Vedic Worldview

This Ask Thom Anything episode explores ancient cultures, the process of evolution and the possibility of devolution.Thom shares an anecdote about a journey to outback Australia as an envoy for Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to seek the blessing of Aboriginal Elders, where he discovered an unexpected, though not surprising, connection between the ancient people of Australia and those of India.And in answers to two totally separate questions, he explains the evolutionary leap that made us the ‘smartest’ species on the planet, though potentially too smart for our own good. It’s a salient reminder that we all need to be vigilant with our Vedic Meditation practice and to share the benefits widely if we want the human species to continue to be part of Nature’s evolutionary process.Episode Highlights:[00:45] Q - What's the Connection Between Australian Aboriginal and Vedic Culture[01:29] Indigenous People who Possessed Knowledge of Transcending[02:38] "You Want to Talk to the Old Fellas?"[04:28] Making Arrangements to See the Old Fellas[06:17] Clean Sheets and Some Good Tucker[07:32] Remarkable State of Contentedness[09:41] We'd Like to Teach All the Fellas[11:20] It'll Be Alright[13:22] Q - What is the Truth About the Brain's Evolution?[13:44] A - Darwinistic Evolution[16:23] Science Likes One Original Miracle[18:05] Bio-Friendly Universe[20:32] Timing was Perfect for a Consciousness Revolution[21:45] Evolutionary Pressures Caused Pivotal Evolutionary Change[24:30] Q - Can We Evolve Regressively?[25:23] A - Dumbing Down of Consciousness[26:18] Intelligent Enough. Not Intelligent Enough[28:08] A Little Knowledge is a Dangerous Thing[29:27] Critical Mass of People Meditating[30:55] The Few Lead the Many[33:01] Not Smart Enough to Prevent Our Own Self-extinction?Useful 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/ 

The discussion kicks off with the intriguing idea of certainty versus trust, using the sun's rise as a metaphor. It explores how reliance on trust can leave us vulnerable, while embracing certainty can empower us. Vedic meditation is highlighted as a tool for developing self-referential consciousness, steering us away from external dependencies. The conversation also delves into the role of awareness in shaping perceptions and responsibilities, suggesting that understanding our inner dynamics fosters resilience against life's uncertainties.

Dive into the fascinating interplay of the three gunas: sattva, rajas, and tamas. These forces shape evolution, keeping everything in perfect balance. Explore Arjuna's moral dilemmas in the Bhagavad Gita, a timeless battle of duty versus pacifism. The podcast highlights the unique sophistication of the human brain amidst the evolutionary journey. Discover how transcending the gunas through meditation can lead to higher consciousness and align us with cosmic purpose.

Explore the profound Vedic wisdom behind the roles of Mata, Pita, and Guru in our lives, shifting perspective from events happening to us to happening for us. Delve into the source of thoughts, the truth behind fear, and the illuminating guidance of a Guru for a happy life.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one in three seniors in the USA dies with some form of dementia*. And with the rapidly-aging population, numbers are expected to double within the next thirty years.These are sobering statistics but in this episode, Thom puts forward the Vedic perspective on the subject and a simple solution, which, ironically, lies in reviving our lost ability to forget.With so many cognitive demands placed on us each day, and our obsessive need to remember, Thom reminds us that our twice-daily dose of Vedic Meditation gives our brain the much-needed respite from the demands of the day, and the chance to avoid the forced shut-down that dementia often provides in later life. It’s a hopeful message that could help many better understand the condition they fear more than any other.*Alzheimer’s Association.Episode Highlights[00:45] The Value of Memory[03:19] Fight/Flight Response[05:30] Structural and Material Changes that Pertain to Fighting or Fleeing[07:07] The Stress of Stress[08:31] Our Immune System - Reducing Neoplsams[10:21] Stress And Cancer[12:28] We Get Stressed by Everything[14:20] Our Memory and Memory in the Cells[16:11] Power of Consciousness[17:53] Hundreds of Thousands of Mantras[20:05] Prime Property of the Mantra[24:01] Forgetting and Remembrance Phenomenon[25:43] Letting Go of Irrelevancy[27:59] Letting Go of Attachment[29:44] Forget and Remember[31:49] The Major Problem[34:11] Purpose of Memory[36:45] Your Contribution to Evolution[38:35] What is it You're Remembering and Forgetting? [40:03] What Form of Dying Frightens You the Most?[42:01] Everything is Forgotten[43:55] This Happened, and That Will Happen.[45:59] Enjoy Forgetfulness[48:17] Remembering the Right Things Useful 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/

With a father as a high-ranking officer in the US Air Force, Thom Knoles has been traveling internationally from a very young age. Under the wing of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Thom traveled even more, visiting countries with him on almost every continent.But the country Thom has spent the most time in, outside of the USA, is his home away from home, Australia. As a fresh-faced teenager, his keen interest in surfing led him to choose Australia as his destination of choice to set himself up as his meditation teaching career got under way.Thom reminisces on his time spent there and the legacy of tens of thousands of meditators still active in Australia, and growing each day.Episode Highlights[00:45] Early Contact with Australians[02:51] The Art and Sport of Surfing[05:13] One-Way Airfare[07:08] 10 Jobs for Every One Person[08:56] An Immigrant in Australia[10:47] "What Do You Do for a Crust Mate?"[12:30] Rhyming Slang of Outback Australians[14:30] Yoga and Meditation Studio in Sylvania[16:09] Maharishi Domicile in Switzerland[18:08] Relatively Close to India[19:39] A Tremendous Amount of Hospitality[21:24] 10,000 Students[23:29] Prisoners and Politicians[26:01] Drawing People from Across Sydney[27:38] Australia - the Crucible that Formed and Forged Thom Knoles[29:30] Australia's Great Naturalness[31:14] Robustness and Willingness to Take on a Challenge[32:59] 20,000 Vedic Meditators in Sydney RegionUseful 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/

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.