Karma, Charm, Art, and Suffering

A quick update that early registration is now open for Thom's upcoming annual retreat in Sedona, Arizona, this Memorial Day weekend from May 22nd to 26.

This is Thom's first retreat in the United States since the epic Maha Kumbha Mela held earlier this year in Prayagraj, India, so Thom has many fascinating new stories to share. The Sedona Rounding Retreat is also your opportunity to gift yourself profound rest and industrial-strength meditation through the daily rounding program.

This is your chance to transcend uncertainty in the ever-changing world and celebrate spring surrounded by nature, supported by community, and immersed in wisdom with Thom.  Early registration discounts expire on March 17th, and you can find out more at thomknoles.com/sedona.

Jai Guru Deva.

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

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

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

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

Episode Highlights

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

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

[03:24] The Knot of Karma

[05:22] Kṛiya - Spontaneous Right Action

[07:29] Untying the Knots of Karma

[09:25] Moving in the Direction of Kṛiya

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

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

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

[16:55] Charm and Aversion

[18:52] Thinning Out of Charm

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

[22:27] Witnessing vs. Engaging

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

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

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

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

[29:25] What Creates Great Art?

[30:33] Artistic Talents Despite Suffering

[32:17] The Artistic Gift

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