The Vedic World View

Thom gave us plenty of reading in his recent episode covering his favorite Vedic literature. In this episode, he closes the loop and shares some of his favorite non-Vedic literature. Not surprisingly, most of it is non-fiction and explores the ways in which the Universe, and we humans work. Thom also includes a fictional piece which is very much aligned with the Vedic worldview of consciousness being everywhere and in everything.As Thom says in the podcast, “...even if you are a fast reader, you'll probably spend the better part of the year trying to get through some of this stuff.”Episode Highlights:[00:45] Recommended Reading[01:38] The Overstory[03:14] Non-fiction Books by Paul Davies[06:23] Davies' Exploration of the Perfect Conditions[08:03] Come to Your Own Conclusion[09:41] Professor John Gribben's Thesis[10:45] Professor Brian Josephson's Works[12:31] Books on Neuroscience - Norman Doidge[14:27] Sapiens - Yuval Noah HarariUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com  https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.co

The notion of karma raises a lot of questions, often because the concept is totally misunderstood. It’s most commonly seen as a cosmic form of reward and punishment, but nothing could be further from the truth.It is certainly a tool for course correction, but it doesn’t come with any of the judgment that is attributed to it. In this episode, Thom addresses listener questions, tackling issues such as instant karma vs delayed karma, why we still seem to experience karmic effects even when we’re doing all that we can to advance our evolutionary progress, and why we might choose a life of suffering rather than comfort.These are common questions, but the answers Thom gives are by no means common. This is an episode you might want to put on repeat for a while so the learning can really sink in.Episode Highlights:[00:45] Q- Why does karma have varying timeframes for resolution?[00:54] A - The Cause of Karma[03:21] Relationship Between Karma and Kriyā[05:36] Instant Karma[07:28] Moving Between Karma and Kriyā Zones[0

Anxiety is a downward spiral that many struggle to control. It’s the price many are paying for living in an overstimulated world. We’re bombarded with messaging from countless sources hundreds of times a day, and these are competing with our own restless minds, churning away with the same repeated thoughts, day after day after day.In this episode, Thom explains the dangers of living in a state of “object-referral,” where you live at the mercy of circumstances, rather than a state of “self-referral,” where you have a solid foundation that anxiety finds unsustainable. Importantly, he outlines the solution, in practical terms that anyone wanting to take back control can implement effectively and swiftly.Episode Highlights:[01:03] Becoming Aware of Our Challenges[02:55] Immense Rise in the Capacity to Commune[05:06] Failure to Commune is Characterizing Human Interaction Today[07:52] Meditation Allows Deep-Rooted Stresses to Dissolve[09:58] Being a Time Bomb of Stress Reactivity is Not the Solution[12:04] We Can't

This bonus episode is an invitation from Thom for Vedic meditators to join his new Satsang online community.Satsang is more than just an online community. It's your 24/7 home where you can transform Vedic knowledge into personal wisdom that you can use in your day-to-day life.For more details about Satsang, please visit https://thomknoles.com/community.And if you aren't a Vedic meditator yet, you can find out how you can learn via our International Vedic Meditation Teacher Directory - https://thomknoles.com/vedic-meditation-teacher-directory/Useful 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://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube.com/c/thomknoleshttps://thomknoles.com/ask-thom-anything/  

Read any good books lately? Vedic literature is rich in timeless content, and few epics have lasted the thousands of years that some of the Vedic epics have survived.Vedic epics combine the best of drama and unforgettable storytelling while still being steeped in deep wisdom at every turn. It is this powerful combination that continues to make them as relevant today as 5,000 years ago.Thom shares a couple of his favorites in this episode, and gives us a helping hand by recommending specific translations that will make more sense to those of us who are not Vedic scholars.And to help us even further, he suggests a couple of more contemporary books, both written by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to help us deepen our understanding of how to lead a rich and fulfilling life.Suggested Reading:The Science of Being and the Art of Living by Maharishi Mahesh YogiMaharishi Mahesh Yogi on the Bhagavad Gita - a translation and commentary by Maharishi Mahesh YogiThe Mahabharata, translation by Ramesh MenonThe Ramayana, translation

Get ready for a fresh perspective on suicide and suicidal thoughts. In response to a question from a listener, Thom gives us a lot to contemplate in this episode, including redefining how we think about suicide, introducing the concept of “long suicide,” and reminding us that body death doesn’t mean consciousness death or bring an end to suffering.He talks about the role Vedic Meditation can have in easing the suffering at the source of suicidal thoughts, and also affirms that you are worthy of, and must seek, professional help if suicidal thoughts have become a regular part of your thinking or if it’s something you feel inclined to act on.Even if you aren’t contemplating suicide, this is wisdom we should all take on board, for the inevitable occasion when we might be able to influence someone considering a premature end to their life. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis:In the United States: Dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to

Vedic Meditators frequently report heightened perception of the sense organs. Colors may become crisper, shades of light and dark may become more ‘interesting,’ subtler tastes may be detected in food, and smells may be detected, even in the most minute concentrations.One of the most curious sensations happens at the level of hearing. In the same way that the mind is able to experience the subtlety of Being becoming manifest, the hearing organs are able to experience the sound of Being becoming manifest.Thom explains both the mechanics and the result of this process. For many Vedic meditators, this episode will be a revelation, an explanation for that sweet, sweet sound, humming away in the background as a constant companion in day-to-day life, and for others it will be a preview of coming attractions.And for those who haven’t learned Vedic Meditation, perhaps this will inspire you to learn the technique so you too can hear the sound of manifestation.Episode Highlights:[00:52] An Arcane Subject[02:20] It's Not

Most groups or communities have a few pretentious players within them; people who wear a mask or ‘put on a show’ to attract attention to themselves and to elevate their status.While one might think that the “spiritual” arena might be beyond such behavior, regrettably that’s not the case.In some circles they might be called “wannabees,” but Maharishi Mahesh Yogi had a special name for such people; mood makers.While they are relatively easy to spot, in this episode Thom shares the signs to look for in a mood maker. If nothing else, this gives us an opportunity to check in on our own conduct and to ensure that we haven’t inadvertently become a mood maker ourselves.Episode Highlights:[00:53] The Temptation of Mood Making[02:25] Faking It Till You Make It[03:28] Badges of Rank[05:15] A Big Blob on the Floor[06:28] Our Destiny Summed Up on the Floor of Whole Foods[07:42] God-given Parking Spaces[09:08] Simple, Natural, Innocent[11:05] Have a Proper Meal With Me[12:20] "I'm Eating Brahman."[14:17] Be Adorable to Nat

The Oxford Dictionary defines luck as: success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one's own actions, or, chance considered as a force that causes good or bad things to happen.Long-term listeners will straight away see that chance is incompatible with the Vedic worldview, hence luck isn’t likely to pass scrutiny either. So how then do we account for the fact that sometimes we seem lucky, or perhaps others seem lucky, and sometimes we don’t? In this episode Thom explains the Vedic perspective on luck and good fortune. The good news is, we have more control over it than most people think. Episode Highlights:[00:53] A Degree of Randomicity[02:52] Well-Deserved, Self-Created Good Fortune[05:09] There is Intelligence Involved[06:13] Unconscious Design of Unhappiness[08:04] Conscious Design of Happiness Useful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com  https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube.com/c/thomknoleshttps://thomknoles.com

While many of us think of language as something that evolved from the grunts and noises made by our prehistoric ancestors, Sanskrit, the ancient language of the Veda, has a very unique distinction; it’s an ‘inspired’ or cognized language, reflecting the intention of Nature through sound.Having obtained a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Sydney, majoring in Sanskrit, Thom is well placed to give us an overview of its origin and a demonstration of its beauty.He explains how its custodians have preserved its integrity over the centuries, protecting it from the inevitable change of common use.And for those of us who don’t want to dive deeply into understanding it more fully, he explains why we don’t need to understand Sanskrit intellectually in order to benefit from its meaning or intent.Episode Highlights:[00:45] The First Child of the Language of Nature[02:45] Rishi - One with Super Subtle Perception[04:28] Sounds Like...[06:35] Seeing the Sounds[08:38] Lingua Franca[10:29] An Absolute Language[11:32] Fluid

Mention tantra and most people think of sexual practices designed to prolong the sexual experience or to add a ‘spiritual’ element to it. While the principle of tantra can certainly be applied to sex, it’s actually a concept that has much broader and more interesting applications.  Strictly speaking, when properly applied, even the art of procrastination, as distinct from the habit of avoidance, can be said to be a form of tantra.As Thom explains in this episode, tantra is a form of brinkmanship, the ability to hover at the border of two different states, either conceptually or physically. As you’ll hear, it’s an art that Vedic Meditators become quite accomplished at…Episode Highlights:[00:55] Tantra Has Evaded All Attempts at Consistent Definition[03:37] Understanding Tantra is Pivotal to the Development of a Vedic Meditator[05:44] Creativity at Work Requires the Pressure of Present-Moment Awareness[08:13] Tantric Awareness No Longer Fears Boundaries[10:17] Boundaries Are Places of Rich and Condensed Knowled

There’s no shortage of questions from our podcast audience, which is perfect because Thom is never short of an answer…The common thread throughout this Q&A episode is that we’re all much more empowered than we might think.Thom reminds us that Nature loves it when we commit, and that rather than preparing ourselves for worst-case scenarios, we must assume that we’re acting on Nature’s behalf and get behind our intention, and then act accordingly.He gives us clues as to how we can use the present to inspire our past and the future to inspire our present. You'll need to flex the way you think about time but, as always, Thom gives us an elegant analogy to work with.And to round things off, he takes the intention message one step further, inviting us to be flexible with our expectations and to be ready, and willing, to change plans at a moment’s notice.Episode Highlights:[00:45] Q - Should We Prepare for Worst-Case Scenarios?[01:33] A - Collectives Create the Governance That Surrounds Them[04:07] Government is

Vedic wisdom is full of contrasting ideas. We’re told that evolution is the only thing that’s ever happening, yet we’re also told that the intellect is ‘mistaken’ and that it holds us back from experiencing enlightened forms of Consciousness. Can both be true? Can we be both mistaken and be playing a role in evolution at the same time? Here’s your chance to find out.This is another masterclass on the Vedic Worldview, an episode worthy of your full attention and one that you’ll want to listen to a few times over to fully understand what it means for you and your own personal evolution. If you have trouble celebrating your ‘flaws’ this will go a long way to putting that to rest. Episode Highlights[00:53] Pragya Aparadha[01:55] Structure of Human Consciousness - Intellect[03:44] Individual Ego and Cosmic Ego[05:58] Experiencing Psycho-genesis - the Source of Thought[07:59] Transcendance is the Unified Field Itself[09:59] Every Thought is a Stream of Energy and Intelligence[12:22] Bio-friendly Universe[14:29] Min

Most people are surprised to hear that Thom Knoles has spent time in prison. And not just one prison. Several in fact.And not just in one country. He’s spent time in multiple prisons in Australia and the United States of America.Listen in as Thom shares the tale of how he took control of his own destiny, and changed the destiny of hundreds of others in the process. NB - See here for The Light Inside project that Thom mentions on the podcast.Episode Highlights[00:45] A Deep Conviction[03:01] The Starry World[05:08] Jyotish - Vedic Astrology[06:47] Prison is in Your Future.[08:27] "Go to Prison."[09:47] Freedom Behind Bars[12:53] Multiple Prison Stays[14:24] Meditation in Prison[18:01] The Light Inside Useful LinksThe Light Inside - https://www.the-lightinside.com/info@thomknoles.com  https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube.com/c/thomknoleshttps://thomknoles.com/ask-thom-anything/ 

Happy New Year! Or is it? While large parts of the world celebrate the start of a new calendar year on January 1st, much of the world celebrates the New Year at other times. Many cultures base their New Year on events in Nature, astronomical events, or a combination of both.In this episode, Thom explains the basis for the Vedic New Year and the rationale behind it. While it isn’t celebrated as ‘enthusiastically’ as New Year is in the West, it marks a significant stage in the rhythm of life and is worthy of our attention each time it comes around, even if we have another New Year celebration that’s more significant to us.Episode Highlights:[00:45] The Gregorian Calendar[01:41] Cues From Nature[03:24] Solstices and Equinoxes[04:46] Yuletide[05:51] Gap Week[07:39] Vernal Equinox[09:01] Spring - When We See the Fecundity of the Earth[10:47] Creating Additional JoyUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com  https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube

This Ask Thom Anything episode explores ancient cultures, the process of evolution and the possibility of devolution.Thom shares an anecdote about a journey to outback Australia as an envoy for Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to seek the blessing of Aboriginal Elders, where he discovered an unexpected, though not surprising, connection between the ancient people of Australia and those of India.And in answers to two totally separate questions, he explains the evolutionary leap that made us the ‘smartest’ species on the planet, though potentially too smart for our own good. It’s a salient reminder that we all need to be vigilant with our Vedic Meditation practice and to share the benefits widely if we want the human species to continue to be part of Nature’s evolutionary process.Episode Highlights:[00:45] Q - What's the Connection Between Australian Aboriginal and Vedic Culture[01:29] Indigenous People who Possessed Knowledge of Transcending[02:38] "You Want to Talk to the Old Fellas?"[04:28] Making Arrangements to See t

How much trust did you have that the sun would rise this morning? And even if it was hidden by clouds, did you still trust that it was there?Unless you live near one of the polar caps, where you can go for months without seeing the sun, no doubt you had enough certainty that you didn’t need to apply any trust at all. You were certain it was going to rise and can be certain it will rise again tomorrow.Much of the stress in our lives is caused by uncertainty, which we smooth over by applying trust or faith to a situation or to a person, but that’s an approach that leaves us exposed to outside influences.In this episode, Thom shares a sure-fire approach to dial up the certainty in our lives and to make us resilient to the uncertainty that we need to keep life interesting.We are certain you’ll enjoy this episode :-). Episode Highlights[01:02] Object-referral Way of Looking at the World[03:31] Problem Means Problem Consciousness[05:10] No More Problem[06:01] Self-referral Consciousness Commences with Vedic Meditat

Evolution is the only thing that’s ever happening, but what’s the mechanism behind evolution? The Vedic perspective tells us that everything that happens in ‘the relative’ is governed by the three ‘gunas.’In this episode Thom describes the three gunas as balancing agents, engaged in a constant interplay of intention, action and inaction, ensuring that everything is created in perfect harmony, and remains relevant for just as long as it needs to be, and no more. He also explains how Vedic Meditation, the art of transcending the three gunas, can be our most powerful weapon, even in the toughest of life’s battles.Episode Highlights[00:56] Bhagavad Gita - Song of the Supreme Consciousness Field[03:20] Cousins Go to War[05:30] Arjuna Deeply Conflicted[07:57] "You Could Have Avoided All of This"[09:45] "Your Cousins will Destroy the Entire Culture of India"[11:53] Nistraigunyo Bhavarjuna[13:51] Yogastha Kuru Karmani[15:56] Evolutionary Force is Causing Ever More Elegant and Sophisticated Forms[18:13] Humans - Relat

We could be forgiven for thinking that Mata, Pita and Guru, Mother, Father, and ‘Teacher,’ refer to specific people in our life. But as we’ve come to expect from Vedic wisdom, there is much more to these words than meets the eye.In this episode Thom explains the connotative meaning of this triumvirate and the role that they play, moment to moment, in our lives. While most of us see life as a series of events happening to us, those who view life through the lens of Mata, Pita and Guru, see it as a series of events happening for us. No points for guessing which approach leads to the least suffering.Episode Highlights[00:56] The Three-Part Body of Knowledge[02:36] Mata - The Gestator[03:56] Matrix[05:21] The Source of All New Moments[06:45] Purification Takes Place[07:46] Pita; The Instigator of Change[08:41] Source and Cause[09:47] Thought - A Stream of Energy and Intelligence[12:03] A Thing Stimulates You to Have a Thought[13:50] The Third Element - Guru[15:29] "We Can Make Money Out of This."[17:04] Truth of

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one in three seniors in the USA dies with some form of dementia*. And with the rapidly-aging population, numbers are expected to double within the next thirty years.These are sobering statistics but in this episode, Thom puts forward the Vedic perspective on the subject and a simple solution, which, ironically, lies in reviving our lost ability to forget.With so many cognitive demands placed on us each day, and our obsessive need to remember, Thom reminds us that our twice-daily dose of Vedic Meditation gives our brain the much-needed respite from the demands of the day, and the chance to avoid the forced shut-down that dementia often provides in later life. It’s a hopeful message that could help many better understand the condition they fear more than any other.*Alzheimer’s Association.Episode Highlights[00:45] The Value of Memory[03:19] Fight/Flight Response[05:30] Structural and Material Changes that Pertain to Fighting or Fleeing[07:07] The Stress of Stress[08:31]