The Vedic World View

Sanskrit terminology has been slowly creeping into common usage outside of India, quite often incorrectly. Yoga, for example, has a widely understood meaning outside of India, which doesn’t reflect the actual meaning of the word. In this episode, Thom explains the meaning behind many of the titles applied to or bestowed upon various positions within the Vedic realm. You’ll learn the definitions for titles such as swami, yogi, yogini, and guru and understand the true meaning of these terms.Episode Highlights:[00:45] Umbrella Terms[02:22] Acharya[04:04] The Figurative Meaning[05:59] The Connotative Meaning[06:32] Grihasta and Grihasti[09:15] Vanaprasta and Vanaprasti[12:04] Sannyasz[15:58] Yogi[16:57] Guru[17:44] Mahamandaleshwar, Swami and Akhara[20:51] Maharaj[23:37] Pandit or Pundit[24:50] Maharishi, Maharishika[26:50] Satguru or Sadguru[28:43] Sadhu, Saddhaka, Saddhaki[30:03] Shishya or Shishyi[30:03] Swami[32:01] Yogi, Yogini and YogaUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instag

The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most pivotal spiritual texts of all time. Its teachings have been taught for millenia throughout India, and outside of India for the past 100 years or so, inspiring billions with insights into how we can reduce suffering in our own lives.In this episode, Thom gives us a brief introduction to the Bhagavad Gita as a primer for his upcoming three-day course in which he’ll take a deep dive into the subject, alongside fellow Vedic Meditation Initiator and Vedic literature aficionado, Jamey Hood. You can find out more about the upcoming course at https://thomknoles.com/bhagavad-gita/.Note: The prerequisite of Thom’s new course on the Bhagavad Gita is the completion of a qualified Vedic Meditation training.Episode Highlights:[00:45] Song of God[04:46] The Mahabharata[07:21] Veda Vyasa[10:27] The Kurus[14:02] A Battlefield at Kurukshetra[16:46] A Deal with Krishna[19:05] Arjuna - The Invincible Archer[21:09] I Won't Fight![24:03] The Despondency of Arjuna[26:07] Learning to Meditate on

What does it mean to be masculine in the modern age? In this episode, Thom strips the discussion back, questioning not just the premise of masculinity, but also the premise of modernity. Thom invites us to reset our expectations of ourselves and others, and to reevaluate our apparent need to compartmentalize behaviors.Episode Highlights:[00:45] Terribly Modern[03:16] What Does It Means to Be a Human?[05:31] Journey from Zygote to Human[07:27] Omnisexuality: Our True Nature[11:22] The Crazy Tiger[13:58] Cultural Inventions[16:14] Ardhanarishvara: The Balance of Masculine and Feminine[18:04] Being vs. Doing: What It Means to Be HumanUseful 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 the modern world, mantras come in all shapes and sizes. Though they originate from the Vedic tradition, it’s becoming more and more common to see/hear mantras used in a more modern context, as political slogans or even as a rallying cry to get people behind a common cause.Modern and ancient mantras all have a similar purpose, to alter the thinking of the listener and/or the speaker of the mantra.In this episode, Thom Knoles delves into the origins and concept of mantras, and explores the various functions and intentions of some mantras that have been used consistently for thousands of years.  Thom explains the functional differences and applications of these mantras, including their role in Vedic Meditation and their broader use in various aspects of life. It’s a deep dive into the scientific and practical aspects of mantras, providing insights into their transformative potential.Episode Highlights:[00:45] Name and Form are Infinitely Correlated[03:09] Denotative vs. Connotative Meaning of Mantra[04:44] Ni

Most of us attempt to control other people or situations more often than we like to admit it. Much of the time we’re not even conscious of it, but control shows up in our lives in so many ways.In this episode, Thom addresses the fallacy of control. This is a series of curated questions and answers from Thom’s online Satsang community, a resource for receiving lectures, sharing group meditations, and submitting questions for Thom to answer in real time. If you’d like to know more about Satsang, please visit the website.Episode Highlights:[00:00] Satsang[01:26] Is IVF Unnatural or Controlling?[02:05] Where Do Babies Come From?[03:33] Hit and Miss[05:27] Is It Charming?[06:13] A Bizarre Comparison[08:26] Another Analogy[09:55] A Growing Body of Knowledge[11:41] A Beautiful Soul Wanting Embodiment[13:36] Simple, Natural, Innocent[14:58] Responding to Nature's Invitation[17:30] How Can I Release Control in Professional Situations?[18:01] Loyalty-Based Administration[19:06] Fear-Based Administration[20:02] The Abso

The pinnacle of the journey for any meditator is to become an Initiator of Vedic Meditation. Not only does it give you the tools and opportunity to teach the technique to others, but it also gives a quantum boost to your own evolution. The opportunity to spend 12 weeks in the birthplace of our technique, absorbing Vedic wisdom from Thom and other course leaders, and the chance to develop lifelong bonds with new friends and colleagues from far and wide is unequaled.In this bonus episode, Thom extends an invitation to join him in January for our 2025 round of Initiator Training. Get ready to be inspired, and to maybe make the potentially life-changing decision to apply.Listen to the episode, then go here for more details: https://thomknoles.com/initiator-training/Episode Highlights:[00:45] A Sacred Setting[02:11] Program Structure[03:25] High Rounding[04:54] Representing the Shankaracharya Tradition[05:48] Independent Initiators[07:28] A Life-Altering Endeavor[09:04] Apply to Create the Fondest Memories of Your

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 B

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

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 BirthUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook.com/thethomknole

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[20:5

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 KnowerUse

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] Tr

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

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 BestUseful 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/info@thomknoles.com https:/

“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 MeditationUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube.com/c/thomknoleshttps://thomk

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[1

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 Consc

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 R

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

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