
Vedic Worldview
Join philosopher, educator and celebrated speaker on the cognitive sciences, Thom Knoles for inspiring insights and wisdom to support your personal evolution. Thom is an renowned expert on the relationship between quantum physics and human consciousness, and on the 5,000 year-old body of wisdom known as The Veda. For over 50 years, he has personally taught Vedic Meditation to tens of thousands of students and consulted to governments and private corporations throughout the world.
Latest episodes

May 4, 2025 • 24min
My Maharishi - Before He Met His Master
Jai Guru Deva.We just wanted to remind you that you currently have two opportunities to spend some quality time with Thom at his upcoming retreats in Sedona, Arizona, from May 22-26, and Gerringong, Australlia from June 25-29.These retreats are your chance to get away to rexperience deep rest, industrial-strength stress release, quality company, and higher states of consciousness.Most importantly, you'll have close-up access to Thom at his famous lectures and Q&A sessions.Whether you are troubled by the changes the world is experiencing right now, or simply looking to fast-track your evolution, quality time with Thom is the ideal opportunity to tap into the wisdom you need at this time.Thom looks forward to seeing you in Sedona or Gerringong!Find out more at thomknoles.com/retreats. That's thomknoles.com/retreats.In this episode of the Vedic Worldview, Thom delves into the life and journey of his spiritual master, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, before Maharishi met his own master, Swami Bramhananda Saraswati, revered as Guru Deva.The narrative follows Maharishi’s initial resistance to a conventional life, his commitment to spirituality, and his eventual acceptance into the spiritual fold after completing his studies. It’s an unconventional early life, even by Indians standards, and one which set Maharishi on the course to becoming the figure responsible for making meditation known and practiced throughout the world.Episode Highlights[00:45] Once Upon a Time[03:11] Maha Khumba Mela[06:15] Family Life[08:10] An Uncle Makes a Connection[11:41] “This is my master”[14:32] “I don’t want a wife.”[18:16] Unfinished Business[20:34] From Physic Student to a Life of Service and DevotionUseful 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/

Apr 27, 2025 • 27min
If Only… Living Life Without Regrets. Part Two
In this engaging discussion, listeners explore living life free of regrets through personal growth and reflection. The analogy of the Buddha's 'hallway of mirrors' invites us to contemplate our journeys across lifetimes. Emphasis is placed on embracing evolution as a constant process, allowing us to learn from our past while staying optimistic about the future. Connecting memory and personal identity, the conversation advocates for a positive mindset that encourages continuous self-renewal, highlighting the importance of moving forward.

Apr 20, 2025 • 45min
If Only… Living Life Without Regrets. Part One
Dive into the intriguing discussion on how desires shape our spiritual growth. Explore the tension between fulfilling desires and achieving liberation, illustrated through the Vedic and Buddhist perspectives. Reflect on how unfulfilled desires tie into reincarnation and the nature of consciousness. Discover the transformative potential of Vedic meditation, shifting from merely 'doing' to 'being.' This exploration challenges listeners to rethink attachments and embrace a higher state of consciousness.

Apr 13, 2025 • 25min
Q&A - Chakras, Sannyasi and Grihasthi
Jai Guru Deva.We just wanted to remind you that you currently have two opportunities to spend some quality time with Thom at his upcoming retreats in Sedona, Arizona, from May 22-26, and Gerringong, Australlia from June 25-29.These retreats are your chance to get away to rexperience deep rest, industrial-strength stress release, quality company, and higher states of consciousness.Most importantly, you'll have close-up access to Thom at his famous lectures and Q&A sessions.Whether you are troubled by the changes the world is experiencing right now, or simply looking to fast-track your evolution, quality time with Thom is the ideal opportunity to tap into the wisdom you need at this time.Thom looks forward to seeing you in Sedona or Gerringong!Find out more at thomknoles.com/retreats. That's thomknoles.com/retreats.The global rise of yoga and meditation practices has introduced Sanskrit terminology to audiences worldwide. As Vedic wisdom continues to influence Western culture, Sanskrit words have become increasingly common in everyday conversations outside of India.In this illuminating Q&A episode, Thom addresses listener questions about chakras, and the concepts of sannyasi (renunciate) and grihasthi (householder). Thom dispels common misconceptions surrounding chakras, explaining their true significance in Vedic tradition, while also clarifying the authentic requirements and profound commitment necessary to genuinely embrace the sannyasi path.Episode Highlights[00:45] Q - How do chakras influence our lives?[00:48] A - Gateways for Creative Intelligence[03:14] Not That Important[06:14] Q - Where did the fascination with Chakras come from?[06:20] A - Too Much Object Referral[08:53] Water the Roots[12:38] Q - What’s the difference between a sannyasi and a grihasthi?[12:43] Four Varnas - Life Stages[17:32] Blessed Solitude[19:44] It’s Better to Have a GuruUseful 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/

Apr 6, 2025 • 28min
Can Vedic Meditation Help ADD/ADHD?
Jai Guru Deva.We just wanted to remind you that you currently have two opportunities to spend some quality time with Thom at his upcoming retreats in Sedona, Arizona, from May 22-26, and Gerringong, Australlia from June 25-29.These retreats are your chance to get away to rexperience deep rest, industrial-strength stress release, quality company, and higher states of consciousness.Most importantly, you'll have close-up access to Thom at his famous lectures and Q&A sessions.Whether you are troubled by the changes the world is experiencing right now, or simply looking to fast-track your evolution, quality time with Thom is the ideal opportunity to tap into the wisdom you need at this time.Thom looks forward to seeing you in Sedona or Gerringong!Find out more at thomknoles.com/retreats. That's thomknoles.com/retreats.Diagnoses of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) are increasingly common. These conditions are often misunderstood and surrounded by controversy, particularly regarding the medications typically prescribed as treatment.In this episode, in response to a listener question, Thom explores the topic through the Vedic perspective, presenting Vedic Meditation as a long-term, strategic solution to reduce reliance on medication.Episode Highlights[00:45] Q - What’s the Vedic Take on ADHD?[01:23] A - Distractible and Wiggly[03:42] The State of Humanity[05:22] A Deep Need for Boundlessness[08:06] Focus is Overdone[12:39] A Strategic Approach Through Vedic Meditation[16:15] The Brain Becomes Global[18:44] Exclusive Thinking is Not the Holy Grail[22:25] All-Inclusive ThinkingUseful 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/

Mar 30, 2025 • 17min
Boons: Aligning with Cosmic Desire
Delve into the enchanting world of boons and desires rooted in Vedic tradition. Discover how Guru Purnima serves as a reflective night for setting pure intentions. Learn about channeling cosmic desires that transcend individual wishes, benefiting both oneself and society. Unpack the qualities of a pure desire and explore methods to purify your desiring mechanism, aligning personal aspirations with the cosmos. This intriguing exploration invites listeners to redefine how they view goals and intentions.

Mar 23, 2025 • 30min
My Maharishi: Enlightenment Through Devotion
Jai Guru Deva.We just wanted to remind you that you currently have two opportunities to spend some quality time with Thom at his upcoming retreats in Sedona, Arizona, from May 22-26, and Gerringong, Australlia from June 25-29.These retreats are your chance to get away to rexperience deep rest, industrial-strength stress release, quality company, and higher states of consciousness.Most importantly, you'll have close-up access to Thom at his famous lectures and Q&A sessions.Whether you are troubled by the changes the world is experiencing right now, or simply looking to fast-track your evolution, quality time with Thom is the ideal opportunity to tap into the wisdom you need at this time.Thom looks forward to seeing you in Sedona or Gerringong!Find out more at thomknoles.com/retreats. That's thomknoles.com/retreats.In this episode, Thom discusses the Guru Parampara, the Holy Tradition of Masters that have been the custodians of the wisdom behind Vedic Meditation for centuries. He traces the lineage through notable figures such as Adi Guru Shankara and his disciples, especially Trotakacharya. Thom notes the similarities between the experiences of Trotakacharya and his own master, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, focusing on their devotion to their gurus and how their willingness to serve led to their enlightenment. Episode Highlights[00:45] Guru Parampara - The Holy Tradition[05:24] The Four Disciples of Adi Guru Shankara[09:52] A Devoted Simpleton[13:11] A Shining Star Returns from the River[16:10] Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Meets Guru Deva[19:42] Maharishi Finds Himself in an Awkward Position[22:23] “I Know English”[24:32] Holding Wisdom Through Devotion and Adjusted ThinkingUseful 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/

Mar 16, 2025 • 13min
Sorry, Not Sorry
Jai Guru Deva.We just wanted to remind you that you currently have two opportunities to spend some quality time with Thom at his upcoming retreats in Sedona, Arizona, from May 22-26, and Gerringong, Australlia from June 25-29.These retreats are your chance to get away to rexperience deep rest, industrial-strength stress release, quality company, and higher states of consciousness.Most importantly, you'll have close-up access to Thom at his famous lectures and Q&A sessions.Whether you are troubled by the changes the world is experiencing right now, or simply looking to fast-track your evolution, quality time with Thom is the ideal opportunity to tap into the wisdom you need at this time.Thom looks forward to seeing you in Sedona or Gerringong!Find out more at thomknoles.com/retreats. That's thomknoles.com/retreats.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/

Mar 9, 2025 • 27min
Cannabis' Effects on the Three Gunas
The podcast dives into the intriguing interplay between cannabis and the three gunas—sattva, rajas, and tamas. It explores how cannabis influences our internal balance and the body's own endocannabinoid system. The discussion highlights the benefits of Vedic meditation in producing natural cannabinoids for better well-being. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of spontaneous actions versus thought, underscoring the need for authenticity in decision-making. Fascinating insights into achieving harmony in a chaotic world make this conversation truly enlightening!

Mar 3, 2025 • 35min
Spend Some Quality Time With Thom
Jai Guru Deva.We just wanted to remind you that you currently have two opportunities to spend some quality time with Thom at his upcoming retreats in Sedona, Arizona, from May 22-26, and Gerringong, Australlia from June 25-29.These retreats are your chance to get away to rexperience deep rest, industrial-strength stress release, quality company, and higher states of consciousness.Most importantly, you'll have close-up access to Thom at his famous lectures and Q&A sessions.Whether you are troubled by the changes the world is experiencing right now, or simply looking to fast-track your evolution, quality time with Thom is the ideal opportunity to tap into the wisdom you need at this time.Thom looks forward to seeing you in Sedona or Gerringong!Find out more at thomknoles.com/retreats. That's thomknoles.com/retreats. 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 episode, we are sharing just a small portion of Thom's recent retreat in India. As you'll hear, the atmosphere is intimate yet jovial and the Q&A sessions are engaging and interactive. On retreats, you get to explore subjects that might not normally be covered on the podcast, and you certainly get to hear stories from Thom that you wouldn't hear anywhere else.Subjects covered in this snippet include, how to mend a broken heart, whether or not it’s ok to be “guru resistant,” the significance of the moon from the Vedic perspective, and the phenomena of “lunacy.”We'd love to have you join us at one of Thom's upcoming retreats, so please sit back and enjoy this taste test of the retreat experience, then find out how you can join us in person at thomknoles.com/retreats. That's thomknoles.com/retreats.PS: If you’d like to watch this episode on video, you can do so on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/nZhFM1UgFIcEpisode Highlights[00:45] A Retreat Taste Test[01:35] Q - How Can We Mend a Broken Heart?[04:21] Something Good is Happening[07:59] What’s the Vedic Worldview on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?[08:14] Ayurveda Has the Answers[10:34] Q - Is it OK to be Guru Resistant?[10:56] Scepticism vs Cynicism[13:19] Beyond Reasonable Doubt[16:11] Q - What is the Significance of the Moon in the Vedic Worldview?[16:42] The Role of Mythos[18:37] A Big Asteroid with Remarkable Qualities[21:39] Surya Deva[24:32] A Tremendous Amount of Prestige[26:22] The Floodgates of Soma Are Open[29:55] Soma Chandrah NamahUseful 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/
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