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 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/

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 or not, asanas weren’t created to make us look good in lycra! Asanas were first created to help prepare the body for meditation and union with The Absolute.In this episode, Thom explains how asanas, pranayama and Vedic Meditation are used in combination, also called ‘Rounding,’ to give us ‘industrial-strength meditation’ and to accelerate the benefits we get from ‘standard’ meditation.He talks about the importance of proper instruction and supervision so we can truly let go and, if necessary, have the support we need if deep stresses are released.You can learn and practice Rounding at Thom’s annual retreats in Sedona, Arizona, and Gerringong, Australia. To find out more visit the retreats page on our website. https://thomknoles.com/vedic-meditation-retreats/.Timestamps:[00:45] Asana, Pranayama, Vedic Meditation[02:49] Releasing Stress[04:18] Proper Instruction Needed[06:24] Industrial-Strength Meditation[08:02] Don’t Try This at Home[10:25] Heightened Consciousness States[11:43] The Going-Home Program

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 new concept. Vedic Rishis and scholars have understood its existence for thousands of years, referring to it as "the field of Being."In this episode, Thom explores the Vedic perspective on this Unified Field of Consciousness and how it applies to our daily lives.Episode Highlights[00:45] Sankhya - The Cosmic Story Line[04:21] Is-ness, Am-ness, I-ness, My-ness[06:45] The 25 Qualities of the Unified Field of Consciousness[08:54] Breaking of Symmetry[13:09] Sequential Elaboration[17:45] Dharma - What is the Most Relevant Thing for You to Be?[21:07] Refreshing Our Relevance Through Vedic Meditation[24:27] Removing Identities of the Past[27:03] Not Just Any MeditationUseful 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.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 in our place,” often at the expense of our confidence and growth.This poses a significant problem: countless human potential is squandered through self-diminishing inner dialogue.In this episode, Thom sheds light on the nature of the inner critic, revealing that it’s far from a new phenomenon. He explains how it can be effectively overcome using a simple yet powerful technique—one that unlocks a wide range of transformative benefits.Episode Highlights[00:45] The Prosecutor and the Advocate[03:53] The Discriminating Force[06:02] Evolution of the Ego[09:37] Biased Intellect[12:41] Breaking the Cycle with Vedic Meditation[15:24] I Am Totality[18:41] A Schism Begins[20:58] The Prosecutorial Intellect Capitulates: Self-Doubt Disappears[23:48] It Takes a Thorn to Remove a Thorn[28:12] Bring It On!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/

Discipline is often praised as the path to success, but could it sometimes hinder our growth? The discussion introduces the 'ultimate discipline,' balancing structure with flexibility to adapt to life's challenges. The hosts critique the self-improvement culture and the pitfalls of rigid routines. Vedic meditation is highlighted as a key to achieving a unified field consciousness, enhancing personal evolution. This approach empowers listeners to transcend everyday stress, enriching their authenticity and joy in life.

Explore the timeless wisdom of the Vedic teachings and their unique approach to action without rigid rules. Discover the transformative message of the Bhagavad Gita and its pivotal phrase: 'Established in Being, perform action.' Delve into Arjuna's moral dilemma during the epic battle of Kurukshetra, guided by Lord Krishna, and the profound dialogue that encourages a cosmic perspective. Learn how this ancient wisdom can navigate the complexities of life, illuminating the journey from darkness to consciousness.

This discussion touches on the impact of criticism, urging listeners to view critics as allies for personal growth. It reveals how harsh feedback can spark greater self-awareness. The conversation shifts to manipulation, emphasizing the need for independence and effective responses to verbal abuse. Compassion and gratitude emerge as vital tools for handling negativity, reminding us that critics often project their own struggles. Overall, it's about finding strength and insights in the words of others, regardless of their intent.

Discover the nuanced meanings of two vital Sanskrit concepts: kama and prema. Kama centers on sensory pleasure, capturing the fleeting joys of life, while prema embodies a deeper, more meaningful love and unity among individuals. This exploration reveals how understanding these distinctions can enrich personal relationships and provide insight into the complexities of love. Dive into the beauty of the Sanskrit language and its capacity to express emotional depth often lost in translation.

Explore the surprising roots of narcissism, revealing that it often stems from deep insecurities rather than pure self-importance. Understand the intricate dynamics of narcissistic behavior, including the complex interplay of one-upmanship and impostor syndrome. Learn about the potential for compassion in dealing with narcissists and discover how Vedic meditation can help cultivate self-awareness and empathy. This approach offers a pathway to inner peace and healing for those grappling with these tendencies.

Explore the ancient quest for altered states through substances and the modern struggle against dopamine manipulation. Excessive social media, shopping, and sugar create fleeting pleasures that can lead to addiction. Discover how Vedic meditation can help balance our feel-good chemicals naturally. Learn about the surprising consequences of vitamin C overconsumption and the complex dance between neurotransmitters. Emphasize holistic approaches for better well-being and understand how consciousness impacts our physical health.