The Vedic World View

In a recent episode, Thom explored the subject of where suicidal thoughts come from. And while this might help us understand the origins of suicidal thoughts, it doesn’t explain the evolutionary role that suicide plays.Thom takes us deeper in this episode and delivers a comforting perspective, which doesn’t condone suicide as such but explains how it is at least evolutionary. Importantly, he explains that while it may be evolutionary, there are even more evolutionary alternatives available. This is a must-listen episode for anyone affected by, or harboring suicidal thoughts. 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 SuicidePreventionLifeline.orgIn Australia: Dial 13 11 14 or go to https://www.lifeline.org.au/In all other countries, visit this page for your local prevention hotline: https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/ Episode Highlights:[00:45] Q - What is the Evol

When we think of India, many people question the fairness of the so-called caste system, which, on the face of it, appears to divide the population into different classes, based on the family one is born into. This perception appears to limit the opportunities people have in their lifetime, and some even think that being born into a “lower” caste can be a result of so-called “bad karma.”In this episode, Thom sets the record straight, describing the actual structure and function of the caste system, and how it came to be distorted to the point that it effectively became a class system. He includes a beautiful example from the Tradition of Masters that have been the custodians of Vedic Meditation over the centuries, of one particular Master who flexed his caste to be even more fully of service than he already was.Episode Highlights:[00:45] The Caste System in India[02:14] The Four Castes or Varnas[04:40] The Caste System: A British Creation[06:47] Four within Four[09:02] Adi Shankara: The Brahmin Who Considered

In the recent episode about punya and deserving power, Thom clarified that good fortune is a result of expanding our consciousness, rather than a reward for good behavior.This still leaves the question open though, about why “bad things” happen to “good people.”In this episode, Thom closes the loop on the question, and invites us to reconsider our definition of “bad things” and to see the role that they play in our evolution.Episode Highlights:[00:45] Heroes and Villains[02:27] The Essence of Heroism[04:28] The Riverine Life: Flowing Forward Through Challenges[06:20] Bad Things Lead to Progress[08:29] Moving Beyond "Bad Things"[10:17] The Role of Struggles in Our Evolution[11:35] The Intriguing Nature of Life's Obstacles[13:48] The Illusion of Good and Bad in Evolution[15:54] Lotus Flower – From Mud to MagnificenceUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.comhttps://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube.com/c/thomknoleshttps://thomknoles.com/ask-thom

Good fortune is often seen as some kind of cosmic reward for good behavior. “If I do good things, then good things will happen to me.” This has actually evolved as a misunderstanding of the concept of karma.Rather than being a reward, the Vedic position on good fortune is that it is actually a result. More specifically, it’s a result of enhanced consciousness, brought about by the removal of stresses that prevent us from seeing the most evolutionary opportunities available to us.Thom explains this in more detail in this episode, in which he clarifies the meaning of punya, or deserving power, and he explains the path to maximizing your punya.Episode Highlights:[00:45] What is Deserving Power?[02:38] How Our State of Consciousness Shapes Reality[04:49] Who Am I Really?[06:37] The Power of Pure Consciousness: Embracing the Unmanifest[08:32] Transcendence and Truth: The Key to Understanding Self[10:30] Punya: Finding Your True Self[12:25] How to Get 90% Punya[14:27] Authenticity in the Age of Social Media[16:12]

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi said on more than one occasion that free will was God’s greatest gift to mankind. And while that may well be, we have to ask ourselves whether we actually make the most of this gift. In this episode, Thom takes us to a pivotal moment in The Mahabharata, when Yudhishthira, the offspring of Dharma, and Arjuna’s older brother, puts his wisdom to the test to restore the lives of his brothers.Like much of The Mahabharata, and most Vedic literature, it makes a sobering point about how we can take more responsibility for our own evolution, and bring and end to the cycle of life and death.Episode Highlights:[00:45] Sequence in the Form of Storyline[03:18] Mahabharata: The Story of India's Royal Family[05:06] Exile of the Pandava Brothers and Draupadi[07:30] Nakula and The Crane[09:24] A Genetic Advantage[11:44] Hurtling Towards Death[13:39] A Pivotal Point[14:56] The Most Valuable Asset[17:36] The Ultimate Vedic Teaching[20:03] This is What I Am[21:57] We Form an Opinion of Ourselves[23:57] I Am

Family relationships aren’t usually simple or straight forward.This is a matter of design, because our karmic blueprint brings us into family situations where we can play out the dramas necessary for our evolution.In this episode, Thom answers questions from listeners about the dynamics of family relationships during times of difficulty. He discusses how to cope with family relationships that have broken down, and how to show adult children how they can make the most of their world, even when outer circumstances appear tough.Episode Highlights:[00:45] Q - How Can I Find Peace of Mind After My Adult Son Has Abandoned Me as His Mother?[00:50] A - A Wry Sense of Humor[02:54] Accepting the Reality of Your Child's Consciousness State[04:36] Expanding Your Sense of Self After Abandonment[06:22] The Transcendent Influence of a Conscious Mother[08:14] Q - How to with Emotionally Abusive Family Members?[08:28] A - Guru Deva's Message — You Deserve the Best[10:22] Soma — How Our Responses Feed Bad Behavior[12:33] Deali

By the time 2023 comes to a close, there’s a very good chance that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be a front runner for the Word of the Year. Since the release of ChatGPT late last year, the use and development of AI tools for day-to-day purposes has exploded.People are coming up with creative ways of using AI to take on some of their regular tasks, and often even to take on their creative workload. There’s no doubt that AI is a boon to humanity and that it comes with great benefits, but is there any downside to having a tool as powerful as this? Is there a chance that we’re one step closer to the reality that so many ‘science fiction’ movies and books have described, where the robots take over?Of course we’ll have Thom’s views on the subject in this episode, and in fairness to AI, we also gave it a chance to participate, and posed the question to ChatGPT, What would Thom Knoles say about AI and Singularity?Read the answer below and listen to Thom’s view on the matter on the podcast, then you can be the ju

Few things stir up fear quite like the economy does. Though few of us could even accurately define what “the economy” actually is, talk of a tough economy is enough to cause most people worry.Whether it be mortgage increases, rising inflation, falling stock prices, or looming recessions, as soon as the financial experts start talking down the economy, large parts of the population start seeing problems with their own situation that they don’t understand, let alone know how to solve. Given the infinite variety of economic situations that each of us face, coming up with universal tactics that we could all apply is an impossible task. But while there may not be a viable universal tactical approach that we could all take, there is a viable universal strategic approach that we can take.In fact it’s so universal, that it isn’t just applicable to economic situations, and can apply to any problem or challenge that comes our way…Episode Highlights:[00:45] Tough Economic Features[02:25] Contributing Factors[04:13] Prob

If we look at the origin of the word habit, it comes from Latin, meaning have, or consist of. Hence the once common saying, Habits maketh man.So if our habits essentially define, in a sense, who we are, then it makes sense for us to adopt habits that are more evolutionary in nature than others.This episode is a sneak preview of what to expect from Thom’s new course, Evolutionary Habits. It goes beyond the common approach of simply using discipline and willpower to force change, and inspires a fundamental shift in how we think of ourselves, thus inspiring change elegantly, rather than forcing it upon ourselves from a sense of lack or inadequacy. Episode  Highlights:[00:45] Who Am I? What Am I?[02:43] Your Habits Shape Your Reality[04:53] The Big Bang[07:17] Evolution is Inexorable[09:15] This Entity I Call Myself[11:09] You Can't Step Into the Same Body Twice[12:47] Your Thoughts Shape Your Physical Self[14:36] The Fundamental Aspect of Habituation[16:02] A Very Positive Change[17:22] The Habit of Identifying

One of the most commonly misunderstood Sanskrit terms is the word Maya. It’s frequently referred to as “illusion” and is sometimes used to describe “reality” as being unimportant or insignificant. Often when it’s used in spiritual circles, it’s an attempt to imply that one has a sense of detachment, “It’s just Maya, an illusion. Nothing to take too seriously…”But like many Sanskrit words, its meaning cannot really be found in a single English word. Equally, the importance of Maya means putting the word “just” in front of it, doesn’t do it justice. Maya is neither unimportant, nor insignificant.Listen in and allow Thom to set the record straight, and give Maya the mystery and significance she deserves.Episode Highlights:[00:45] A Poorly Understood Concept[03:16] Appearance[05:30] Appearance Requires Some Action[07:33] Brahman in Action[10:38] Brahman as ParaUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com  https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube.co

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