The Vedic World View

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

There’s no shortage of options when it comes to choosing a meditation technique, let alone a teacher to learn from. Many don’t choose a teacher at all, and go the do-it-yourself route, perhaps with the help of an app, or an audio or video found online.While one can certainly receive some benefits from these approaches, Thom shares in this episode that the goal should be to get maximum impact from your meditations, rather than just ‘some’ impact.Thom explains the value of using an ancient technique, one that’s been proven for thousands of years and used by millions around the world.He also describes the rigorous process that aspiring Vedic Meditation teachers go through when learning from Thom. Apart from the thousands of hours of practical and learning experience gathered over a number of years, the trainee Initiator also has to prove they can meet and maintain the standard required by the Shankaracharya lineage that has passed down the technique over the years.Thom’s teacher’s teacher, Guru Dev, once famousl

We all know that goals are transient. They might bring us some short-term pleasure but the periods between the goals, the goals we actually get that is, are often peppered with consistent feelings of lack, frustration and disappointment.Despite knowing this, we still live lives where we’re mostly striving for, and only occasionally arriving at, a state of fulfillment. It’s a hamster wheel that’s kept billions of us busy through countless lifetimes.In this episode, Thom explains that we do this because we’ve got our achievement process backwards. He exposes the ‘fulfillment fallacy’ and gives us a practical method whereby fulfillment becomes an input into the process, rather than being a result of the process. So if you’re ready to get off the hamster wheel, this episode is just what you need.Episode Highlights: [00:40] Did I Make a Difference?[03:02] How Do You Get What (You Think) You Want?[04:49] Creativity and Action[06:51] Achievement… Then What?[08:12] What is the Source of Thought?[09:47] Thought Has En

Thom tackles the “cancel culture” of today’s world, and empowers us to make ourselves useful if we find ourselves in a funk. He shows us how to let go of anxious attachment in relationships and puts PTSD in perspective, while giving us the tool to address it.If you’d like to have Thom answer a question on the podcast, you can submit your questions here.Episode Highlights: [00:40] Q - Please Comment on Our Culture’s Obsession with Manifestation[01:14] Charm - The Mechanism of Desire[04:30] Cosmic Management[06:52] Manifestation and Desire are Related and Simultaneous[07:56] Q - How Do You Know When to Leave a Relationship?[08:19] Surrendering Preferences[10:22] Self-Sufficiency[12:01] The Business of Creating Memories [12:11] Q - What’s Thom’s Take on Cancel Culture? [13:23] Our Source of Identity [16:10] Do People Like Me? [18:05] Lord Buddha Got 500 Likes [19:40] Q - What Do You Do When You Wake Up in an Inexplicable Funk?[20:11] Exposure to the Unboundedness[21:46] Expanding Our Event Horizon [23:10] It’s N

Vedic Meditation teachers are often asked if the practice is a religious practice. Its ancient roots and the reverence that we sometimes approach it with can have the appearance of being religious, but this is largely due to misunderstandings of what the word religion actually means.In short, the practice of Vedic Meditation doesn’t require any belief. It works for believers and non-believers alike and doesn’t favor one over the other. Practitioners of all religions practice the technique every day, as do practitioners of no religion, all with equal efficacy.Listen in as Thom explains the true meaning of religion and why Vedic Meditation transcends religious difference, while at the same time enhancing whatever religious understanding you may or may not have. Episode Highlights: [00:40] The True Meaning of Religion[02:15] “I’m not religious, I’m spiritual.”[03:35] No Commandments[04:33] Compatibility With Religion and Atheism[06:00] A Better UnderstandingUseful Links: info@thomknoles.com https://thomknoles.co

While most of us like to think of ourselves as ‘likeable’, we don’t always see others in the same way. Though we may have many similarities, our differences often stand in the way of having an amicable relationship.When our differences are too extreme, then feelings of enmity can evolve and, even without trying we can have an ‘enemy’ on our hands. This doesn’t necessarily mean we are at war with them, just noticing our differences enough to put a barrier between us.There is an alternative. One where we follow our natural human tendency to want to relate and simply do away with enmity altogether. Our Vedic Meditation practice helps us with this as it takes us to our ultimate form of sameness, the Unified Field, where there is no difference to be found.Listen in or read the transcript below and become part of the solution.Episode Highlights:[00:40] The Easiest Thing on Earth[01:35] Ignoring the Laws of Quantum Mechanics[02:38] The Beginning of Difference[03:38] “Out There”[04:40] “I Wouldn’t Behave That Way”[06

As you might expect, Thom is never short of a few words to say on the subject of God, gods and goddesses. He held a ten-day retreat on the subject several years ago and, more recently, published Part One of a three-part podcast series on the subject. If you haven’t listened to that episode yet, we invite you to start there as it lays the foundation for this episode, Part Two of the series.In this episode Thom explores the seven states of consciousness and how they impact our experience and perception of God, gods and goddesses. He explains how shared experience evolves through the different levels, culminating in the ultimate shared experience of all, Unity Consciousness.Thom reminds us that our experience of God is a personal experience having nothing to do with faith or belief and everything to do with our perception.As with Part One, you’ll probably want to listen to this several times over to really let the message sink in. Episode Highlights: [00:54] Your Experience is Your Own Consciousness State [02:01

The “hustle” culture of modern life has put extra emphasis on the pursuit of goals and attaining them through ever increasing busyness and unrelenting productivity.While goal setting is not a problem, per se, Thom explains that the level of importance people place on them can be problematic.The challenge lies in the notion of, “I’ll be happy when…” This is a false premise. The thought that something outside of us might bring us happiness is a recipe for disillusionment and a misguided search for external fulfilment.A better approach might be, “I’ll be happy, then…” or’ “I’ll be happy, and…” Rather than making happiness an outcome of a goal, make it an input into a goal.Episode Highlights: [00:43] The Relevance of Goal Setting[02:05] The Problem With Goal Setting[03:03] I Am an Exporter of Happiness[04:03] Rigid Attachment is a Bad Habit[05:08] A Trifecta of Ideals[06:36] Find Fulfillment FirstUseful Links: info@thomknoles.com https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoles/https://www.facebook.

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 or not, asanas weren’t created to make us look good in lycra! Asanas were first created to help prepare the body for meditation and union with the Absolute.In this episode, Thom explains how asanas, pranayama and Vedic Meditation are used in combination, also called ‘rounding,’ to give us ‘industrial-strength meditation’ and to accelerate the benefits we get from ‘standard’ meditation.He talks about the importance of proper instruction and supervision so we can truly let go and, if necessary, have the support we need if deep stresses are released.If you haven’t already, talk to your local Vedic Meditation Initiator about learning rounding and attending a rounding retreat so you can enjoy some industrial-strength meditation yourself. And if you are fortunate enough

Thom Knoles was blessed to spend many years as a student of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, travelling to many parts of the world both as a student and an assistant in Maharishi’s work.  In that time he gathered many fond memories worthy of sharing.  This episode is the first of a “My Maharishi” series where Thom will be sharing some of those memories over the months to come.He tells of his first experience hearing pundits chanting Samaveda.  You might also recognize the ‘sloka’ or hymn that Maharishi chanted before the meal, as the same sloka that Thom sings at the beginning of each podcast episode.Enjoy.Episode Highlights:[00:00] Maharishi Mahesh Yogi - The Great Seer[02:39] On The Water[04:15] Between Spain and Portugal[05:26] A Barge and a Tugboat[06:30] A Vedic Sloka (Hymn)[07:53] Chanting of the Samaveda[09:29] The Dawn of a New EraUseful Links: info@thomknoles.com https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoles/https://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube.com/c/thomknoles 

What is Karma?  Despite popular belief, it’s neither punishment nor reward, neither good nor bad.  It’s simply nature’s way of steering us back onto a more evolutionary path.In this short episode, Thom explains the true meaning of karma, and gives us a short introduction to kriya, evolutionary action.He tells us how we can think of karma, and karmic behavior, without lacing it with judgement that, ironically, ‘binds’ us even more.And as you would expect, he shows us how to align our consciousness with kriya rather than karma.  Episiode Highlights: [00:43] Good Karma, Bad Karma[01:42] A Brief Lesson in Sanskrit[03:01] Karma - Action Which is Binding[03:48] Kriya - Non-Binding Action[04:55] Kriya - Going With the Flow[06:36] Karma - Going Against the Flow[08:50] Violating the Laws of Nature[09:56] Restricted Behaviors Through Karma[11:48] Karma is Just Karma[12:48] Going Downstream[13:45] Getting Back in the Flow Through Vedic Meditation[15:36] Every Day, Twice a DayUseful Links: info@thomknoles.com https://tho

Does God exist?  It’s a question that’s puzzled humankind for millenia and the answer, from the Vedic worldview, is sure to both surprise and delight you, even if you are a hardened atheist.This is not your standard philosophical debate on the idea of God, gods and goddesses but a matter-of-fact exploration that will liberate you from any dogma surrounding the subject or any social indoctrinations that might be limiting your perception.  Most importantly, you’ll discover that experience trumps faith or belief when it comes to having a definitive answer to the question.And if you need to listen to this episode two or three times to ‘get it’ that’s okay.  In fact, as with all of Thom’s podcast episodes, we recommend it.Episode Highlights: [00:48] God is a Self-Referral Phenomenon[02:31] Layers of Thinking[03:57] Who Are You?[05:15] How Do You Know?[06:33] Creating A Model of the World[08:08] The Unknown Becoming Known[09:24] Everything That’s ‘Out There’ is In Here[10:35] Agreeing With the Atheists[11:47] Somet

Apart from the Veda, one of the many gifts of ancient wisdom from India is the Upanishads.  The Upanishads consist of several short parables that give us insight into how we can behave in ways that support our personal and collective evolution.In this podcast episode, Thom shares the story of a man in a lake who, while immersed in more water than he’d need in a lifetime, remained thirsty.  This is a story we all have a need to hear as we all have our own ‘thirst stories’ that are running our lives.It’s a short yet profound tale that we can use to remind ourselves when we’re making things harder than they need to be.Enjoy.Episode Highlights: [00:00] Upanishad - Sitting at the Feet of…[02:28] Once Upon a Time There Was a Yogi[04:08] Who Came Upon an Unusual Sight[04:57] And Offered Some Help[06:15] But His Offer Was Rejected[07:21] Looking Outwards for Sources of Happiness[08:50]  Relief From the Mercy of the Object World[10:39] An Effortless Mantra - A Vehicle for the Mind[12:02] Finding What the Mind is Looki

Stress is very much misunderstood.  Most people think of stress as something that happens ‘to us,’ that our stress is caused by outside situations or stressful circumstances, but this is not the case.  We know this because we can all react differently to the same situation.  What makes you stressed might cause no reaction at all in someone else, thus demonstrating that it’s ‘the victim’ that is the source of the stress rather than the circumstances.In this episode, you’ll learn that not all stress is bad, how and why we have different reactions, how the body reacts when we are stressed, and the link between stress and premature aging.   More importantly, Thom shares the good news about the simple technique of Vedic Meditation and how you can not just manage inbound stress but you can even release accumulated stress in the body, easy and effectively.Episode Highlights: [00:44] The Father of Stress[01:39] General Adaptation Syndrome[03:18] Fight or Flight[05:08] There Are No Such Things As Stressful Situations[

The subject of reincarnation arouses a lot of curiosity and debate.  Those who ‘believe’ in reincarnation seek to understand the mechanisms behind it, and those who don’t, look for ‘proof’ before they consider it a possibility.  In this episode, Thom explains the Vedic worldview on reincarnation, putting forward a case to satisfy both the believers and the ‘scienticians.’He explains that the process of reincarnation doesn't just happen between lifetimes, but that it happens countless times within each lifetime. He challenges the notion that reincarnation must be proven and measurable, while at the same time offering sufficient proof to even make the most hard-nosed skeptics think deeper on the subject.He explores the process of enlightenment and describes the impact of ‘punya,’ your cosmic credit rating, on the choices available to you when the time comes to reincarnate.Importantly, he also reminds us that the belief of Vedic wisdom is an optional philosophy when it comes to one’s practice of Vedic Meditation

As Vedic meditators we regularly experience evidence of being more than just a physical body.  We can use this to our benefit when it comes to tackling the subject of death, or even tackling death itself; our own or the death of a loved one.In our twice-daily practice of Vedic Meditation, the connection we experience in The Absolute, the Unified Field of Consciousness, reminds us that we are consciousness having a human experience rather than just a human body experiencing consciousness and thinking.  It’s an important paradigm shift that can transform our view of the worldIn this podcast, Thom explains in great detail why “death” is unreal and how we can eliminate the fear of death, through knowledge, experience and practice.He explains the function of love, the structure of our ‘bodies’ (the physical body is just one of many we have), enlightenment and more.This is a masterclass in life and death that you will want to return to again and again.Episode Highlights: [00:48] The Mysteries of Life and Death[01:5

Dharma, like many other Sanskrit words and phrases, is not well understood by many with an interest in Vedic wisdom.  It is often simplified to such an extent that it loses its true meaning.‘Purpose’ is perhaps the most common misinterpretation of the word dharma.  Many try to narrow their dharma down to a specific mission or purpose that they hope becomes a legacy for which they will be remembered.But dharma is much more interesting, more exciting even, than a singular mission or role in life.  In a constantly-changing ever-evolving universe, our dharma changes year by year, day by day, minute by minute.So rather than defining our life, our dharma defines our moments.In this episode Thom explains, as elegantly as always, that our dharma is to be vigilant, to become attuned to the need of the times and be an agent for progressive change.  It requires us to surrender to our role in the evolution of things.And the key to living our dharma?   Let’s just say our twice daily practice of daily Vedic Meditation give