
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

Apr 20, 2025 • 45min
If Only… Living Life Without Regrets. Part One
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 role of desire is one of the most misunderstood facets of spiritual evolution. Some schools of thought argue that we should transcend desires altogether, leading followers down a path of denial and disciplined detachment. This leaves many in a quandary, wondering why we are put to the test, surrounded by so many temptations.In this episode, Part One of a two-part series, Thom holds forth on the Vedic worldview with respect to desire and how we can live a life without regrets for desires unfulfilled. Discover why both obedience to desire's guidance and non-attachment to its fulfillment create the perfect balance for spiritual evolution. It’s a revolutionary approach that transforms our understanding of what it means to want.Part Two of this series will be the next episode of The Vedic Worldview.Episode Highlights[00:45] Unfulfilled Desires[03:11] Reincarnation - Unfinished Business[06:18] Liberation from the Wheel of Death and Rebirth[09:00] Authorship of Desire: The Cause of Suffering[12:54] Percival from Arkansas Goes to the Cinema[15:31] Why am I having a desire?[18:18] Nature’s Business[21:22] Filled with Fulfillment[24:56] Asteya and Vairagya[28:02] The Pollution of Unfulfilled Desires[31:31] What Are You?[34:22] Human Doings[38:48] Empirical Evidence Through Direct ExperienceUseful 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 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/

Feb 26, 2025 • 16min
What is Rounding in Vedic Meditation?
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.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

Feb 24, 2025 • 33min
The Relevance of the 25 Qualities of the Unified Field
Discover the ancient Vedic wisdom connecting the Unified Field and modern science. Dive into the 25 transformative qualities that guide individuality and meditation practices. Learn how Vedic meditation can help you harness these qualities to overcome stress and align with nature's laws. Thom also shares insights from his recent experiences in India and the upcoming Sedona retreat, promising a rejuvenating experience surrounded by community and profound wisdom.
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