

Vedic Worldview
Thom Knoles
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 2, 2026 • 36min
Rethinking Productivity: Process vs Outcome
They challenge output-first thinking and argue process shapes real productivity. Discussion covers making participation attractive through meaningful roles and visible results. They contrast exploitative models with culture-driven beehive organizations that sustain engagement. They explore mission frameworks, mediation programs at work, and how ease and flow arise when people truly believe in their work.

Jan 26, 2026 • 25min
Preyas and Shreyas: Balancing Short-term Pleasure with Long-term Good
A deep dive into choosing short-term pleasure versus long-term good. Talks about knowledge guiding intentional unsustainable choices. Explores how disruption, adventure, and adaptation drive evolution. Describes balancing impulses like riding a bicycle—context matters. Covers how leftover stress chemistry blocks natural balance and why variety builds robustness.

11 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 47min
Consciousness Is...
Delve into the fascinating layers of consciousness, from pure is-ness to personal my-ness. Explore how the universe responds to observation and the notion that everything exists with increasing levels of awareness. Discover the interplay between ignorance and understanding, adding richness to our lives. Is more consciousness always better? This discussion reveals the complexities of consciousness across species. Finally, learn about the art of contextual mobility as a key to enlightenment, enhancing our experiences and perspectives.

8 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 22min
How to Guide Children Through Parent and Partner Breakups
Children often adapt surprisingly well to parental separation, reflecting their parents' emotional states. The importance of involving a neutral third party for open dialogue is emphasized. Staying together 'for the children' can be harmful, as children seek their parents' happiness. Framing change positively can alleviate stress, while honoring the other parent protects the child's sense of identity. Criticism of one parent should be avoided to nurture the child's self-image, promoting a healthier perspective on relationships as evolutionary rather than failures.

25 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 35min
Symbolism in Waking and Dreaming Consciousness
Delve into the nature of symbolism in life and dreams. Explore how coincidences weave a narrative in a vast universe. Understand the distinction between expressive and symbolic language, particularly through the lens of Sanskrit. Discover intriguing theories like assembly theory and the idea that humans are star stuff telling stories. Learn how dreams serve as disjointed narratives and the value of nighttime insights over mere recollection. Finally, see how Vedic meditation can expand consciousness and transform your relationship with dreaming.

Dec 29, 2025 • 32min
When Is The Right Time To Let Go?
One of the biggest causes of suffering in our lives is the fact that nothing lasts forever. It’s not only true that all good things must come to an end, but all things must come to an end. In this episode, Thom reminds us that Nature has the final say on what is, and what no longer is relevant in the natural process of evolution. Rather than resisting Nature’s timing, our suffering is reduced or eliminated if we embrace Nature’s timing.Once again, Vedic meditators have a natural edge in putting this into practice. Listen to the full episode to explore the complete teaching, or watch it on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/99fcBENajAsEpisode Highlights00:45 Evolve03:58 You Are a Production06:03 A Universe That Wants a Story07:48 Constant Atomic Exchange11:26 Identifying Irrelevancy Through Vedic Meditation14:14 Constant Relevance Refreshment17:15 The Dangers of the Ever-Repeating Known20:19 Disruption and Relevance23:13 Letting Go of Rigid Attachment25:45 Contextualizing Pain30:34 Welcome to the Solution to All ProblemsUseful 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/

Dec 22, 2025 • 33min
The Vyasanand Foundation: Expanding Human Consciousness Worldwide
In this episode, Thom shares the inspiration and urgency behind the creation of the recently launched Vyasanand Foundation. He explains why preserving the purity of Vedic Meditation, while making it accessible at scale, is essential for meeting the demands of our time. Thom outlines the foundation’s twin priorities of teacher scholarships and scientific research, and reflects on Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s vision of multiplying enlightened leadership for future generations.If you’d like to contribute to the Vyasanand Foundation, please visit the website for details on how you can do so: https://www.vyasanandfoundation.org/ Episode Highlights[01:28] The Inspiration Behind the Vyasanand Foundation[03:22] Why Now?[06:47] Meeting the Demands of the Time[14:51] What Would the World Look Like if More People Practiced Vedic Meditation?[19:57] What Will Vyasanand Foundation Funds Be Used For?[23:47] Multiplying Maharishi[28:13] Big, Important, Urgent[30:57] GratitudeUseful 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/

Dec 15, 2025 • 28min
The Bond Between Kaṛma and Desire
Is it possible to escape the cycle of desire that keeps us bound? In this episode, Thom explores the subtle mechanics of kaṛma and the paradox of fulfillment, blending ancient wisdom with contemporary dilemmas. Move beyond the myth of desire-free enlightenment and discover the true role desires play in moving us, often mysteriously, right where we need to be. Prepare to step into a new understanding of fulfillment, agency, and the playful nature of wants.Episode Highlights[00:45] Kaṛma: Action that Binds[03:30] The Danger Zone[06:44] Kṛiya: Action that Doesn’t Bind[09:33] The Power of a Pink Shirt[13:13] A Literal Bucket List[15:48] The Desirability of a Desire-free State[18:42] Q - Does attachment to the desire for enlightenment keep you bound?[18:50] A - The Hypnosis of Social Conditioning[21:37] Enlightenment’s an Acquisition[24:38] Desires Just Move Me AroundUseful 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/

Dec 8, 2025 • 25min
Coping with Negativity: Content, Context and Consciousness
Explore the intriguing question of whether negative thoughts are truly harmful. Thom shares personal insights from his unusual childhood, illustrating how context shapes our experiences. Discover the evolutionary perspective that suggests negativity can drive growth and adaptation. Learn how expansive consciousness helps us contextualize fleeting negative content, enabling us to break free from repetitious stress patterns. Thom emphasizes the power of meditation in dissolving stress and letting go of irrelevant negativity, promoting a healthier mindset.

Dec 1, 2025 • 27min
The Vedic Perspective on Surrender and Letting Go
Explore the concept of surrender as a natural movement rather than a forced effort. Discover how Vedic Meditation helps release unnecessary tenacity, allowing for a state of freedom. Thom illustrates this through charming metaphors like monkeys and jelly beans, emphasizing the importance of letting go. The conversation includes the relationship between retrospective surrender and active letting go, highlighting foresight as a powerful human tool. Don't cling to inferior comforts; embrace meditation to unlock your potential for charm and evolution.


