Vedic Worldview

 Thom's annual Australian tour is now underway and we'd love to invite you to participate.. We have a range of tour events scheduled, including free introductory talks and a learn to meditate course for those who are new to Vedic Meditation. If you've completed a qualified Vedic Meditation course, we invite you to join Tom for knowledge sessions, group meditations and a one-day retreat he has scheduled in Sydney.  Thom is also offering a five-day four-night retreat in Gerringong, south of Sydney, as well as private mentoring sessions throughout the month.  You can find out more about all of these offerings at thomknoles.com/sydney.  That's thomknoles.com/sydney.Are we too late to do anything about climate change? Many would argue that that’s the case, but are we even asking the right questions?In this episode, recorded live in Sydney, Australia, in answer to a question from an audience member, Thom offers a more optimistic perspective about climate change than we might usually find.Thom provides a framework for thinking about our environmental challenges that balances realism with hope, scientific understanding with ancient wisdom, and immediate action with long-term adaptation. There are still opportunities to participate in upcoming events in Sydney. You can find out more at thomknoles.com/sydney.Episode Highlights:[00:45] Q - Can We Restore The Planet?[01:47] A - We’re Not Going to Get There[04:41] This Isn’t Our First Time[07:31] Realistic Thinking[10:01] There’s No Evolution Without Disruption[12:46] Just Meditate, You’re Made of Stern Stuff[15:17] It’s Not a Chore[16:26] Learn Vedic 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/

 Thom's annual Australian tour is now underway and we'd love to invite you to participate.. We have a range of tour events scheduled, including free introductory talks and a learn to meditate course for those who are new to Vedic Meditation. If you've completed a qualified Vedic Meditation course, we invite you to join Tom for knowledge sessions, group meditations and a one-day retreat he has scheduled in Sydney.  Thom is also offering a five-day four-night retreat in Gerringong, south of Sydney, as well as private mentoring sessions throughout the month.  You can find out more about all of these offerings at thomknoles.com/sydney.  That's thomknoles.com/sydney.One thing that separates humans from other species is our ability, and in some cases our need, to have origin stories to explain who we are, how we got here, and what we should or shouldn’t be doing.One of the most widespread of these stories is the Garden of Eden, with God, Adam and Eve taking starring roles, and the serpent in the supporting role. In this episode, Thom takes a connotative look at the story of the Garden of Eden through the lens of the Vedic worldview. It’s a fresh perspective that gives us the opportunity to reconsider the lessons that might be behind this pivotal story.Episode Highlights:[00:45] The Triumvirate[03:09] The Forbidden Fruit[06:17] Can You Surprise the Omniscient?[09:33] Breaking Symmetry with Turiya[13:28] Sophistication and Multitasking[17:37] Restoring Contact with Cosmic Intelligence[21:58] The Kingdom of Heaven is Within[25:06] The Radical Effect of Learning Vedic 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/

 Thom's annual Australian tour is now underway and we'd love to invite you to participate.. We have a range of tour events scheduled, including free introductory talks and a learn to meditate course for those who are new to Vedic Meditation. If you've completed a qualified Vedic Meditation course, we invite you to join Tom for knowledge sessions, group meditations and a one-day retreat he has scheduled in Sydney.  Thom is also offering a five-day four-night retreat in Gerringong, south of Sydney, as well as private mentoring sessions throughout the month.  You can find out more about all of these offerings at thomknoles.com/sydney.  That's thomknoles.com/sydney.We often celebrate codependence in nature, such as bees pollinating flowers and receiving nectar as their reward, yet when it comes to codependence in human relationships, it’s frequently seen as a problem that needs to be fixed.In this episode, Thom gives us fresh perspectives on codependence, inviting us to celebrate our dependence on each other, while at the same time, learning to recognize when codependence has become dysfunctional. Thom also offers up terminology to help us clarify the distinction between functional and dysfunctional codependence, giving us the means to avoid adding to the stigma that has evolved around codependence.Episode Highlights:[00:45] We Cannot Live Without Dependency[03:32] Co-addiction[06:42] Freedom from the Tyranny of Addiction[09:36] Going Beyond the Constraints of Individuality[11:56] Vedic Meditation, Easier Than Just Having Everyday Thoughts[14:38] You Have to Start with Yourself[18:09] Survival vs Progress[20:50] Survival is a Product of EvolutionUseful 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/

Discover the profound concept of Vairagya, where spontaneous non-attachment enhances our enjoyment of life without the shackles of attachment. Hear insights from Maharishi Patanjali's teachings that clarify detachment's misconceptions. Explore how Vedic meditation nurtures this state and allows us to engage deeply with our experiences. Thom also discusses the extraordinary human capabilities that can emerge from this practice and the sense of freedom that follows. It's a fresh perspective on spiritual growth and experiencing life fully.

Explore the fascinating concept of locus of control and how it influences our emotions and behaviors. Discover the empowering effects of Vedic meditation compared to traditional hypnosis, promoting a transformative perception of reality. Delve into the relationship between personal responsibility and self-identity against the backdrop of cosmic consciousness. Uncover the evolutionary significance of disruption, urging us to embrace change rather than succumb to complacency. This engaging discussion encourages adaptive responses in the face of social and political upheaval.

Discover the fascinating journey into the Naranjani Akhara and the significance of a unique title granted at a monumental ceremony. Experience the grandeur of the Maha Kumbha Mela, where millions gather in a vibrant celebration of faith. Join in the reflections on cultural intersections as a non-Indian assumes a pivotal role in this ancient tradition. The story also highlights the challenges of learning Hindi and the delicate balance between cultural appreciation and suspicion of appropriation.

 Thom's annual Australian tour is now underway and we'd love to invite you to participate.. We have a range of tour events scheduled, including free introductory talks and a learn to meditate course for those who are new to Vedic Meditation. If you've completed a qualified Vedic Meditation course, we invite you to join Tom for knowledge sessions, group meditations and a one-day retreat he has scheduled in Sydney.  Thom is also offering a five-day four-night retreat in Gerringong, south of Sydney, as well as private mentoring sessions throughout the month.  You can find out more about all of these offerings at thomknoles.com/sydney.  That's thomknoles.com/sydney.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/

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.

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.

 Thom's annual Australian tour is now underway and we'd love to invite you to participate.. We have a range of tour events scheduled, including free introductory talks and a learn to meditate course for those who are new to Vedic Meditation. If you've completed a qualified Vedic Meditation course, we invite you to join Tom for knowledge sessions, group meditations and a one-day retreat he has scheduled in Sydney.  Thom is also offering a five-day four-night retreat in Gerringong, south of Sydney, as well as private mentoring sessions throughout the month.  You can find out more about all of these offerings at thomknoles.com/sydney.  That's thomknoles.com/sydney.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/