

Vedic Worldview
Thom Knoles
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 6, 2024 • 50min
Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga
Dive into the rich wisdom of Vedic literature as the discussion uncovers Patanjali's Eight Limbs of Yoga. Explore the deeper meanings behind Yama and Niyama, and how they pave the way to self-awareness. Discover the philosophical foundations of yoga that extend beyond physical practice. The talk emphasizes that true understanding comes from experience, while Vedic Meditation offers a shortcut to personal evolution. Get ready to transcend traditional interpretations and embrace a more profound path to balance.

Oct 27, 2024 • 28min
Revenge vs Justice
The discussion explores the fine line between justice and revenge through a Vedic perspective. It emphasizes that true justice aims for restoration, not retribution. Listeners learn that forgiveness leads to lasting satisfaction, while vengeance is ultimately futile. The conversation invites reflection on our place in the cosmos, linking personal grievances to a larger natural order. Drawing wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita, it highlights the significance of spiritual growth and interconnectedness in navigating conflicts.

Oct 20, 2024 • 20min
Leela Shakti - Play Power
Explore the captivating concept of 'Leela Shakti,' where reality unfolds like an epic story. Discover how the feminine organizing power shapes existence and brings forth the playful nature of creation. Delve into the cyclical process of manifestation, illuminating the interconnectedness of all forms of consciousness. From the nuances of Sanskrit pronunciation to the theatricality of storytelling, this discussion invites a fresh perspective on life's narrative, revealing the dynamic rise and fall of the status quo.

Oct 13, 2024 • 35min
Karma, Charm, Art, and Suffering
Dive into the dynamics of karma and relationships, where the focus shifts to our connection with the Self. Explore the nuances of charm and how to adapt when it feels less supported. Unravel the debate on whether true art can emerge without suffering, with compelling arguments challenging traditional beliefs. Discover the idea that artistic brilliance often springs from moments of clarity and inspiration rather than turmoil. It's a thought-provoking conversation that redefines relationships, creativity, and the essence of beauty.

Oct 6, 2024 • 24min
Kumbha Mela - A Celebration Like No Other
If you've ever wondered where one of the world's most astonishing gatherings takes place, look no further than the Kumbha Mela. This grand festival of spiritual significance draws tens of millions of devotees from around the globe in a display of harmony, wisdom and tolerance like no other.Having been to several Kumbha Melas over the past 50 years, and currently preparing to attend the next Kumbha Mela in January 2025, Thom is well equipped to give us a small but enticing glimpse into the significance and the spectacle of this truly unique phenomenon. Episode Highlights[00:45] A Contained Celebration[03:25] Triveni - Where Three Sacred Rivers Meet[06:03] Maha Kumbha Mela[08:10] Diversity of the Mela[10:05] Millions at Kumbha Mela[12:41] Ardh Kumbha Mela[14:50] Kumbha Mela 2025[16:29] Maintaining Order and Safety[18:52] Om Namah Shivaya[20:37] A Once-in-a-Lifetime 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/

Sep 29, 2024 • 29min
The Great Puruṣārtha - Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha
Delve into the four critical goals of life: Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. Discover how these principles guide consciousness and living a fulfilling life. Explore the deeper meanings of abundance beyond mere wealth and learn about attaining true pleasure. Examine the profound difference between societal success and spiritual fulfillment. Vedic meditation is presented as a transformative tool for self-realization and enlightenment, guiding listeners to embody these qualities in their everyday lives.

Sep 22, 2024 • 32min
Laws of Nature - How to Align with Evolution and Avoid Suffering
Discover the fascinating interplay between consciousness and the laws of Nature. Learn how adapting your awareness can drastically reduce suffering. Explore how natural laws are not static but evolve with context, much like the boiling point of water. Delve into the significant role of meditation in aligning with these laws, promoting personal and collective growth. Embrace progressive change and understand that your evolution is key to becoming an effective agent in this conscious universe.

Sep 15, 2024 • 23min
What is the Impact of Witnessing an Eclipse?
Many people go to great lengths to view eclipses, sometimes traveling thousands of miles to witness the shadow of the Moon passing across the Sun or the shadow of the Earth crossing the Moon.In Jyotish, or Vedic Astrology, however, such events can be seen as inauspicious, and the recommendation might be that we take shelter from them rather than expose ourselves to them.But such things are not so cut and dry. In this episode, Thom proposes that the impact of an eclipse depends, as does the impact of most things, on the consciousness state of the observer.Episode Highlights:[00:45] Parashara Saṃhita[02:40] Self-referral Consciousness and Object-referral Consciousness[05:59] What's in the Sky and What's Not in the Sky[09:00] Who are You and What are You?[11:10] What is the Nature of the Knower?[13:15] Degrees of Suffering[16:23] Reinforcing Totality Consciousness Through Vedic Meditation[18:58] A Little Bit of a Muddying EffectUseful 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/

Sep 8, 2024 • 25min
Quantum Mechanics for Beginners
In this discussion, Thom provides an accessible overview of quantum mechanics, unraveling its complexities for the everyday listener. He emphasizes how our consciousness shapes reality, urging us to question our assumptions. Topics include the indivisible nature of existence, the relationship between observer and observed, and the challenge quantum mechanics poses to traditional scientific realism. Thom encourages a unified perspective that intertwines ancient philosophies with modern physics, making the universe feel like a responsive canvas to our expectations.

Sep 1, 2024 • 34min
Spiritual Mediums, Right and Wrong, Partners Who Don't Meditate
Listeners are running the show again today, with another of our popular Q&A sessions.This time around, Thom tackles a question on spiritual mediums, and whether we can trust what they say. His answer may surprise you.He also answers a question about right and wrong, using the Bhagavad Gita to set the context for spontaneous right action.And he also puts a listener’s mind at rest, in answer to a question about whether a Vedic meditator can successfully be in a relationship with a non meditator.Episode Highlights:[00:45] Q - Are spiritual mediums communicating with people who have passed away?[01:11] A - Accuracy and Purpose of Mediumship[03:26] A Misunderstanding of What It's Like to be Dead[05:30] Communicating from One State to Another[07:13] How Exact Are the Medium-Delivered Messages?[08:40] Vedic Meditation is More Effective Than Seeking Messages from the Departed[10:16] Limitations of Mediums in Spiritual Communication[11:55] Controlling Behavior Towards the Departed[13:29] Let Go of the Need to Control and Embrace Self-Sufficiency[14:49] Q - Is There a General Right and Wrong in Life?[15:50] Q - The Paradox of Right and Wrong[16:54] The Bhagavad Gita[19:08] Thinking From the Narrow End of the Funnel[21:41] Spontaneous Right Action[23:52] Q - Can a Vedic Meditator be in a Relationship With a Non-Meditator?[24:46] A - We Want the Pizzaz[26:56] Consciousness Dynamics in Relationships[29:03] Embrace and Learn from Each Other’s Views[30:46] Being Different Makes Relationships BetterUseful 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/