Vedic Worldview

What if surrender isn’t something you do at all? In this episode, Thom reframes surrender and “letting go” through the Vedic lens, not as effort, but as the spontaneous movement of the mind toward greater charm.With vivid metaphors from Guru Deva, monkeys, and even jelly beans, Thom reveals how true surrender happens naturally when the mind is free of stress and guided by charm.Listen as Thom explains how Vedic Meditation trains us to release unnecessary tenacity and experience surrender as a state of freedom, not struggle.Episode Highlights[00:45] Can You Surrender the Surrendering?[03:33] Pre-approving Movement of the Mind[07:06] Effortless Movement Towards Charm[09:38] Vedic Meditation: The Training Ground for the Removal of Unnecessary Tenacity[12:46] Q - What's the relationship between retrospective surrender and letting go?[12:56] Monkeys That Don't Let Go[15:34] Don't be Like the Monkeys[17:43] The Capacity to See the Future in the Making[22:06] Close Your Eyes and Stay AwakeUseful 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/

What if the story you tell about your past is not who you are? In this episode, Thom unpacks saṃskara, those defining moments we cling to, and shows how Vedic Meditation transforms them into smriti, clear waypoints on the path to uncovering our true identity. If you have ever felt trapped by your history, Thom’s wisdom offers a way to honor it without being defined by it.Episode Highlights[00:45] Defining Moments that Shape Our Identity[03:30] Mistaken Identity[07:38] Smriti - Awakening the Vast Consciousness Within[10:24] Like Attracts Like[12:55] Printing Out Litter in the Body[15:10] Vedic Meditation: Adding Context to Growth Experiences[16:51] Siddhartha Sees Suffering[20:13] Siddhartha Attains Nirvana: Becomes the Shakya Muni[22:56] Enlightenment is the Big Story[24:58] Q - Can smritis inadvertently revert to becoming saṃskaras?[25:15] Pragyaparadha: The Mistaken Intellect[27:42] The Intellect Cleaves to Its Former Identity[30:28] The Reluctance of Saṃskaras[32:27] Universe Having a Human Experience[34:54] Aham Brahmasmi: I am Totality[38:32] Snap Out of ItUseful 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/

When a young Thom Knoles found himself among world leaders, philosophers, and celebrities at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s table, he felt wildly out of his depth. A well-meaning barrister’s critique led to embarrassment, reflection, and an unforgettable lesson from Maharishi himself.In this intimate and humorous story, Thom shares how a moment of mortification turned into a profound teaching on arrogance, humility, and taking action, and the one simple word that can shift you out of self-doubt instantly.You can also watch the podcast here https://youtu.be/IDKEn6UhCVM.Episode Highlights[00:45] Advice From a Barrister[04:37] Malapropisms[07:11] I’m Not Like Them[11:48] How Can We Get Out of This Arrogance?[13:25] Engage in ActionUseful 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/

Curious about Vedic Meditation's real impact? Discover how it enhances talk therapy and promotes faster therapeutic progress. Ever wondered why some meditators still act unkindly? Tune in as Thom suggests that criticism often says more about the critic than the meditator. He also dives into what makes Vedic Meditation spiritually unique, highlighting its transcendent goals. The discussion offers insightful perspectives for both meditators and non-meditators, making it a thought-provoking experience for all.

Ever felt like a fraud? The conversation explores the roots of imposter syndrome and how it masks a subtle arrogance. Thom shares insights on how Vedic meditation expands our sense of self and alleviates these feelings. With anecdotes and wisdom, he emphasizes that recognizing our true worth can transform our lives. Learn how to challenge self-doubt and embrace your potential, asserting that you deserve the best as your birthright. Ultimately, it's a journey of rediscovery and self-acceptance.

What if everything you see, touch, and experience is actually made of the same thing? In this episode, Thom explores the startling relationship between matter and consciousness, challenging our most fundamental assumptions about reality and about who and what we are. Prepare to view the world and yourself in an entirely new light.Episode Highlights[00:45] We Seem to Live in a Material Universe[02:55] Good Vibrations[05:01] A Responsive Universe[07:31] The Hard Question of Consciousness[10:29] The State of Unity Consciousness[13:15] Sharpening Our Sensory Acuity with Vedic Meditation[16:37] The Ultimate in Sensory Perception, Seeing Yourself in EverythingUseful 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/

Can we plan our next life, or are we unknowingly shaping it already? Discover the Vedic and Buddhist insights on rebirth and the impact of unfulfilled desires. Thom shares a captivating story of enlightenment and a cautionary tale from the Mahabharata, illustrating how revenge can lead to endless conflict. Learn how Vedic meditation can help break free from the cycle of desire, revealing deep inner fulfillment. This deep exploration encourages living fully in the present, embracing the universe within.

Explore the Vedic perspective on sexual energy as a path to higher consciousness rather than mere distraction. Discover why conventional solo practices may lack true manifestation power. Thom critiques the obsession with 'active ingredients' in sexual experiences and emphasizes the importance of communal fulfillment. Dive into the idea that desire should flow from what the universe has already begun unfolding. Regular meditation is touted as the key to aligning with this universal intent, promoting deeper connections and authenticity.

Work-life balance has become a buzz phrase in recent years, especially since the intrusion of smartphones began edging their way into so-called “free time.” In this episode, Thom explains why free time and work aren’t necessarily exclusive of each other, potentially making work-life balance unnecessary.Episode Highlights[00:45] Routine Work has Been Around Forever[03:18] What Do I Do?[05:28] Vedic Meditation - A Major Dose of Unboundedness[08:26] A Neuroplastic Brain[12:26] Work Becomes an Expression of Happiness[14:58] A New Style of Functioning[19:14] Q - How Do You Work Surrounded by Stressed People?[19:42] A - Find Somewhere ElseUseful 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/

"Never a dull moment," could easily be a tagline for the tourism industry in India. It’s a land of contrast, color, and constant surprises. But if you want to experience the real flavor of India, you’d be hard pressed to find a better travelling companion than Thom Knoles. With more than 50 years of travelling to India, building deep and lasting relationships, not to mention his status as a Mahamandaleshwar, Thom has a vast collection of stories to tell. In this episode, Thom shares a tiny sample from this vast collection, featuring swamis, snakes, Diet Coke, and more.There are even more stories to come. If you’d like to be there and be a part of future adventures, Thom invites you to join him on his upcoming annual India retreat. You can find out more at https://thomknoles.com/india-retreat/.Episode Highlights[00:45] A Visit from Swami Premananda[05:40] Passing the Lunch Exam with the Shankaracharya and Some Swamis[08:40] Eructations and Diet Coke[10:27] The Shankaracharya’s Birthday Party[12:37] Of Course He Has a Snake in His Hair![15:11] A Full Spectrum of Experiences Await in RishikeshUseful 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/