The Vedic World View

With a father as a high-ranking officer in the US Air Force, Thom Knoles has been traveling internationally from a very young age. Under the wing of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Thom traveled even more, visiting countries with him on almost every continent.But the country Thom has spent the most time in, outside of the USA, is his home away from home, Australia. As a fresh-faced teenager, his keen interest in surfing led him to choose Australia as his destination of choice to set himself up as his meditation teaching career got under way.Thom reminisces on his time spent there and the legacy of tens of thousands of meditators still active in Australia, and growing each day.Episode Highlights[00:45] Early Contact with Australians[02:51] The Art and Sport of Surfing[05:13] One-Way Airfare[07:08] 10 Jobs for Every One Person[08:56] An Immigrant in Australia[10:47] "What Do You Do for a Crust Mate?"[12:30] Rhyming Slang of Outback Australians[14:30] Yoga and Meditation Studio in Sylvania[16:09] Maharishi Domicile in Sw

We’re turning over the content of the podcast to our listeners once again, with another Ask Thom Anything episode, this time with a recurring theme of ‘effectiveness.’Protest has become fashionable in recent years but Mary from Australia wonders how effective it is, especially in the absence of ‘worthy inquiry.’Saskia, also from Australia, asks about the effectiveness of Nadi Shodana and the correct use of ‘Rounding’ to support our Vedic Meditation practice.And Sophia in the USA wants to know if Japa Meditation has the same effect as, or could be considered to be a type of, Vedic Meditation.Episode Highlights[00:45] Is Protest Effective?[01:44] A - Less Outrage[03:13] Change Naturally and Spontaneously Occurs[05:07] Thought Police[06:59] Large-Scale Social Backlash[08:46] Raise our Own Consciousness[09:45] Q - What Are the Benefits of Nadi Shodana and How Many Rounds Are Ideal Before Meditation?[10:03] A - Pranayama[11:59] Rounding[13:24] At-Home Program[14:53] Industrial-Strength Meditation[16:08] Q -  Is Ja

“No problem.” We’ve all said it on many occasions, and most of us say it, or a variation on it, on a pretty regular basis.But do we really mean it? And do we know for sure if ‘no problem’ fits the occasion?In this My Maharishi episode, Thom recounts an interaction where Maharishi Mahesh Yogi held Thom to his word after setting him what seemed to be a relatively simple task. Thom sums the lesson up nicely at the end and, if nothing else, will get you thinking twice before saying “No problem” again.Episode Highlights[00:45] A Force-Five Hurricane of Happiness[01:48] Night of the Waxing Full Moon in Switzerland[03:27] Flotillas on the Lake[05:12] Morning of the Full Moon[06:32] Roads Blocked Off[08:02] "Maharishi, There's a Problem."[09:43] "Thom, Stop Talking."[12:51] Head of State[11:02] Find the Highest Principle[14:20] Problem is a Consciousness StateUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com  https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube.com/c/t

Word of mouth is an unreliable means of communicating even at the best of times. And while the written word should theoretically be more accurate and more trustworthy than the spoken word, history has shown that that’s not the case. Words can be so easily misunderstood and misinterpreted that they can’t be relied upon to convey wisdom accurately over time.So what’s the most reliable way to preserve ancient truths and keep them relevant to the times?In this episode Thom explores the limitations of the intellect and the role of consciousness in creating a ‘direct line’ when it comes to accessing the wisdom needed for evolutionary progress to be made.He also explains the role of a Guru in ensuring that they develop successors with the consciousness and capability to adapt teachings to meet the need of the time, and from generation to generation, without diluting the purity of the original teaching.In short, it’s an explanation that it’s not what you know that’s important, it’s ‘how’ you know.Jai Guru Deva. Episo

The impact that Maharishi Mahesh Yogi had on the world is inestimable. With millions of people practicing the meditation technique that he popularized around the world, and many thousands more learning each year, the ripple effect of his work will last for centuries to come.And not just here on earth. It’s fitting that Maharishi’s three favorite words, Jai Guru Deva, inspired lyrics within the famous Beatles song, Across the Universe, which, in 2008, became the first song beamed by NASA into deep space.But what was it like being up close with Maharishi? In this episode Thom shares some of his observations from his 25 plus years of direct contact with Maharishi in India and throughout the world, often around the clock and for weeks and months on end.He describes Maharishi’s most endearing characteristics and the impact they had on him personally, declaring that Maharishi shaped him to become the man he is today.And for bonus value, he also shares the origins of another song from The Beatles that can be attribu

What’s the Vedic worldview on sexuality?Gender expression and sexual identity have been hot topics in recent years as more and more people choose to abandon gender and sexual stereotypes.And while Vedic civilization was way ahead of its time in terms of accepting gender diversity, it turns out that sexuality may not be as important as it's made out to be.In this bonus episode, Thom proposes a viewpoint whereby we can all look at sexuality from a different perspective and focus on a more reliable source of identity.And if you’d like to dive a little deeper into the subject, Thom has a new course on Omnisexuality, available for people who have learned Vedic Meditation from a qualified and endorsed (by Thom) Vedic Meditation Teacher.https://thomknoles.com/omnisexualityPS - This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at a public event so please forgive the slightly less-the-perfect audio quality.Episode Highlights[00:45] Q - What’s the Vedic World View on Sexuality?[01:23] Why Stop at Five?[03:03] Doing

More listener questions on the podcast this episode, with the focus on the metaphysical.Thom puts a surprising twist in his answer to a question on time travel and gives us clues as to how we can sense the future in the making.He has an emphatic response to a question about the Law of Attraction, one that will help you make your mind up if you’re in doubt about whether it’s real or not.And he gives us some advice as to how we can use external influences to our benefit when it comes to our health and wellbeing (Spoiler alert: It’s an inside job!).Episode Highlights[00:45] Q - Is Time Travel Possible?[00:49] A - What Does Now Mean?[02:20] Deva[04:53] Capturing Past and Future[06:35] You Sense the Future in the Making[08:33] Constructing the Future[10:28] That's Time Travel[12:03] Q - Is the Law of Attraction a Myth?[12:07] A - "Don't Be a Defeatist."[13:46] Individuality is on a Mission[15:32] The Universe is Not Your Sugar Daddy[17:26] Attraction Has Nothing to Do With Anything[19:40] Q - Is the Body Influence

Vedic mythos, or storytelling, is often laced with humor to get a point across. In this episode of the podcast, Thom recounts a tale from the Katha Upanishad, of a Sergeant and a General. It’s a scenario that wouldn’t look out of place in an episode of “The Office” or any other workplace sitcom. Having a character take credit for someone else’s idea and then retelling it back to them is a pretty common gag, but in the Upanishad, it’s much more than just a tool for a cheap laugh. It’s a profound lesson which, once learned, can be a source of empowerment and a tool for living a more deliberate life.Episode Highlights[00:56] Katha Upanishad[03:19] A Friend in the Sky[05:27] The Breaking of Unity[07:31] "You see that hill there?"[09:57] An Amazing Idea[11:44] A Source of Thoughts Deep Inside of Us[14:11] A Wave is Nothing but Ocean[16:44] Desire[19:12] I Am Totality[21:28] A Parody on Praying to God[22:39] An Unnecessary Step[23:52] We Just Say Yes[26:53] Permitted to Act Useful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com  https://

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was ahead of his time in 1975, when he predicted an end to The Cold War and the fall of the Berlin Wall, among many other changes that he foresaw as arising from the dawning of the ‘Age of Enlightenment.’With The Cold War showing no signs of thawing at the time, most people saw it as a fanciful notion at best. Yet Maharishi, the great seer, saw it as an inevitable outcome of the shift in consciousness that was growing in pace at the time. Following on from our recent episode, The Yugas and the Importance of Understanding Them Correctly, in this episode Thom discusses Kali Yuga, the age of ignorance, in more detail. He explains the role of consciousness and how enlightenment and ignorance can coexist, just as the moon can bring light to the night. Most importantly, he explains that the age of ignorance doesn’t place limits on our experience, individually or collectively.Episode Highlights[00:55] Kali Yuga—The Age of Ignorance[02:48] The Dawning of the Age of Enlightenment[04:44] Seven Day

As Eastern philosophies have spread in popularity throughout the world in the past thirty years or so, ‘detachment’ has become somewhat of a buzzword. It has become a spiritual scorecard of sorts, the theory being that the more detached one is, the more enlightened one is. Or not…In this episode Thom sets the record straight, explaining the distinction between detachment, which implies attachment in the first place, and non attachment, which negates any attachment at all.It’s a subtle distinction but it’s much more than just a semantic argument. While one can fake detachment, thus creating another form of attachment, one can’t fake non attachment. As usual, Thom also shows us how to become non attached, without the strain of having to fake it till we make it. Episode Highlights[00:54] Maharishi Patanjali and Yoga Sutra[03:19] That's Not What Yoga Is[05:21] Asana, Pranayama, Dhyan[07:38] Yoga Sutra[10:24] Not Just Any Old Meditation[12:46] Vairagya is Not Detachment[14:56] Detachment Isn't Possible[16:47] Non-

It’s time for another Ask Me Anything episode, with this one focused on affairs of the heart.Thom answers a listener’s question about the desirability of a ‘heart awakening’ and explains why being ‘grounded in the unbounded’ is a more preferable state to aim for.He takes on the question of whether partners in a relationship should ‘be on the same path’ or not, and how to manage the dynamic when they aren’t.And he gives sage advice for a listener asking about the importance of following through on commitments when our heart is no longer committed to them.   As always, another round of practical suggestions for everyday situations that we find ourselves in.[00:45] Q - Should I be Hoping for a Heart Awakening?[00:58] A - Experiencing Empathy[02:37] Empathy Can Be an Overshadowing Feeling[04:39] Spontaneous Ideal Interaction[06:37] A Completely Useless State to Be In[08:05] Grounded in the Unbounded[10:00] Q - Can a Relationship Flourish if We Are On Different Paths?[10:15] A - Why We're in a Relationship[12:12]

Courage under fire is seen as an admirable quality, but grace under fire even much more so.In this amusing anecdote, Thom shares an example of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s equanimity amidst a timely mishap. Though the mishap itself was relatively minor, the event itself was not; a conference which was pivotal in the revival of ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and practices, and their subsequent spread throughout the world.[00:55] Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Revives Ayurveda[02:46] Balancing Agents[04:49] Three Masters of Ayurveda[06:33] Masterful Pulse Diagnosis[07:48] Master of Minerals[08:36] Marker of the Plant World[10:13] Amrit Kalash[11:23] Maharishi Nagar[12:45] Learning from the Masters[13:51] Bright Lights[15:08] Where the Big Bang Comes From[17:22] Where the Little Bang Comes From[19:07] Perpetual Big BangUseful Linksinfo@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/

9/11/2001 is a date that’s been imprinted in our memories worldwide. New York City, at the epicenter of the terror attacks, was shaken to its core, literally and figuratively. Visiting New York City very soon after, Thom witnessed a distinct shift in the way New Yorkers were relating to each other. Thom shares his reflections on that visit in the episode, noting in particular how the 9/11 tragedy brought New Yorkers together for a brief period, and how it seeded what has since become a very large community of Vedic Meditators in the city.But with over 18 million people living in the metro area, a lot more meditators are needed to address the collective stress that stands in the way of New York becoming even more of an iconic city than she already is.Thom will be visiting New York City from October 9th to 20th to teach Vedic Meditation and give various talks. To find out more and to register for any of these events, please visit thomknoles.com/newyork. Jai Guru Deva.[00:00:45] No Appointments[00:02:42] Retirin

Few rivers have a name as iconic as the Ganges River in India. At over 1550 miles (2,500 kms) long, it winds its way from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, passing a population of over 650 million along the way, making it the most populated river basin in the world.But there is more to the Ganges than just a body of water meandering through the landscape.In this episode, Thom brings his beloved Ganges to life. He explains why she plays such a significant role in the spiritual life of Indian citizens and visitors who come from around the world just to bathe in her icy waters. Thom leaves us in no doubt that the Ganges will justifiably play a pivotal role in our upcoming 2023 retreat in Rishikesh.If you'd like to attend the retreat with Thom in Rishikesh India from January 8th to 18th, 2023, please visit Thom's website for more details, https://thomknoles.com/india-retreat/ or follow the link in the show notes.[00:00:45] Mother Ganga[00:03:17] The Goddess Whom Everyone Can See[00:05:25] Taking a Dip in Ganga[

We’re all familiar with the saying, don’t use a sledgehammer to crack a nut, but how about using a sword to clean a finger?Vedic literature is full of delightful fables that use analogies to deliver profound life lessons. In this episode Thom gives us some background on Upanishad, Vedic fables heard ‘while sitting at the feet of a Master’ before sharing a tale of a King and a swordsmith.It’s a delightful reminder that our Vedic Meditation technique has a very specific and powerful purpose, and a demonstration of how to dig a little deeper than the superficial interpretation of a story.Treat this episode as a taste test of more Upanishad tales to come in future episodes.[00:45] Sitting at the Feet of a Master[02:46] Sanskrit - The First Child of the Language of Nature[04:56] Lingua Franca[07:09] Sounds Like...[09:26] Rishi - A Five-Senses Hyperactive Perceiver[10:51] When a Rishi Hears the Sound of Nature[12:47] The Stuff of Fable[14:23] The Impact of Upanishad on the West[16:35] Kenopanishad[18:36] Defense of

Regular listeners know already that the power of Vedic Meditation lies in the ability to allow transcendence. But is it the only way? And how do you know if you’ve transcended?Prompted by a question from a listener, Thom takes a brief look at other meditation techniques and compares them to Vedic Meditation with respect to transcendence.He also explains the clues the experience leaves to allow us to conclude that transcendence has taken place.While meditation can have many functions, we have a choice between a technique that is specifically designed to help us transcend, or other ‘tiring ways’ which are designed for other purposes but may result in occasional transcendence.  [00:45] Q - Is Vedic Meditation the Only Meditation Technique That Allows Transcendence?[01:10] A - Other Meditation Techniques[03:06] The Mind is Thinking, Thinking, Thinking[04:24] Creating the Moment of Bliss[06:19] Many Tiring Ways of Transcending[08:05] Cognitive Processes[10:28] Less Volume of Thought[11:40] Mantra is Here[13:12] Ma

A rut, the ever-repeating known, can be a double-edged sword. While some find comfort in a rut, others feel restless.The restless are at a distinct advantage. Rather than waiting for the inevitable change that brings an end to the ever-repeating known, they opt for the role of change agent, and design their own path out of the rut, instead of having one designed for them.In this episode, Thom explains the simple formula for any change agent to follow to get out of a rut. Regular contact with the unbounded, followed by meaningful voluntary service in one form or another.Thom’s message is a call to arms for any agent of progressive change who is ready to report for duty. [00:45] Stop Ignoring the Obvious[03:12] Nivar Tatvam - Go Where You Are Not[04:36] Let the Mind be Easy[06:19] Step Back into the Relative[07:31] Colorfast Cloth[09:08] Alternating Back and Forth[10:19] Premature Contentedness - The Greatest Obstacle to Enlightenment[12:22] Seva - Service[14:42] Evolve Useful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com https://t

If the idea of a Vedic Meditation retreat in the foothills of the Himalayas with Thom Knoles sounds appealing, then this episode is for you.After a two-year hiatus, Thom is returning to Rishikesh and is extending a warm welcome to Vedic Meditators, and aspiring meditators alike, for a 10-day experience like no other.Thom explains why Rishikesh is the first and perfect choice for such a retreat, making it a pilgrimage to the acknowledged home of meditation and yoga. He outlines the daily routine and some of the highlights to look forward to, such as visits to the Ganges River and Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s former ashram, and time spent as guests of His Holiness Swami Kailashanand Giri, the Shankaracharya-elect and the Master of our tradition.With luxury accommodations and gourmet food at the famous Divine Hotel, , your stay will be truly memorable.Let Thom whet your appetite with this special bonus episode, then make your way to https://thomknoles.com/india-retreat/ to register.Jai Guru Deva.[00:01:19] Upanishad

We learned recently on the podcast that knowledge is structured in consciousness. From this we can deduce that our understanding of Veda is dependent on our level of consciousness. It’s not just our intellectual understanding though, it’s also our ability to ‘perceive’ Veda.One example of this is the perception of ‘Yugas,’ epochs or periods of time that are referenced frequently in the various Vedic texts. When taken at face value, these Yugas appear to be linear periods, happening in a particular sequence, but, as Thom explains in this episode, there is more to the Yugas than meets the eye…NB - At the conclusion of the episode you will find mention of Thom’s popular course, Exploring the Veda - You can find teachers facilitating this course around the world at this link - https://thomknoles.com/vedic-meditation-teacher-directory/. [00:00:56] What are the Yugas?[00:03:21] Veda Cannot Be Deeply Understood by English Alone.[00:05:33] Four Major Divisions of Veda[00:07:52] Ritambhara Pragya[00:09:44] Awakening t

Few would doubt that being a parent can be stressful, but being the child of a parent has its own set of demands and challenges. The common thread through this, another ‘Ask Me Anything’ episode of The Vedic Worldview, is the theme of parental stress, both from the parent’s perspective and also from the child’s.Thom explores the impact the stress of a mother has on a child in the womb, and shows us how to keep inherited stresses in perspective.He helps us navigate the age-old question of how to cope with rebellious teenagers, reminding us that rebellion isn’t always as bad as it may seem, and that inspiration is the greatest tool a parent has available to them.And he shares some comforting wisdom on how to cope with the most difficult stress a parent could ever face, the death of a child.Episode Highlights: [00:45] Q- Is Fear Passed on to the Child While in the Womb?[01:06] A - Awareness of Progressive Change[03:45] Babies Have Qualities of the Biochemistry of Their Mother[06:19] Mother Divine - Qualities Pas