’s question about the desirability of a ‘heart awakening’ and explains why being ‘grounded in the unbounded’ is a more preferable state to aim for.

He takes on the question of whether partners in a relationship should ‘be on the same path’ or not, and how to manage the dynamic when they aren’t.

And he gives sage advice for a listener asking about the importance of following through on commitments when our heart is no longer committed to them.   

As always, another round of practical suggestions for everyday situations that we find ourselves in.

[00:45] Q - Should I be Hoping for a Heart Awakening?

[00:58] A - Experiencing Empathy

[02:37] Empathy Can Be an Overshadowing Feeling

[04:39] Spontaneous Ideal Interaction

[06:37] A Completely Useless State to Be In

[08:05] Grounded in the Unbounded

[10:00] Q - Can a Relationship Flourish if We Are On Different Paths?

[10:15] A - Why We're in a Relationship

[12:12] Who is Suffering in a Relationship?

[14:00] What is Suffering?

[15:42] Sharing the Load

[17:10] Be a Shining Example

[18:02] Q - How do We Honor Commitments that No Longer Feel Relevant?

[18:21] A - Commitments Become Unsustainable with Time

[20:27] The Problem of Severability

[22:04] Forgiveness of a Promise

[23:48] The Five Fundamentals of Progress

[24:51] Time is a Great Healer

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Courage under fire is seen as an admirable quality, but grace under fire even much more so.

In this amusing anecdote, Thom shares an example of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s equanimity amidst a timely mishap. 

Though the mishap itself was relatively minor, the event itself was not; a conference which was pivotal in the revival of ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and practices, and their subsequent spread throughout the world.

[00:55] Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Revives Ayurveda

[02:46] Balancing Agents

[04:49] Three Masters of Ayurveda

[06:33] Masterful Pulse Diagnosis

[07:48] Master of Minerals

[08:36] Marker of the Plant World

[10:13] Amrit Kalash

[11:23] Maharishi Nagar

[12:45] Learning from the Masters

[13:51] Bright Lights

[15:08] Where the Big Bang Comes From

[17:22] Where the Little Bang Comes From

[19:07] Perpetual Big Bang

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9/11/2001 is a date that’s been imprinted in our memories worldwide. New York City, at the epicenter of the terror attacks, was shaken to its core, literally and figuratively. 

Visiting New York City very soon after, Thom witnessed a distinct shift in the way New Yorkers were relating to each other. 

Thom shares his reflections on that visit in the episode, noting in particular how the 9/11 tragedy brought New Yorkers together for a brief period, and how it seeded what has since become a very large community of Vedic Meditators in the city.

But with over 18 million people living in the metro area, a lot more meditators are needed to address the collective stress that stands in the way of New York becoming even more of an iconic city than she already is.

Thom will be visiting New York City from October 9th to 20th to teach Vedic Meditation and give various talks. To find out more and to register for any of these events, please visit thomknoles.com/newyork. Jai Guru Deva.

[00:00:45] No Appointments

[00:02:42] Retiring from Teaching

[00:05:22] "What About New York City?"

[00:07:24] Journey to NYC

[00:09:34] Something Unusual in the Streets of New York

[00:11:44] Embraced the Stranger

[00:13:44] Healing the Wound of New Yorkers

[00:15:26] Why Should We Need to Have a Tragedy?

[00:17:13] New Tour in NYC

[00:19:08] An Invitation to New York

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Few rivers have a name as iconic as the Ganges River in India. 

At over 1550 miles (2,500 kms) long, it winds its way from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, passing a population of over 650 million along the way, making it the most populated river basin in the world.

But there is more to the Ganges than just a body of water meandering through the landscape.

In this episode, Thom brings his beloved Ganges to life. He explains why she plays such a significant role in the spiritual life of Indian citizens and visitors who come from around the world just to bathe in her icy waters. 

Thom leaves us in no doubt that the Ganges will justifiably play a pivotal role in our upcoming 2023 retreat in Rishikesh.

If you'd like to attend the retreat with Thom in Rishikesh India from January 8th to 18th, 2023, please visit Thom's website for more details, https://thomknoles.com/india-retreat/ or follow the link in the show notes.

[00:00:45] Mother Ganga

[00:03:17] The Goddess Whom Everyone Can See

[00:05:25] Taking a Dip in Ganga

[00:07:19] An Invitation from Swami Kailashanand Giri

[00:09:06] Removing Karma from the Physiology

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We’re all familiar with the saying, don’t use a sledgehammer to crack a nut, but how about using a sword to clean a finger?

Vedic literature is full of delightful fables that use analogies to deliver profound life lessons. In this episode Thom gives us some background on Upanishad, Vedic fables heard ‘while sitting at the feet of a Master’ before sharing a tale of a King and a swordsmith.

It’s a delightful reminder that our Vedic Meditation technique has a very specific and powerful purpose, and a demonstration of how to dig a little deeper than the superficial interpretation of a story.

Treat this episode as a taste test of more Upanishad tales to come in future episodes.

[00:45] Sitting at the Feet of a Master

[02:46] Sanskrit - The First Child of the Language of Nature

[04:56] Lingua Franca

[07:09] Sounds Like...

[09:26] Rishi - A Five-Senses Hyperactive Perceiver

[10:51] When a Rishi Hears the Sound of Nature

[12:47] The Stuff of Fable

[14:23] The Impact of Upanishad on the West

[16:35] Kenopanishad

[18:36] Defense of a Kingdom

[21:11] The Then-Known World

[23:08] Is it Sharp?

[24:52] A Demonstration of Trust

[26:17] A Clean Finger

[27:32] Remove the Mistake

[28:42] The Pathology of Acquisition

[30:17] Products of Stress Accumulation

[32:52] The Removal of the Mistake

[34:25] A Ridiculously Simple Way

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Regular listeners know already that the power of Vedic Meditation lies in the ability to allow transcendence. But is it the only way? And how do you know if you’ve transcended?

Prompted by a question from a listener, Thom takes a brief look at other meditation techniques and compares them to Vedic Meditation with respect to transcendence.

He also explains the clues the experience leaves to allow us to conclude that transcendence has taken place.

While meditation can have many functions, we have a choice between a technique that is specifically designed to help us transcend, or other ‘tiring ways’ which are designed for other purposes but may result in occasional transcendence.  

[00:45] Q - Is Vedic Meditation the Only Meditation Technique That Allows Transcendence?

[01:10] A - Other Meditation Techniques

[03:06] The Mind is Thinking, Thinking, Thinking

[04:24] Creating the Moment of Bliss

[06:19] Many Tiring Ways of Transcending

[08:05] Cognitive Processes

[10:28] Less Volume of Thought

[11:40] Mantra is Here

[13:12] Mantra is Not Here

[14:40] This is Transcendence

[16:20] Implicit Bliss

[18:09] I Must Have Transcended

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A rut, the ever-repeating known, can be a double-edged sword. While some find comfort in a rut, others feel restless.

The restless are at a distinct advantage. Rather than waiting for the inevitable change that brings an end to the ever-repeating known, they opt for the role of change agent, and design their own path out of the rut, instead of having one designed for them.

In this episode, Thom explains the simple formula for any change agent to follow to get out of a rut. Regular contact with the unbounded, followed by meaningful voluntary service in one form or another.

Thom’s message is a call to arms for any agent of progressive change who is ready to report for duty.

[00:45] Stop Ignoring the Obvious

[03:12] Nivar Tatvam - Go Where You Are Not

[04:36] Let the Mind be Easy

[06:19] Step Back into the Relative

[07:31] Colorfast Cloth

[09:08] Alternating Back and Forth

[10:19] Premature Contentedness - The Greatest Obstacle to Enlightenment

[12:22] Seva - Service

[14:42] Evolve

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If the idea of a Vedic Meditation retreat in the foothills of the Himalayas with Thom Knoles sounds appealing, then this episode is for you.

After a two-year hiatus, Thom is returning to Rishikesh and is extending a warm welcome to Vedic Meditators, and aspiring meditators alike, for a 10-day experience like no other.

Thom explains why Rishikesh is the first and perfect choice for such a retreat, making it a pilgrimage to the acknowledged home of meditation and yoga. 

He outlines the daily routine and some of the highlights to look forward to, such as visits to the Ganges River and Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s former ashram, and time spent as guests of His Holiness Swami Kailashanand Giri, the Shankaracharya-elect and the Master of our tradition.

With luxury accommodations and gourmet food at the famous Divine Hotel, , your stay will be truly memorable.

Let Thom whet your appetite with this special bonus episode, then make your way to https://thomknoles.com/india-retreat/ to register.

Jai Guru Deva.

[00:01:19] Upanishad - Sitting at the Feet

[00:02:38] Rishikesh - A Holy Name for a Holy Place

[00:04:53] Bringing an End to Ignorance

[00:06:25] Ending the Day With Sama Veda

[00:07:43] Honored Guests

[00:09:05] A Divine Place to Learn Vedic Meditation

[00:10:52] You Were in Rishikesh?

Useful Links
https://thomknoles.com/india-retreat/
[email protected] 
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https://www.youtube.com/c/thomknoles 
https://thomknoles.com/ask-thom-anything/