Vedic Worldview

Listeners dive into the effectiveness of protest and the idea that meaningful change comes from raising individual consciousness. Queries about Nadi Shodana's benefits reveal its role in enhancing meditation practices. The distinction between Japa and Vedic Meditation unfolds, showcasing the power of bija mantras to evoke bliss. Historical insights illuminate how societal shifts can arise from persuasive communication rather than aggression, promoting a more constructive approach to activism.

Explore the fascinating dynamics of saying 'no problem' and whether we truly mean it. Thom shares a memorable encounter with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, illustrating the importance of commitment. Picture the enchanting celebration on Lake Lucerne under a full moon, alongside the challenges of navigating Swiss roads. A surprising lesson in silence and reflection emerges, revealing profound insights. Also discussed are the transformative powers of mindfulness, community values, and the mindset needed to overcome obstacles.

Exploring the limitations of the intellect and the role of consciousness in preserving ancient wisdom. Discussing the importance of Gurus in adapting teachings over generations. Delving into the underutilized potential of the human brain and the power of Vedic worldview. Exploring quantum mechanics and its implications on traditional theories. Emphasizing the significance of personal experience in embodying Vedic teachings and the journey of evolution from dishwasher to teacher.

Delve into the extraordinary influence of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, whose meditation techniques reached millions and inspired iconic songs by The Beatles. Discover firsthand accounts of his endearing traits and the deep personal impact he made on those around him. Listen to amusing anecdotes, such as a coffee table story and the laughter that filled his presence. The podcast beautifully captures Maharishi's grace and unique teaching style, showcasing how he fostered a compassionate, immersive learning environment.

What’s the Vedic worldview on sexuality?Gender expression and sexual identity have been hot topics in recent years as more and more people choose to abandon gender and sexual stereotypes.And while Vedic civilization was way ahead of its time in terms of accepting gender diversity, it turns out that sexuality may not be as important as it's made out to be.In this bonus episode, Thom proposes a viewpoint whereby we can all look at sexuality from a different perspective and focus on a more reliable source of identity.And if you’d like to dive a little deeper into the subject, Thom has a new course on Omnisexuality, available for people who have learned Vedic Meditation from a qualified and endorsed (by Thom) Vedic Meditation Teacher.https://thomknoles.com/omnisexualityPS - This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at a public event so please forgive the slightly less-the-perfect audio quality.Episode Highlights[00:45] Q - What’s the Vedic World View on Sexuality?[01:23] Why Stop at Five?[03:03] Doing is Not Identity[04:51] Sexuality is a Thing That You Do[06:43] Three Minutes...[07:49] Be Open to Change[08:37] Thom's Course on OmnisexualityUseful 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/

Delve into the intriguing connection between consciousness and time travel, revealing how our perceptions of 'now' shape future possibilities. Explore the Law of Attraction, as skepticism meets empowerment—it's all about mindset! Discover how external influences can impact well-being and the importance of self-realization for resilience. Learn to navigate life's challenges with a Vedic perspective that emphasizes inner strength over dependency. Dive in for a cosmic exploration of individuality and interconnectedness!

Humor in Vedic storytelling highlights profound lessons. A tale from the Katha Upanishad features a Sergeant and a General in a scenario reminiscent of workplace sitcoms. The conversation reveals essential insights about credit-sharing and empowerment. Delve into the interplay of leadership and execution, showcasing the sergeant's vital role. Explore how personal desires reflect universal intention, with meditation offering alignment for effective living. It's a rich blend of mythos and meaningful philosophy.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was ahead of his time in 1975, when he predicted an end to The Cold War and the fall of the Berlin Wall, among many other changes that he foresaw as arising from the dawning of the ‘Age of Enlightenment.’With The Cold War showing no signs of thawing at the time, most people saw it as a fanciful notion at best. Yet Maharishi, the great seer, saw it as an inevitable outcome of the shift in consciousness that was growing in pace at the time. Following on from our recent episode, The Yugas and the Importance of Understanding Them Correctly, in this episode Thom discusses Kali Yuga, the age of ignorance, in more detail. He explains the role of consciousness and how enlightenment and ignorance can coexist, just as the moon can bring light to the night. Most importantly, he explains that the age of ignorance doesn’t place limits on our experience, individually or collectively.Episode Highlights[00:55] Kali Yuga—The Age of Ignorance[02:48] The Dawning of the Age of Enlightenment[04:44] Seven Days of Silence[06:44] The Cold War at its Peak[08:21] The Mutually-Assured Destruction Philosophy[09:53] Things Will Get Better[10:51] Enjoying the Good News[12:00] Incremental Improvements[13:42] Dawning Cannot But Happen in Darkness[15:55] Part of the Solution[17:31] The Meditator's Advantage[19:19] There is a Lot of Work to be Done[20:30] Underutilized Potential[21:46] Impatient Behavior[23:42] Demands Become Pivot Points[25:38] Liberating Our Full Potential[27:11] Resisting the Progress[29:43] I Am Also the Big Self[31:30] We Become Lighthouses[32:52] This is What Light Does[34:59] Who Knew?[36:44] Become Masters of the Transcendental Smile[37:50] We Feel Very SecureUseful 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/ 

As Eastern philosophies have spread in popularity throughout the world in the past thirty years or so, ‘detachment’ has become somewhat of a buzzword. It has become a spiritual scorecard of sorts, the theory being that the more detached one is, the more enlightened one is. Or not…In this episode Thom sets the record straight, explaining the distinction between detachment, which implies attachment in the first place, and non attachment, which negates any attachment at all.It’s a subtle distinction but it’s much more than just a semantic argument. While one can fake detachment, thus creating another form of attachment, one can’t fake non attachment. As usual, Thom also shows us how to become non attached, without the strain of having to fake it till we make it. Episode Highlights[00:54] Maharishi Patanjali and Yoga Sutra[03:19] That's Not What Yoga Is[05:21] Asana, Pranayama, Dhyan[07:38] Yoga Sutra[10:24] Not Just Any Old Meditation[12:46] Vairagya is Not Detachment[14:56] Detachment Isn't Possible[16:47] Non-attachment May Occur[18:57] Neti - Not This[20:32] Detachment is Not a Practice[22:12] Detach from DetachmentUseful 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/

It’s time for another Ask Me Anything episode, with this one focused on affairs of the heart.Thom answers a listener’s question about the desirability of a ‘heart awakening’ and explains why being ‘grounded in the unbounded’ is a more preferable state to aim for.He takes on the question of whether partners in a relationship should ‘be on the same path’ or not, and how to manage the dynamic when they aren’t.And he gives sage advice for a listener asking about the importance of following through on commitments when our heart is no longer committed to them.   As always, another round of practical suggestions for everyday situations that we find ourselves in.[00:45] Q - Should I be Hoping for a Heart Awakening?[00:58] A - Experiencing Empathy[02:37] Empathy Can Be an Overshadowing Feeling[04:39] Spontaneous Ideal Interaction[06:37] A Completely Useless State to Be In[08:05] Grounded in the Unbounded[10:00] Q - Can a Relationship Flourish if We Are On Different Paths?[10:15] A - Why We're in a Relationship[12:12] Who is Suffering in a Relationship?[14:00] What is Suffering?[15:42] Sharing the Load[17:10] Be a Shining Example[18:02] Q - How do We Honor Commitments that No Longer Feel Relevant?[18:21] A - Commitments Become Unsustainable with Time[20:27] The Problem of Severability[22:04] Forgiveness of a Promise[23:48] The Five Fundamentals of Progress[24:51] Time is a Great HealerUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoles/https://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube.com/c/thomknoles https://thomknoles.com/ask-thom-anything/