What if the story you tell about your past is not who you are? In this episode, Thom unpacks saṃskara, those defining moments we cling to, and shows how Vedic Meditation transforms them into smriti, clear waypoints on the path to uncovering our true identity.
If you have ever felt trapped by your history, Thom’s wisdom offers a way to honor it without being defined by it.
Episode Highlights
[00:45] Defining Moments that Shape Our Identity
[03:30] Mistaken Identity
[07:38] Smriti - Awakening the Vast Consciousness Within
[10:24] Like Attracts Like
[12:55] Printing Out Litter in the Body
[15:10] Vedic Meditation: Adding Context to Growth Experiences
[16:51] Siddhartha Sees Suffering
[20:13] Siddhartha Attains Nirvana: Becomes the Shakya Muni
[22:56] Enlightenment is the Big Story
[24:58] Q - Can smritis inadvertently revert to becoming saṃskaras?
[25:15] Pragyaparadha: The Mistaken Intellect
[27:42] The Intellect Cleaves to Its Former Identity
[30:28] The Reluctance of Saṃskaras
[32:27] Universe Having a Human Experience
[34:54] Aham Brahmasmi: I am Totality
[38:32] Snap Out of It
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Registration is now open for Thom’s only rounding retreat for 2026, in Sedona from May 21-25.
This is your one and only opportunity this year for deep rest, stress release and consciousness expansion through industrial-strength meditation, along with twice-daily knowledge sessions with Thom.
You’ll enjoy delicious retreat-friendly meals and the beauty and healing powers of the Red Rocks of Sedona.
Register before February 28th and you’ll save $500 on your retreat fee.
You can find out more at thomknoles.com/sedona.