The Vedic World View

Many would be forgiven for thinking we don’t have much control over our circumstances in life or how we feel about them. At times it might feel like someone or something else is pulling the strings and we simply have to do our best to play along.The Vedic worldview has a very different perspective, which Thom outlines in detail in this podcast episode. Looking through the lens of “locus of control,” Thom explains how we can escape the mindset of inescapability, and learn to better navigate the ups and downs that life inevitably brings.Episode Highlights[00:45] Locus of Control[04:23] Self-Sufficiency and Field Independence[07:03] The Hypnotizable Ones[10:23] Mass Suggestibility[12:50] The Anti-Hypnotic Benefits of Vedic Meditation[15:48] Spontaneous Responsibility[20:28] The Role of Disruption in Evolutionary Change[23:02] The Downside of Contentment[27:42] Phenomenal Adaptive CapacityUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook.com/thethom

Vedic Meditation is rooted in an ancient Indian tradition that has preserved Vedic wisdom for millennia. The Shankaracharya Tradition, like many others, has senior custodians who ensure this wisdom remains both pure and relevant.In January 2025, Thom was honored with a role as one of these custodians, a distinction never before granted to a non-Indian. In this episode, Thom shares the story of his appointment and the ceremony where he received his new title, Shri 1008 Mahamandaleshwar Maharishi Vyasanand Giri Maharaj.It’s a fascinating and colorful journey that will leave you in awe at the scale and significance of it.Image courtesy of Leeroy Te HiraEpisode Highlights[00:45] The Naranjani Akhara[04:02] Maha Kumbha Mela - The Great Gathering of Gurus[05:54] A Meaningful Title - Shri 1008 Mahamandaleshwar Maharishi Vyasanand Giri Maharaj[08:38] A Common Lineage to Guru Deva, Swami Brahmananda Saraswati[10:35] Instant Camaraderie[13:26] Vedic Mantras Fit for the Occasion[15:14] A Mountain of Petals and Shawls[18

Jai Guru Deva.We just wanted to remind you that you currently have two opportunities to spend some quality time with Thom at his upcoming retreats in Sedona, Arizona, from May 22-26, and Gerringong, Australlia from June 25-29.These retreats are your chance to get away to rexperience deep rest, industrial-strength stress release, quality company, and higher states of consciousness.Most importantly, you'll have close-up access to Thom at his famous lectures and Q&A sessions.Whether you are troubled by the changes the world is experiencing right now, or simply looking to fast-track your evolution, quality time with Thom is the ideal opportunity to tap into the wisdom you need at this time.Thom looks forward to seeing you in Sedona or Gerringong!Find out more at thomknoles.com/retreats. That's thomknoles.com/retreats.In this episode of the Vedic Worldview, Thom delves into the life and journey of his spiritual master, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, before Maharishi met his own master, Swami Bramhananda Saraswati, rev

Jai Guru Deva.We just wanted to remind you that you currently have two opportunities to spend some quality time with Thom at his upcoming retreats in Sedona, Arizona, from May 22-26, and Gerringong, Australlia from June 25-29.These retreats are your chance to get away to rexperience deep rest, industrial-strength stress release, quality company, and higher states of consciousness.Most importantly, you'll have close-up access to Thom at his famous lectures and Q&A sessions.Whether you are troubled by the changes the world is experiencing right now, or simply looking to fast-track your evolution, quality time with Thom is the ideal opportunity to tap into the wisdom you need at this time.Thom looks forward to seeing you in Sedona or Gerringong!Find out more at thomknoles.com/retreats. That's thomknoles.com/retreats.In Part One of this two-part series (see link below), Thom took us on a journey, exploring regret through the lens of unfulfilled desires. In this episode, Thom helps us shift our perspective on

Jai Guru Deva.We just wanted to remind you that you currently have two opportunities to spend some quality time with Thom at his upcoming retreats in Sedona, Arizona, from May 22-26, and Gerringong, Australlia from June 25-29.These retreats are your chance to get away to rexperience deep rest, industrial-strength stress release, quality company, and higher states of consciousness.Most importantly, you'll have close-up access to Thom at his famous lectures and Q&A sessions.Whether you are troubled by the changes the world is experiencing right now, or simply looking to fast-track your evolution, quality time with Thom is the ideal opportunity to tap into the wisdom you need at this time.Thom looks forward to seeing you in Sedona or Gerringong!Find out more at thomknoles.com/retreats. That's thomknoles.com/retreats.The role of desire is one of the most misunderstood facets of spiritual evolution. Some schools of thought argue that we should transcend desires altogether, leading followers down a path of deni

Jai Guru Deva.We just wanted to remind you that you currently have two opportunities to spend some quality time with Thom at his upcoming retreats in Sedona, Arizona, from May 22-26, and Gerringong, Australlia from June 25-29.These retreats are your chance to get away to rexperience deep rest, industrial-strength stress release, quality company, and higher states of consciousness.Most importantly, you'll have close-up access to Thom at his famous lectures and Q&A sessions.Whether you are troubled by the changes the world is experiencing right now, or simply looking to fast-track your evolution, quality time with Thom is the ideal opportunity to tap into the wisdom you need at this time.Thom looks forward to seeing you in Sedona or Gerringong!Find out more at thomknoles.com/retreats. That's thomknoles.com/retreats.The global rise of yoga and meditation practices has introduced Sanskrit terminology to audiences worldwide. As Vedic wisdom continues to influence Western culture, Sanskrit words have become inc

Jai Guru Deva.We just wanted to remind you that you currently have two opportunities to spend some quality time with Thom at his upcoming retreats in Sedona, Arizona, from May 22-26, and Gerringong, Australlia from June 25-29.These retreats are your chance to get away to rexperience deep rest, industrial-strength stress release, quality company, and higher states of consciousness.Most importantly, you'll have close-up access to Thom at his famous lectures and Q&A sessions.Whether you are troubled by the changes the world is experiencing right now, or simply looking to fast-track your evolution, quality time with Thom is the ideal opportunity to tap into the wisdom you need at this time.Thom looks forward to seeing you in Sedona or Gerringong!Find out more at thomknoles.com/retreats. That's thomknoles.com/retreats.Diagnoses of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) are increasingly common. These conditions are often misunderstood and surrounded by controversy,

From an early age, we grow up with stories that spark our desire for boons, or wishes fulfilled. We dream of finding our own version of Aladdin’s magic lamp, complete with a genie ready to grant our every wish.While the Vedic worldview doesn’t embrace genies in a literal sense, the concept of boons does align with it. In this episode, Thom explores the true nature of boons and how we can cultivate “Cosmic desires” that increase the likelihood of them being realized.Episode Highlights[00:45] Guru Purnima[04:12] A Blessing[07:18] Channeling a Cosmic Desire[10:10] The Qualities of a Pure Desire[12:30] Purifying the Desiring MechanismUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube.com/c/thomknoleshttps://thomknoles.com/ask-thom-anything/

In this episode, Thom discusses the Guru Parampara, the Holy Tradition of Masters that have been the custodians of the wisdom behind Vedic Meditation for centuries. He traces the lineage through notable figures such as Adi Guru Shankara and his disciples, especially Trotakacharya. Thom notes the similarities between the experiences of Trotakacharya and his own master, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, focusing on their devotion to their gurus and how their willingness to serve led to their enlightenment.    Episode Highlights[00:45] Guru Parampara - The Holy Tradition[05:24] The Four Disciples of Adi Guru Shankara[09:52] A Devoted Simpleton[13:11] A Shining Star Returns from the River[16:10] Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Meets Guru Deva[19:42] Maharishi Finds Himself in an Awkward Position[22:23] “I Know English”[24:32] Holding Wisdom Through Devotion and Adjusted ThinkingUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube.com/c/

Words matter. The way in which we speak, and the words we use, reflect a great deal about how we perceive ourselves and how we perceive our place in the world. In this unapologetically short episode, Thom invites us to consider whether or not we might be overusing the word sorry in our day-to-day interactions with one another. Considering the connection between sorry and sorrow, the alternatives Thom proposes may be more impactful than you might first think.Episode Highlights[00:45] A Life of Constant Sorrow[02:34] Sarcasm and Narcissism[04:41] You Deserve the Best[06:47] Mea Culpa[08:34] A Willingness to Take Responsibility for What We’re ExperiencingUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube.com/c/thomknoleshttps://thomknoles.com/ask-thom-anything/

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.Cannabis is widely used for relaxation and is increasingly prescribed for therapeutic purposes. But what effect does it have on our internal “balance”?In this episode, Thom addresses a listener's question about the relationship between cannabis use a

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. If you enjoy Thom's podcast, then we know you'd love spending quality time with Thom on his retreats in Sedona, Arizona, Gerringong, Australia, and Rishikesh, India. We wanted to give you a sample of what the retreat experience was like, so in this

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.Outside of India, the word yoga has come to mean various forms of dynamic exercises that test your flexibility and strength. Yoga is in fact much more than just these physical exercises, which are more correctly referred to as asanas. And believe it

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.Twentieth-century science made a groundbreaking discovery: the Unified Field. This concept revolutionized physics, prompting scientists to reconsider the completeness of the Newtonian understanding of the universe.However, the Unified Field wasn't a

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.While there’s no shortage of external critics ready to judge us on any given day, none can match the relentless voice of our own inner critic. Always prepared with an arsenal of “evidence” to justify its stance, this inner voice excels at “keeping us

Discipline is often hailed as the key to solving life’s challenges. We’re told that with enough discipline, we can change our habits, endure hardships, stay focused, and achieve our goals.But can discipline sometimes backfire? Is it possible to become so rigid in our approach that we miss valuable opportunities or even create more problems than we solve?In this episode, Thom introduces the concept of the “ultimate discipline.” He explains how this approach ensures we maintain the structure and focus we need while remaining flexible enough to adapt to the ever-changing demands of life.Episode Highlights[00:45] Formulae for Self-Improvement[03:49] The Evolutionary Storyline[07:37] Forgetting to Think[10:51] Vedic Meditation - The Ultimate Discipline[12:54] A Non-Negotiable Phenomenon[15:09] Control States[18:37] Stop What You’re Doing[21:31] Become an Invincible Human Being with a Fabulous StorylineUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook

Unlike rules-based teachings prevalent in both modern and ancient texts, Vedic teachings are renowned for not prescribing commandments or rigid “rules.” Instead, Veda offer timeless wisdom through lessons that we can interpret and apply according to our level of consciousness.One of the core Vedic teachings, The Mahabharata, contains a specific set of chapters known as the Bhagavad Gita — the Song of God. Within these chapters lies a profound teaching distilled into just five words that, if fully understood and implemented, have the power to end our suffering.In English, these words are: “Established in Being, perform action.”In this episode, Thom unpacks the meaning and transformative impact of this teaching. He also shares the technique that enables all of us to integrate this wisdom into our daily lives.If you’d like to dive deeper into the Bhagavad Gita, we invite you to take a look at Thom’s Exploring the Bhagavad Gita series of courses. These engaging and lively courses examine how the ancient and profo

We often find ourselves unsettled by the words of others—criticism, manipulation, and verbal abuse are just a few examples of communication that can feel hurtful. But does it have to be this way?In this Q&A episode, Thom explains with clarity who truly holds responsibility for the hurt caused by critical or unkind words. The best part? By following his recommendations, you can free yourself from ever being at the mercy of someone else’s words again.Episode Highlights[00:45] Q - How do we positively handle criticism?[00:50] A - Your Critics Are Your Best Friends[02:54] Thank You[05:50] Q - How should we respond to criticism when it’s harsh?[05:56] A - With Compassion and Gratitude[09:13] We Want to Find the Gold[10:39] Q - What’s the best way to handle manipulation or manipulative behaviors?[10:45] A - Manipulative Behavior Requires a Reward[13:44] A Suffering Competition[16:32] The Greatest Crime Against Nature[17:59] Q - Can you share any strategies for responding to verbal abuse?[18:03] A - Just a Noise

Sanskrit is a beautiful language that captures subtle distinctions that English and other modern languages often cannot.Take the word “love,” for example. In English, this word spans a wide net of emotions and feelings. For example, love can describe feelings a parent has for their child, as well as the fondness someone might feel for a football team or a favorite brand of chocolate.In this week’s podcast episode, Thom explores the distinction between two Sanskrit words often translated as "love"—kama and prema—and reveals their unique and separate meanings.Episode Highlights[00:45] Puruṣārtha[03:59] Kama[04:35] Pleasure Experienced Through the Senses[07:19] Prema[09:58] Love is So Ill-Defined[12:35] Vedanta[15:02] Prema and Kama: A Dynamite Package[18:05] The Crest Jewel of DiscriminationUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube.com/c/thomknoleshttps://thomknoles.com/ask-thom-anything/

It’s common to label someone as a narcissist, but while we often think of narcissism as excessive self-regard, the ultimate cause might be quite different. In fact, narcissism may stem from an underlying insecurity rather than an inflated sense of self-worth.In this episode, Thom explains the root causes of narcissism and shares key indicators of narcissistic behavior. Importantly, he encourages us to approach narcissists with compassion and offers a potential solution for those who recognize narcissistic tendencies in themselves.Episode Highlights[00:45] Narcissus[04:48] Somebody Has Done This to Me[06:49] The Narcissist’s Caveat[08:42] One-Upmanship[11:30] An Impostor Syndrome[14:50] An Underlying Feeling of Desperation[17:40] Reconstructed Life Stories[19:48] Calming Narcissism Through Vedic Meditation[23:21] The Effects of Vedic Meditation on NarcissismUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube.com