The Vedic World View

We are always striving to attain more and more in our lives. But, every now and again, we get the impression that we haven't done enough with our time. No amount of accomplishment is capable of bringing us fulfilment. And, it's also not a bad thing to have a lot of achievements on your scoreboard.But, more importantly, are we truly enjoying the process or simply trying to finish the race? Unfortunately, even after winning, we often postpone our celebrations until we reach the pinnacle of achievement.In this Ask Me Anything session, Thom Knoles explains why it is critical to enjoy the process of achieving something and how we cannot fail when we are enjoying the process. Thom also tells how we can experience the natural expression of our emotions.Episode Highlights:[00:00] - Q - What is the Vedic Worldview of Emotional Healing?[01:12] - De-Exciting the Consciousness[01:54] - Making the Healing Process Rapid[03:08] - Vedic Meditation is Good for Emotional Healing[04:19] - Vedic Meditation Awakens Your Brain's P

When we think of feminine and masculine, typically we tend to think in terms of gender, i.e. female and male but the Vedic worldview has a much broader approach than the arrangement or expression of chromosomes. In Vedic circles the feminine and masculine are seen as aspects of creation, present everywhere and in everything. Wherever there is masculine there is always feminine, and vice versa, with the feminine often referred to as Mother Divine and celebrated through a vast range of personifications* and a range of festivals or holy days. One of those festivals is Navratri Sharad, a celebration of triumph over ignorance, held over nine nights and 10 days in the fall of each year (Northern Hemisphere fall, Southern Hemisphere spring).Though each night of Navratri Sharad honors specific representations of Mother Divine, Thom invites us in this episode to use the festival as a springboard to making the celebration of the feminine an everyday occurrence and an opportunity to continuously explore just what the fe

Over the period of 25 years, Thom Knoles got to spend many extended periods of time with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi as a student and a ‘replicant,’ one of many charged with the task of sharing Vedic wisdom with the world.In this episode, another instalment of the My Maharishi series, Thom recounts some of the aspects of daily life and travels with Maharishi, including Maharishi’s tireless round-the-clock efforts to fit as much teaching into his lifetime as he possibly could.Warning - This episode may require you to reassess your current standard for ‘busy’ :-). Episode Highlights: [00:40] An Unusual Man in Every Respect [02:00] The Light of the World [03:35] Ask, Ask [04:59] Who’s Awake? [06:11] Conscious Rest [07:40] My Waking is More Restful than Your Sleep [08:38] I’m in a Hurry [09:25] More Multiplication[07:40] My Waking is More Restful than Your Sleep [08:38] I’m in a Hurry [09:25] More Multiplication Useful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoles/https://www.f

Humans have been using substances to have ‘extraordinary experiences’ for millenia. Sometimes this is motivated by a simple sense of curiosity, and at other times it might be to ‘fill a void,’ while in other cases it might be motivated by a promise of an elusive ‘spiritual experience.’ In some cases it leads to addiction and dependence, while in others it might just be a bucket-list experience that someone moves on from.In this episode, Thom takes a non-judgemental look at the motivation and impact of such experiences, and outlines an alternative approach, one that’s more sustainable and that leads to a ‘permanent high’ that most people couldn’t even conceive of.Episode Highlights: [00:40] The Desire to Belong[02:29] Tribal Life [04:27] A Sense of Identity [06:00] Join the Club [07:14] Human Beings Crave Variety [08:33] The Nature of the Knower [09:51] Badge of Rank [11:29] The Difference Between a Cult and a Religion [12:39] Shibboleth [13:25] Drugs [14:35] Why Drugs Work[15:59] Endogenous Chemicals [18:03]

Mantras are central to the practice of Vedic Meditation, but different understandings about what the word mantra means sometimes lead people to misunderstand how the mantra is used.For some, the word mantra means ‘a slogan’ or a tagline of sorts, used as a way of encapsulating a group point of view. For others, a mantra is a tool to aid concentration or to use as an affirmation.In Vedic Meditation the use of the mantra is very different. To understand this difference, you need to understand the distinction between ‘charm’ and suggestibility, which Thom explains simply and beautifully in this podcast episodeEpisode Highlights: [00:40] Mantra - A Mind Vehicle [01:47] Bija Mantra[03:26] Attraction and Distraction[04:52] Beyond Meaning[05:47] Hypnosis and Suggestibility[07:05] Suggestibility is a Social Problem[07:59] Becoming Less Suggestible[08:42] Using the Intellect in the Proper WayUseful Links: info@thomknoles.com https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoles/https://www.facebook.com/thetho

After 50 plus years of instructing Vedic Meditation, and 50,000 plus students, Thom Knoles has accumulated thousands of shared memories with these students.In this episode Thom shares a delightful anecdote about Sophie, who learned Vedic Meditation with Thom when she was only eight years old, and how Sophie’s wisdom helped Thom teach the concept of Cosmic Consciousness to a roomful of adults.Episode Highlights: [00:40] Sophie from New York[02:09] What will come into your consciousness state?[03:25] Cosmic Consciousness[04:58] Deep Diving[06:19] A Simple ExplanationUseful Links: info@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/

While Maharishi Mahesh Yogi spent thousands of hours teaching his students formally, often it was the day-to-day life situations that provided the most profound teaching moments.In this, another instalment of the My Maharishi series, Thom shares a delightful anecdote of a picnic in Switzerland that gave rise to one of Maharishi’s most famous sayings, “You can't stop someone from behaving according to their level of consciousness.”Enjoy this short but sweet episode.Episode Highlights:[00:40] Out in the Field[01:51] The Numbers Game[02:32] A Picnic in Switzerland[04:04] A Photo Opportunity[05:15] A Trivializing Gesture[06:17] Don’t Expect Mangoes From a Walnut Tree[07:17] Consciousness Dictates BehaviorUseful Links: info@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/

Yet another interesting mix of questions in today’s Ask Me Anything episode with Thom.In discussing 5D, The Fifth Dimension, Thom explains how premature contentedness is the enemy of enlightenment and that, regardless of what we call it, the true measure of progress is to become an exemplar of Self realized consciousness.He describes the Vedic worldview on the incarnation of babies (including fetuses) who only remain with us for a short while.Thom also describes how common measures of ‘success’ (money and fame) are irrelevant to our effectiveness in meeting the need of the time.In this episode, Thom also pays homage to Paramahansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi and an inspiring leader in the 20th century.Episode Highlights: [00:40] Q - Please Comment on 5D (The Fifth Dimension) and Its Effect on Our Meditation Practice[01:11] Santosha - The Enemy of Enlightenment [02:10] Premature Contentedness[03:31] Self Realization Means Self Actualization[05:11] Chronic Brain Failure[06:21] Earned Contentedn

In this short bonus episode, Thom shares a couple of bite-sized nuggets of wisdom to address two problems of epidemic proportions, insomnia, and a lack of meaning or purpose.He starts with a delightful story of how Maharishi Mahesh Yogi learned that better sleep was one of the more popular ‘side effects’ of meditation when he first came to the United States. He also explains the cause of insomnia and why Vedic Meditation is the ultimate cure for it.And in relation to meaning and purpose, Thom outlines that the lack of meaning or purpose comes about because we don’t have a direct experience of our own true, inner nature. Once we have that experience, the experience of true Bliss, which of course we can get through Vedic Meditation, then our role in evolution becomes self evident, and meaning and purpose are naturally met.Enjoy!Episode Highlights:[00:48] Meditation Beats Insomnia[02:11] The Cause of Insomnia[03:21] The Unwinding of Stress [04:51] Deeper Rest Than Sleep Through Meditation[06:15] Awakening the Mi

All of us want to be known for something heroic, but who decides who are the heroes and who are the villains? And do the villains perhaps think of themselves as heroic? Would the heroes even be heroes if there were no villains? In this episode Thom, once again, shines a new light on a subject that has been with humankind since we first developed the ability to create and share experiences and stories.He explains that it isn’t an either/or argument and offers an alternative option. One that we can all aspire to without the pressure of ‘taking sides’…Episode Highlights:[00:40] The Trichotomy of Evolution[03:12] Writers of History and Drawers of Maps [04:28] Consciousness Drives Behavior[06:18] Semi-Omnipotence [08:11] Bifurcation - Breaking of Symmetry [10:09] Elevational Theater [12:02] The Supersymmetric State of Contentedness [13:37] The Fall From the Status Quo [15:13] A Sawtooth Pattern of Plateau [16:55] Succession [17:45] An Eternity of Torture [19:23] Saved From Hell [20:50] Were the Romans Villains? [2

This is a question that can be answered in three simple words, but listen in for a complete and satisfying explanation from Thom.Using an analogy that we can all relate to, Thom explains that the discomfort caused by not meditating should be enough to inspire us to keep practicing regularly, twice a day.It’s a short and concise episode that should strengthen your resolve to keep your meditation practice regular.Episode Highlights: [00:40] A Little Device Was Invented[01:59] It’s Not a Chore[03:19] A Kind of Anathema[04:03] No Harm[04:51] Superseding Other Techniques[06:10] Six Weeks and You’ll Never Look BackUseful Links: info@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/

In this bonus episode, ahead of an upcoming visit to New York City, Thom runs through the process of learning Vedic Meditation.He explains the rationale of spreading the course over four days so you can embed the experience and commence a sustainable daily routine, and develop a deeper understanding of the mechanics and expected results of Vedic Meditation.He also explains why Vedic Meditation should be taught in person rather than online, and why it’s worth your investment of time and effort to find a teacher who can teach you face to face.If you’re in New York City or nearby, Thom will be visiting late September (2021) and holding free Introductory Talks ahead of some courses in October. This is a rare opportunity to be taught by Thom, who will have limited capacity while he is there, so please register here for an Introductory Talk.And if you are not near New York City, or are reading this afterwards, you can find one of many Vedic Meditation teachers trained and approved by Thom to teach the technique by

Mindfulness has become a bit of a buzzword in recent years. There’s no shortage of teachers, books, apps or other tools to help us practice mindfulness. But how does mindfulness compare with Vedic Meditation? Is there a comparison at all or do they have different functions altogether?Thom explains the difference between the two in a way that leaves no doubt as to which one has the most profound effect.Episode Highlights: [00:40] Vedic Meditation Isn’t Really Meditation[01:58] Going Beyond Thought [03:05] A Doing That You’re Doing [03:58] A Charming Mantra [05:10] Comfort is Key Useful Links: info@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/ 

What are the Vedas? Or should that be what is the Veda? Because you can’t put a finder on it, the Veda is hard to define as such, except to say it is the totality of the laws of Nature.So rather than trying to define what the Veda is, perhaps a more pertinent question might be, “How do I access the Veda and make use of it?”For that Thom has a solution. Listen in or read the transcript below to find out how you can tap into the limitless knowledge that is the Veda.Episode Highlights: [00:40] The Knowledge Available to Everyone[02:04] What Should I Do Now?[03:22] The Mechanism of Desire[04:46] Dharma[06:16] Self-Referral Knowledge[07:17] A Unique Approach to Morality[08:09] Overloads of Experience[09:31] Unbinding You From the Past[10:55] Universal Human KnowledgeUseful Links: info@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/ 

In this episode, another in our ongoing series of Ask Thom Anything, Thom explains the distinction between wellness and relaxation activities and why they don’t deliver the same impacts as Vedic Meditation.He also explores “The dark night of the soul” and describes how contrasting experiences of the mind and body lead to an unstabilized vision.He gives us some insights into how we can respond when someone is in the dying stage of their life and the advantages we have as Vedic meditators during this stage. And finally, Thom explains a practical approach to diet when we’re on a spiritual path.If you’d like to have Thom answer a question on the podcast, you can submit your questions here.Episode Highlights: [00:57] Q - Can ‘Wellness Activities’ Be as Effective as Vedic Meditation for Releasing Stress? [01:47] It Depends on Consciousness [03:09] They Might Be Relaxing But... [04:27] An Opportunistic Brain[05:55] Absolute Unboundedness of Being [06:51] A Consciousness-Led Approach [08:00] No Special Environment Re

Does perfect order exist or is everything random? Pour yourself a cup of your favorite beverage and take a seat because you’ll want to lean into this episode. Thom shares a fascinating exploration of entropy and order, ‘randomicity,’ the laws of thermodynamics, levitating trains, superfluids, superconductors, multitasking, learning to drive, and much more.You’ll learn how Vedic Meditation can help you defy the laws of thermodynamics and, most importantly, how you can use meditation to answer the question of orderliness vs. randomness through your own direct experience.Episode Highlights: [00:40] Something is Ordered. Something is Not Ordered.[02:52] Entropy - Decay[04:37] Advantages of Order vs Disorder [06:55] The Second and Third Laws of Thermodynamics [08:42] Absolute Zero [10:45] A Theoretical State [11:46] Helium as a Superfluid [13:07] Uncontainable [14:20] Zero Viscosity [15:43] Zero Resistance [16:34] Lead as a Superconductor [18:07] Infinite Electrical Circulation [19:32] Levitation [21:18] Restoring

Continuing the occasional series of My Maharishi episodes, Thom gives us a few very brief highlights of a truly accomplished life.Thom shares how Maharishi was larger than life in spite of his small and gracious appearance.  He tells us how his title of “The Giggling Guru” contrasted with his ability to satisfy questions about the deepest and most serious aspects of life.Thom describes how Maharishi embodied the teachings of his own teacher, Guru Dev, and how he became a guru himself.He also shares how Maharishi first came to teach the meditation practice that we teach today, and why teachers of Vedic Meditation, before teaching a new student, always acknowledges our lineage of teachers that have come before us.It’s a short but delightful episode that will give insight into the origins of what has become a worldwide phenomenon, the practice that is raising consciousness throughout the word.Episode Highlights: [00:40] Guru - Remover of Darkness[02:32] Balletic Grace [04:12] The Giggling Guru [05:51] Learning b

Our first Ask Thom Anything episode was such a hit that we’re making it a regular feature. In this episode, Thom talks about how to respond to the jealousy of others when we’re following our own evolutionary path, including a delightful background story to how Guru Dev stubbornly followed his own evolutionary path at a very young age.He also discusses the self-love trend and how to recognize the distinction between self-ish-ness and Self-ness. Polygamy and mongamy are also addressed, with Thom taking the opportunity to outline the role of a ‘love alliance’ and shared mission in intimate relationships.If you’d like to have Thom answer a question on the podcast, you can submit your questions here.Episode Highlights: [00:57] Q - How Do We Balance Following Our Own Charm With Jealousy That Might Arise In Others [02:22] We Can’t Control the Experience of Others[03:05] Jealousy Is… [04:38] Envy Gone Horribly Wrong [06:04] A Pathetic Consciousness State [07:38] I Have to Go to the Himalayas [08:59] Running Away From

We’re all familiar with the term evolution, but few of us spend time contemplating what that means and, perhaps more significantly, what our ‘role’ is when it comes to evolution.Evolution has been happening in a continuum, and will continue to shape the Universe forever, where then do we fit into the picture? How can we be an active participant?As Thom explains in this episode, evolution happens regardless of our awareness of it, and in spite of our attempts to control it. In fact the most active role we can play is to relinquish control and to enjoy the ride.Viva la evolution!Episode Highlights: [00:40] The Agenda of the Entire Universe [01:59] A Need to Become Conscious of Itself [03:09] The Genesis of Life [04:09] The Not Living Became Living [05:37] All the Laws of Nature in One Word [07:09] Complexity vs Complicated [09:02] An Evolutionary Life [10:44] Growing in the Direction of Cosmic Consciousness Useful Links: info@thomknoles.com https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoles/https://

In this episode Thom puts a fresh perspective on the phrase “Oh my God” and shows us how there is more to this term than meets the eye. Having given us a solid foundation to the subject in Part 1 and Part 2, Thom uses this episode to set us up for our own personal experience.He explains that while there are many commonalities of archetypes across cultures, each of us shapes our experiences of “god” based on our own personal model of the world.This even includes those that have the view that there is no such thing as a god or a deity.Importantly, he explains that our own experience will be based on our own observations rather than requiring faith of any sort. It’s a paradigm that will provide relief for those who have struggled to make doctrines fit their experience. In the final analysis, you get to choose your own adventure, and there’s no hurry to come to a conclusion one way or another.Episode highlights: [00:40] Experiencing the Celestial Layer[02:15] Sleeping, Dreaming, Waking [03:02] Turiya - The Fourth