The Vedic World View

Words matter. The way in which we speak, and the words we use, reflect a great deal about how we perceive ourselves and how we perceive our place in the world. In this unapologetically short episode, Thom invites us to consider whether or not we might be overusing the word sorry in our day-to-day interactions with one another. Considering the connection between sorry and sorrow, the alternatives Thom proposes may be more impactful than you might first think.Episode Highlights[00:45] A Life of Constant Sorrow[02:34] Sarcasm and Narcissism[04:41] You Deserve the Best[06:47] Mea Culpa[08:34] A Willingness to Take Responsibility for What We’re ExperiencingUseful 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/

A quick update that early registration is now open for Thom's upcoming annual retreat in Sedona, Arizona, this Memorial Day weekend from May 22nd to 26.This is Thom's first retreat in the United States since the epic Maha Kumbha Mela held earlier this year in Prayagraj, India, so Thom has many fascinating new stories to share. The Sedona Rounding Retreat is also your opportunity to gift yourself profound rest and industrial-strength meditation through the daily rounding program. This is your chance to transcend uncertainty in the ever-changing world and celebrate spring surrounded by nature, supported by community, and immersed in wisdom with Thom.  Early registration discounts expire on March 17th, and you can find out more at thomknoles.com/sedona.Jai Guru Deva.Cannabis is widely used for relaxation and is increasingly prescribed for therapeutic purposes. But what effect does it have on our internal “balance”?In this episode, Thom addresses a listener's question about the relationship between cannabis use a

A quick update that early registration is now open for Thom's upcoming annual retreat in Sedona, Arizona, this Memorial Day weekend from May 22nd to 26.This is Thom's first retreat in the United States since the epic Maha Kumbha Mela held earlier this year in Prayagraj, India, so Thom has many fascinating new stories to share. The Sedona Rounding Retreat is also your opportunity to gift yourself profound rest and industrial-strength meditation through the daily rounding program. This is your chance to transcend uncertainty in the ever-changing world and celebrate spring surrounded by nature, supported by community, and immersed in wisdom with Thom.  Early registration discounts expire on March 17th, and you can find out more at thomknoles.com/sedona.Jai Guru Deva. If you enjoy Thom's podcast, then we know you'd love spending quality time with Thom on his retreats in Sedona, Arizona, Gerringong, Australia, and Rishikesh, India. We wanted to give you a sample of what the retreat experience was like, so in this

A quick update that early registration is now open for Thom's upcoming annual retreat in Sedona, Arizona, this Memorial Day weekend from May 22nd to 26.This is Thom's first retreat in the United States since the epic Maha Kumbha Mela held earlier this year in Prayagraj, India, so Thom has many fascinating new stories to share. The Sedona Rounding Retreat is also your opportunity to gift yourself profound rest and industrial-strength meditation through the daily rounding program. This is your chance to transcend uncertainty in the ever-changing world and celebrate spring surrounded by nature, supported by community, and immersed in wisdom with Thom.  Early registration discounts expire on March 17th, and you can find out more at thomknoles.com/sedona.Jai Guru Deva.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

A quick update that early registration is now open for Thom's upcoming annual retreat in Sedona, Arizona, this Memorial Day weekend from May 22nd to 26.This is Thom's first retreat in the United States since the epic Maha Kumbha Mela held earlier this year in Prayagraj, India, so Thom has many fascinating new stories to share. The Sedona Rounding Retreat is also your opportunity to gift yourself profound rest and industrial-strength meditation through the daily rounding program. This is your chance to transcend uncertainty in the ever-changing world and celebrate spring surrounded by nature, supported by community, and immersed in wisdom with Thom.  Early registration discounts expire on March 17th, and you can find out more at thomknoles.com/sedona.Jai Guru Deva.Twentieth-century science made a groundbreaking discovery: the Unified Field. This concept revolutionized physics, prompting scientists to reconsider the completeness of the Newtonian understanding of the universe.However, the Unified Field wasn't a

A quick update that early registration is now open for Thom's upcoming annual retreat in Sedona, Arizona, this Memorial Day weekend from May 22nd to 26.This is Thom's first retreat in the United States since the epic Maha Kumbha Mela held earlier this year in Prayagraj, India, so Thom has many fascinating new stories to share. The Sedona Rounding Retreat is also your opportunity to gift yourself profound rest and industrial-strength meditation through the daily rounding program. This is your chance to transcend uncertainty in the ever-changing world and celebrate spring surrounded by nature, supported by community, and immersed in wisdom with Thom.  Early registration discounts expire on March 17th, and you can find out more at thomknoles.com/sedona.Jai Guru Deva.While there’s no shortage of external critics ready to judge us on any given day, none can match the relentless voice of our own inner critic. Always prepared with an arsenal of “evidence” to justify its stance, this inner voice excels at “keeping us

Discipline is often hailed as the key to solving life’s challenges. We’re told that with enough discipline, we can change our habits, endure hardships, stay focused, and achieve our goals.But can discipline sometimes backfire? Is it possible to become so rigid in our approach that we miss valuable opportunities or even create more problems than we solve?In this episode, Thom introduces the concept of the “ultimate discipline.” He explains how this approach ensures we maintain the structure and focus we need while remaining flexible enough to adapt to the ever-changing demands of life.Episode Highlights[00:45] Formulae for Self-Improvement[03:49] The Evolutionary Storyline[07:37] Forgetting to Think[10:51] Vedic Meditation - The Ultimate Discipline[12:54] A Non-Negotiable Phenomenon[15:09] Control States[18:37] Stop What You’re Doing[21:31] Become an Invincible Human Being with a Fabulous StorylineUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook

Unlike rules-based teachings prevalent in both modern and ancient texts, Vedic teachings are renowned for not prescribing commandments or rigid “rules.” Instead, Veda offer timeless wisdom through lessons that we can interpret and apply according to our level of consciousness.One of the core Vedic teachings, The Mahabharata, contains a specific set of chapters known as the Bhagavad Gita — the Song of God. Within these chapters lies a profound teaching distilled into just five words that, if fully understood and implemented, have the power to end our suffering.In English, these words are: “Established in Being, perform action.”In this episode, Thom unpacks the meaning and transformative impact of this teaching. He also shares the technique that enables all of us to integrate this wisdom into our daily lives.If you’d like to dive deeper into the Bhagavad Gita, we invite you to take a look at Thom’s Exploring the Bhagavad Gita series of courses. These engaging and lively courses examine how the ancient and profo

We often find ourselves unsettled by the words of others—criticism, manipulation, and verbal abuse are just a few examples of communication that can feel hurtful. But does it have to be this way?In this Q&A episode, Thom explains with clarity who truly holds responsibility for the hurt caused by critical or unkind words. The best part? By following his recommendations, you can free yourself from ever being at the mercy of someone else’s words again.Episode Highlights[00:45] Q - How do we positively handle criticism?[00:50] A - Your Critics Are Your Best Friends[02:54] Thank You[05:50] Q - How should we respond to criticism when it’s harsh?[05:56] A - With Compassion and Gratitude[09:13] We Want to Find the Gold[10:39] Q - What’s the best way to handle manipulation or manipulative behaviors?[10:45] A - Manipulative Behavior Requires a Reward[13:44] A Suffering Competition[16:32] The Greatest Crime Against Nature[17:59] Q - Can you share any strategies for responding to verbal abuse?[18:03] A - Just a Noise

Sanskrit is a beautiful language that captures subtle distinctions that English and other modern languages often cannot.Take the word “love,” for example. In English, this word spans a wide net of emotions and feelings. For example, love can describe feelings a parent has for their child, as well as the fondness someone might feel for a football team or a favorite brand of chocolate.In this week’s podcast episode, Thom explores the distinction between two Sanskrit words often translated as "love"—kama and prema—and reveals their unique and separate meanings.Episode Highlights[00:45] Puruṣārtha[03:59] Kama[04:35] Pleasure Experienced Through the Senses[07:19] Prema[09:58] Love is So Ill-Defined[12:35] Vedanta[15:02] Prema and Kama: A Dynamite Package[18:05] The Crest Jewel of DiscriminationUseful 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/

It’s common to label someone as a narcissist, but while we often think of narcissism as excessive self-regard, the ultimate cause might be quite different. In fact, narcissism may stem from an underlying insecurity rather than an inflated sense of self-worth.In this episode, Thom explains the root causes of narcissism and shares key indicators of narcissistic behavior. Importantly, he encourages us to approach narcissists with compassion and offers a potential solution for those who recognize narcissistic tendencies in themselves.Episode Highlights[00:45] Narcissus[04:48] Somebody Has Done This to Me[06:49] The Narcissist’s Caveat[08:42] One-Upmanship[11:30] An Impostor Syndrome[14:50] An Underlying Feeling of Desperation[17:40] Reconstructed Life Stories[19:48] Calming Narcissism Through Vedic Meditation[23:21] The Effects of Vedic Meditation on NarcissismUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube.com

The pursuit of altered states of consciousness through substances like drugs and alcohol is an age-old practice. Despite their potential risks and negative consequences, these substances continue to be widely used with an increasing variety of options available.In recent decades, a new challenge has emerged: the conscious or unconscious manipulation of our body's feel-good chemistry. Activities like excessive social media use, compulsive shopping, and overindulgence in sugary foods can trigger dopamine releases, creating a short-lived sense of pleasure.This "more-is-better" mentality often leads to addiction and various chronic health issues.In this episode, Thom explores the impact of the more-is-better mentality and proposes a more balanced and sustainable approach to well-being. By focusing on natural methods, such as Vedic Meditation, we can harness our body's innate ability to produce feel-good chemicals without relying on external substances or compulsive behaviors.Episode Highlights[00:45] An Obsession

In this episode, Thom explores the corners of the mind, in response to listener questions about various aspects of the mind: how we think, what we think, why we do things, and so on.Thom answers the perpetual question about controlling the subconscious mind and sets the record straight on using affirmations.Thom also gives us a shortcut to overcoming motivational blocks and provides a sustainable solution for anyone who lacks self-compassion or struggles with feelings of low self-worth.Episode Highlights[00:45] Q - What’s the best way to control your subconscious mind?[00:49] A - Avoid it Like the Plague[03:01] Become One with the Home of All the Laws of Nature[06:39] Q - Do Affirmations Make a Difference?[06:42] A - The Opposite is True and I’m Trying to Make it True[08:18] Internalized Locus of Control[10:43] Aham Brahmasmi - I am Totality[14:23] Go Beyond Thought Entirely[16:22] Q - How can I overcome motivational blocks?[16:26] A - Choicelessness is the Hallmark of Cosmic Motivation[19:26] Tidings of Comf

Find out more about Thom's Enlightened Parenting Course here: https://thomknoles.com/parentingThere are more humans on the planet today than ever before, and we have more ways of connecting with each other than ever before, yet loneliness has reached epidemic proportions.The World Health Organization (WHO) launched an international commission on the problem last year, reporting that the health risks from loneliness are as bad as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day and are even greater than those associated with obesity and physical inactivity.The US Surgeon-General released a report on Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, reporting that even in the years prior to Covid lockdowns, about one-in-two adults in America reported experiencing loneliness. And Japan, one of the most densely populated countries in the world, even has a minister in charge of measures for loneliness and isolation.Thom outlines some solutions to loneliness in this podcast episode, reminding us that connectivity and connection are very

Hard work is often worn as a badge of honor. If someone works hard, then they “deserve” their successes. We might even say they have a “good” work ethic.But if someone appears to attain a particular outcome without working hard, we might say they’ve got it too easy. Too easy compared to what?Thom gives us some very clear guidelines in this episode on how to let Nature guide us on just how much effort is actually required for us to fulfill our dharma and to effectively meet the need of the time. Thom also helps us understand the distinction between effort and hard work. As is always the case, it’s merely a matter of perspective.Episode Highlights[00:45] Reclassifying Success[03:39] Suffering is a Mistake[06:24] Kriya - Frictionless Flow of Activity[08:09] Michelangelo Liberating the Captives[10:23] Stop Being Merely an Individual[12:37] Hard Work Insinuates Suffering[14:52] You Are NatureUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook.com/theth

If you’ve noticed an increase in the use of the word “toxic” in relation to human behavior in recent years, you’d be right. Its use has become so prevalent, that Oxford Dictionaries named "toxic" as their Word of the Year in 2018. Oxford noted a 45% increase in lookups for the word on their website and observed its expanded usage beyond its literal meaning to describe various social and political issues.Of course, it’s tempting to look for causes and attempt to fix them at the source. The rise in the use of social media, for example, has undoubtedly contributed to this increase, so we might be tempted to control toxicity there.Thom proposes a radically different cause in this episode, backing it up with a solution that puts us in control of potentially toxic behavior around us, rather than being at the mercy of it.Episode Highlights[00:45] Toxophilus - Poisoned Arrows[02:56] Source of All, Course of All, Goal of All[05:14] Too Big to Be Made Toxic[07:58] The Capacity to Be Toxified[09:21] Robust and Resilient

Most listeners of The Vedic Worldview live in democracies and are all too familiar with the fact that irrespective of who is elected, there will always be a faction of the population who is disappointed and another who is pleased with the outcome. For those on the side of disappointment, many times the next thought that occurs is despondency or powerlessness. “What was my vote all for?” they might ask.While it might seem like one vote has little impact, Thom suggests otherwise. In this episode, he shares how Vedic meditators, in particular, have a unique ability to influence outcomes—not through politics, but by elevating collective consciousness.Thom explains that true power for change doesn’t lie in government institutions like Congress or Parliament but in our capacity to transform consciousness.This episode revisits and continues with the themes from a previous discussion, The Crisis of Governance and Your Role in Its Resolution. You can listen to it here: https://thomknoles.com/podcast/crisis-governance-

Welcome to another Q&A episode, with Thom fielding a range of questions from listeners with a common thread of social discomfort.Thom holds forth on the subjects of social division, embarrassment, how to accept compliments gracefully, how to strengthen relationships in tough times, and anger, specifically whether or not enlightened masters can be angry.As always, it’s an episode with universal appeal that could potentially tick off a few boxes in your own evolutionary journey.Episode Highlights[00:45] Q - Why are people so divided right now?[00:48] A - Destructive Normalization[02:05] Mistaken Identity[04:03] The It-ification of Other Humans[05:51] Be an Inspiration to Others to Learn Vedic Meditation[08:07] Q - How can we recover after embarrassing ourselves?[08:11] A - Get Yourself a Sense of Humor[09:53] The Human Condition is Not a Serious Condition[12:09] Q - How can I accept compliments gracefully?[12:19] A - Words Can’t Even Express Your Greatness[14:11] Thank You[16:44] Q - How can we strengthen a

Being an empath might seem like a gift—experiencing what someone else is going through must surely deepen our understanding of one another.But in this podcast, Thom brings a surprising twist to the concept. He explains that not all empathy is created equal; different levels of empathy can lead to very different outcomes. While some forms can unintentionally add to our suffering, "high-grade empathy" is what actually alleviates it.Thom leaves us with a clear sense of how to cultivate this higher level of empathy so we’re better equipped to bring true comfort and understanding into our interactions.Episode Highlights:[00:45] Direct Experience of Being Another[02:56] Moving in the Direction of Unity Consciousness Through Vedic Meditation[05:47] An Extension of One’s Own Inner Self[07:55] Big Toe Consciousness[09:39] Siddhis - Extraordinary Human Capabilities[11:52] Limping Dog Suffering[13:42] Capability to Alleviate Suffering[15:35] You Are Totality[18:01] Knowledge is for ActionUseful Links:info@thomknoles.com

In a world where education is available to nearly everyone, one might expect that the major challenges facing humanity would have been solved by now, leading to a more prosperous and harmonious existence. But, as we can clearly see, that’s far from the reality.In this episode, Thom explores the underlying cause: education today is focused on the wrong outcomes.Thom offers a profound solution—an approach that cultivates students who are able to tap into infinite creative intelligence, unlocking problem-solving abilities far beyond what mere knowledge accumulation can provide.Episode Highlights[00:45] What Is a Problem For You?[02:35] Archimedes and Leverage[06:29] Do You Have Problem-Solving Techniques?[08:10] University - Unified Diversity[10:51] What Kind of Human Have They Become?[12:29] Credentialed Persons[13:45] Highly-Qualified Uber Drivers[15:17] Knowledgeable in Very Certain Areas[17:23] Ignore, Ignore, Ignore[20:53] Increase Knowledge of the Knower[22:51] Knowledge of the Knower[24:57] Vedic Meditati