The Vedic World View

It’s Q&A time once again.In answer to a young man questioning the timing of parenthood, Thom explains the role the child has in its own incarnation, and reminds us to be led by charm rather than the intellect in our decisions.He also explains how our intellect interferes with our innate connection with the laws of Nature.And he tackles two questions on Cosmic Consciousness. One from a listener seeking clarity on his own experiences of Cosmic Consciousness, and one from another listener about the relationship between stress and Cosmic Consciousness.Something for everyone and, as always, something to inspire us to maintain our practice of Vedic Meditation. Episode Highlights: [00:45] How Do You Know When You're Ready to Be a Parent?[01:30] A Jiva Who Wants to Be Born[03:35] Karma - Unfinished Business[05:02] The Shankaracharya Tradition[07:13] The Only Safe Move[08:28] Great Liberties[09:39] Q- Why Do We Need to Learn or Re-learn the Laws of Nature?[10:00] Hride — The Layer of Us in Connection With Nature[1

We’re all familiar with cravings but why do we have them and why are they so powerful? What is it about them that makes us go weak at the knees and cave so easily? While most of us rely on willpower to beat cravings we know that it’s not a power we can rely on.In this episode Thom reminds us that the most powerful method to overcome cravings is to make them unnecessary, to create such a strong sense of inner fulfillment that the promise the cravings offer seem petty by comparison. Episode Highlights: [00:45] Superficial Enjoyment[02:55] What Fulfillment Looks Like[04:57] The Solution to Cravings[06:25] Awakening Baseline Bliss[07:53] The Binding Effect of Unfulfilled Desires[10:02] If Only...[11:25] Petty Cravings No Longer Have PowerUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoles/https://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube.com/c/thomknoles https://thomknoles.com/ask-thom-anything/

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was a popular interview subject for media icons throughout the world for many decades, often appearing more than once as a guest on high-profile shows.In this episode, Thom gives a first-hand, behind-the-scenes account of an interview Maharishi did with David Frost on the BBC in the 1970s.He describes the warm relationship Maharishi had with Frost, and his delightful response to a potentially difficult question Frost put to him. As Maharishi often did, he brought a more correct perspective to the situation, one that revealed his true character and his true mission in life.Episode Highlights: [00:54] A Great Seer[02:38] The Status of a Maharishi[03:39] Maharishi in Great Britain[05:48] The Green Room[07:09] Maharishi at His Best[08:45] A Cuban Cigar and a Deer Skin[10:48] Maaharishi[12:28] Acerbic Questions[13:51] Marker[14:08] "Come Out of this Weakness"[15:05] Who am I Trying to Protect?[15:48] "Only a Million Pounds?"[17:43] UnoffendableUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com https://thomknole

IYKYK. If you know, you know. Or do you? Is knowledge as reliable as we think it to be?“Knowledge is structured in consciousness,” is one of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's most profound and most frequently shared quotes. Ironically, one’s understanding of the quote is also dependent on one’s consciousness.Thom’s explanation of Maharishi’s quote gives us an opportunity to reflect on that which we ‘know,’ and even our own process of knowing and how this evolves along with our states of consciousness. It’s a reminder that things are not always as they seem, and to remain flexible in how we view the world and our place in it.Episode Highlights: [00:51] Two Methods of Gaining Knowledge[01:38] The Objective Means of Gaining Knowledge[03:20] The Subjective Means of Gaining Knowledge[05:10] Knowledge Has Infinite Organizing Power[06:42] Awakening Knowledge of How Things Work[07:52] The Criticisms of Albert Einstein[09:29] The Universe Can Only Behave in Ways that I Can Understand[10:50] You Are One With the Cosmos[11:58] Kn

Many of us invoke the common phrase “Is nothing sacred?!” when we feel that something of value to us isn’t experienced the same way by others. What if we told you that everything could be sacred, to the extent that we make it so?All of us hold certain things sacred in our lives, whether it be a memento, an icon, a place, a ritual, maybe some kind of religious artifact or even a cuddly toy from our childhood. But how often do we give thought to what it is that makes these things sacred for us?This episode is a reminder from Thom that we can get more depth, more richness out of life, firstly by appreciating how we make things sacred, and secondly by choosing to make more things sacred in our life. Thom invites us to go beyond the symbolic nature of that which we hold sacred and to actually have a conscious relationship with it. He also shares how nothing is off the table when it comes to holding something sacred, leaving us open to the possibility of living a life where nothing is taken for granted and everythi

The terms duality and non-duality are becoming more commonly used and can have different meanings in different contexts.In ‘spiritual circles’ duality is often seen as a cause of suffering, or even the cause of suffering, but, in and of itself, duality is actually benign.In this episode, Thom answers questions from listeners about duality and non-duality from different perspectives. He explains that duality and non-duality cannot be considered from an either/or point of view and that Totality is a more complete approach, taking both sides of the equation.Thom also looks at how our fixations on one point of view over another might appear to cause suffering, but really are just highlighting the absence of baseline happiness.Episode Highlights: [00:47] Q- Can you Make Comments on Non-duality, Advaita, and Vedanta?[02:06] The Truth of the Word Vedanta[04:16] The Tradition of Vedanta[05:49] Brahman - Totality Consciousness[07:11] The Problem With the Word Advaita[09:22] Q- Does Duality Brings About Suffering?[09:5

We celebrate this, the 100th episode of The Vedic Worldview, by covering one of Thom’s favorite subjects, Vedic Meditation Initiator Training.Building on the last episode, Become a Teacher of Vedic Meditation, Thom explains why his training is the ultimate path for anyone considering becoming a Vedic Meditation Initiator.While there are many more trainings available than there were just a few short years ago, many of which offer a simpler or more convenient path of learning, Thom explains that it’s their convenience that makes them unsuitable for anyone serious about becoming an Initiator. He describes the 10,000-year-old tradition that has given us access to the wisdom behind Vedic Meditation in its purest form, and his commitment to maintain that purity.  If you’re serious about becoming a Vedic Meditation Initiator, you can find out more about Vedic Meditation Initiator Training with Thom Knoles.Episode Highlights: [00:45] Vedic Meditator Initiator Training 2023, Rishikesh, India[01:16] 'Creative' Initiato

Imagine meeting someone in the street who fondly remembers you for teaching them Vedic Meditation and sharing the profound impact it’s had on their lives.This is a regular occurrence for Vedic Meditation teachers around the world, and especially so for Thom, who has taught tens of thousands of students over the past 50 plus years.It’s an honor and a privilege to earn the title of a Vedic Meditation ‘Initiator’ and to learn with Thom and to be endorsed by Thom is one of the highest positions one can take as an ‘agent of progressive change.’In this episode, Thom invites you to apply to join him on his 2023 training, to be held in Rishikesh, India. The training only happens once a year, so if you’re feeling charm to move in this direction, now is your chance to do so.Listen to this episode then visit https://thomknoles.com/initiator-training/ for more details about the application process. Episode Highlights: [00:48] How Can You Contribute to the Creation of an Ideal Society?[02:41] Be a Vedic Meditation Teacher

Despite the myriad advances made by humans over the centuries, depression is a condition that seems to be consistently on the rise. We can all do more, have more and experience more than our ancestors could have possibly dreamed of, yet so many of us struggle to find a sense of peace within ourselves.In this episode, Thom explores the subject of depression and the role that Vedic Meditation can play in reversing the cycle of depression and anxiety-related conditions. With depression often having serious and life-threatening consequences, Thom advocates a multipronged approach: appropriate professional care supported by Vedic Meditation to relieve the stress that brought it about.   Episode Highlights: [00:45] Anger With Good Manners[02:02] Two Flavors of Depression[03:03] Reversing the Vicious Cycle Through Vedic Meditation[04:31] Accumulating Distorted Memories and Maladaptive Reactions[06:14] The Vicious Cycle of Anxiety and Depression[07:50] A Feedback Loop of Mutual Enrichment[08:56] An Enormous Aid to De

Who do you think you are? What do you think you are?We can all find myriad ways to describe ourselves and we often rely on these descriptors to give us our ‘sense of identity.’ “I’m a mother of three, a nuclear physicist, a passionate tango dancer and an advocate for animal rights…”The problem with this approach is that our descriptors are always subject to change, and even subject to debate in some cases.We’re only ‘young’ until we become not so young. We’re only ‘successful’ until we redefine what success is, which is often based on someone else’s judgment. We’re only X until it becomes more fashionable to be Y and it suits us better to become one of those…So is it any wonder that most of us have this gnawing sense of uncertainty. We’re trying to build a sense of identity on the shifting sands of circumstances and subjective judgments. And as soon as we do settle on a solid sense of identity, something changes to make it shaky again.Thom’s got your back though. By the end of this episode you’ll ‘hardly know

It’s Q&A time again and this one has something for everyone.The first question for Thom is about the relationship between Catholicism and the Vedic Worldview. Whether you are Catholic or not, Thom’s answer will be of interest as he affirms the compatibility of the Vedic worldview, not just with Christianity, but with religion in general.And if you have trouble distinguishing between negative thinking and intuitive insights, Thom’s answer to the second question in this episode will help you with this dilemma. You’ll be pleased to know the answer is pretty straight forward.And last but not least, a situation that we’ll all face more than once in our lifetime, how to help someone who is nearing the end of their life. Thom gives us an easy choice to make, whether to be a ‘needy one’ or a ‘capable one’. No points for guessing which option is more evolutionary for all concerned.Episode Highlights: [00:45] Q - Can You Elaborate on Jesus Christ and the Vedic Worldview as Compared with the Catholic View?[01:27] A

Does “opening the mind” through Vedic Meditation create a portal or opportunity for evil or satanic influences to enter the mind?This question is relatively easy to answer. In fact, in this episode Thom doesn’t even get to the second part of the question and spends a short time addressing the first part, the notion of Vedic Meditation opening the mind.While it’s certainly true that Vedic meditators are usually open-minded people, this is in the sense of being broad minded rather than having an exposed or vulnerable mind.Vedic Meditation actually has the opposite effect. It dissipates stress and reduces the likelihood of suggestibility and allows one to become more aligned with the laws of Nature, rather than being susceptible to anything opposing the laws of Nature. So if you’re feeling the need to build a ‘spiritual firewall’ for yourself, this is the episode for you.Episode Highlights: [00:48] An Open Mind About Vedic Meditation[02:08] One Becomes What One Sees[03:34] The Impact of Vedic Meditation[05:28] M

Few would argue that we often lack reverence in modern day-to-day living. Toasts are given and glasses are raised, often at the drop of a hat. Families might go for years without even sitting at the same table for a meal, let alone saying grace or giving thanks for a shared meal and loving company.One notable exception to this trend is the use of Puja when a student of Vedic Meditation receives their mantra. It’s a beautiful and important tradition that any committed teacher of Vedic Meditation takes seriously.In this episode, Thom explains the significance and purpose of Puja, and why we treat the process with the respect that it deserves, not just to honor the generations of masters that have kept the tradition alive, but also to honor the student, and to welcome them to what will likely be the most progressive step they will take in their evolution.Episode Highlights: [00:49] Touching On the State of Being[02:17] Puja - A Ceremony of Gratitude[03:58] The Troth of a Vedic Meditation Teacher[05:23] A Model o

Few situations make us second guess ourselves more than those that we come across as parents or guardians of children.In this episode, Thom provides some guidance for parents who face some fairly typical situations, balancing the needs of their children with their own self care, as well as one parent facing a parent’s worst-case scenario, a child at risk of taking their own life.Rather than being prescriptive about what each parent ‘should do’ in relation to their child, this episode is a reminder that Vedic Meditation is ‘a tool in our parenting quiver’ that can put us in the best position to find our own answers and make the best decisions we can in any given situation.PS - If you haven’t listened to it already, you might also be interested in listening to Thom’s episode on Raising Conscious Children [https://thomknoles.com/podcast/raising-conscious-children/]. Episode Highlights: [00:45] Q- What is Your View on Sleeping With Our Children Vs. Teaching Them To Sleep On Their Own?[03:13] Children Want a Comfo

What is consciousness? Well, the ultimate answer to this question is, ‘everything,’ but, ironically, our ability to understand this depends on our own level of consciousness.In other words, our ability to truly understand what consciousness is, relies on consciousness itself and our experience of it. And by the time we get to the point where we actually understand the answer to the question, the question becomes irrelevant. The good news is, we have a simple technique at our disposal, Vedic Meditation, which gives us an experience of Pure Consciousness on a regular basis. And even though we may struggle to find the words to define what consciousness is, we at least have a reference point to develop our own understanding of what it truly is.Combine that reference point with Thom’s wisdom in this episode, and you’ll be well on the way to answering the question yourself. Bookmark this episode and come back to it on a regular basis, at least until you’ve answered the question for yourself.Episode Highlights: [00:

None of us can imagine a world without love, but how many of us actually know what love truly is? Is it the romantic, idealized love that we see in story and song all around us, or is there something deeper, something ‘richer’ than what we’ve been ‘sold’ over the centuries.As you would expect, the Vedic worldview holds that there is something deeper and richer to love than that which the vast majority of us experience.Ironically, the thing that prevents us from experiencing true love for others, is the lack of Self love. Listen in as Thom explains the ‘mechanics’ of love and the Self-referral phenomenon that it is.Episode Highlights: [00:45] I Love Your Shoes[01:54] Let's Take Love Seriously[02:40] Existence is Made Relevant by Consciousness[04:15] Is-ness and Am-ness[06:07] A Response Proves Consciousness[07:38] Why Does the One Become Many?[09:35] Love is a Desirable State[10:48] The Love of Self for Itself[12:00] Sympathetic Vibration[13:44] Resonance[14:45] What Makes Love a Selective Phenomenon?[16:21] S

Thom’s master, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, is responsible for millions of people around the world taking up the meditation technique we now refer to as Vedic Meditation, but which Maharishi originally referred to as ‘The Grace of Guru Deva.’What few people realise though, is that Maharishi never set out with a specific intention to share the technique with anyone, let alone share it with millions around the world.In this episode, Thom shares the origin story of the meditation technique that changed the world, a story that began with a one word thought, ‘Rameshwaram.’Episode Highlights: [00:45] Sitting on the Banks of the Ganges[01:45] At the Feet of Guru Deva[03:07] A Thought Appears[04:04] Maharishi Breaks His Silence[05:59] I Want to Get Rid of the Thought[07:36] Lots of Ignorance[08:17] Maharishi Went to Rameshwaram[09:43] A Tap on the Shoulder[12:05] The Grace of Guru Deva[14:05] Guru Parampara[15:03] It All Started With Charm[17:02] Radiate Life for All to EnjoyUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com https://thomknol

The spotlight in this Ask Me Anything episode is on spiritual life…Is spiritual life compatible with earning money? (Spoiler alert: the answer is a resounding yes).Is the tradition of Vedic Meditation truly ancient? (Also yes).And what’s the relationship between Dharma and self expression? (No spoiler alert for this one).The underlying message in all of Thom’s answers in this episode, is the importance of Self referral. Too often we’re influenced by the thinking of others, whether they be those closest to us, or in the broader community, and this reduces our ability to both give and receive the fullest expression of life. By accessing the big S Self, through our twice-daily practice of Vedic Meditation, we can transcend the rules, the expectations and experiences of others and live an authentic, abundant and inspired life.Episode Highlights: [00:45] Q- How Can I Combine Spiritual Life with Earning Money?[00:58] An Obsolete Idea[02:22] The Risk of Invasion[04:19] The Monastic Tradition of Shukadeva[06:04] Hous

Humans have a natural tendency to try to explain phenomena outside of our experience from within a limited understanding of the ways in which the world works. We’ll theorize about an event or situation to reassure ourselves that we know what’s going on, when in fact we may not.Vedic meditators sometimes find themselves on the receiving end of such behavior. Through regular practice of meditation, they don’t just transcend thinking, but they also transcend ‘normal’ responses to situations. They become less ‘reactive’ to situations that others might find stressful and are generally less affected by the ‘ups and downs’ of regular life.A non-meditator might witness this and try to rationalize it by labelling the meditator as ‘detached’ or even ‘dissociative’ when in fact there is something much more desirable going on. Thom explains this in more detail in this episode.Episode Highlights: [00:45] Q- Does Meditation Make People Detached or Dissociative?[01:02] Cosmic Consciousness - All-Inclusive Awareness[02:13] N

You’ll need a pen and paper, and zero distractions, for this episode, which is nothing less than a masterclass in evolution. Delivered in front of a live audience, at the Pace Gallery in New York City in 2021, Thom explains what an ‘agent of progressive change’ is, and why it’s incumbent on us to step up to the plate and take on that role for ourselves.More than just a call to arms, it’s a practical ‘workshop’ covering the five fundamental elements of being an agent of progressive change.  If you truly want to accelerate your personal evolution, next to a twice-daily practice of Vedic Meditation, you’d be hard pressed to find a quicker route than this.Episode Highlights: [00:45] Survival is a Result of Thriving[02:20] We Live Inside of a Consciousness State that We've Created[03:35] Five Elements of Progressive Change[05:00] Stability[06:29] Ananda - A Supremely-Contented State[08:29] Not Enslaved by Outside Phenomena[09:18] Adaptation Energy[10:32] Circumstantial Happiness[11:41] "In Order to Have Disappoint