Vedic Worldview

Spiritual leaders are often perceived as being stern and serious, in some cases even humorless. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, while he could be serious when needed, was famous for his smile, his laugh, and his sense of humor in general.In this episode, Thom shares some anecdotes from his 26-plus years of being with Maharishi, where Maharishi put his sense of humor on display. Some of these were public displays, while others were from behind the scenes; all of the stories reflect Maharishi’s famous quote, “We have an infinite number of reasons to be happy, and a serious responsibility not be serious.”Episode Highlights:[00:45] Maharishi's Humor[02:36] Maharishi's Way of Answering Serious Questions[04:59] The Million-Pound Reply[06:09] A Lover of Analogies[07:29] The Complaint About Meditation[09:12] Fifty Dollar Bet on Effortless Mantra[11:17] Think Mantra Without Effort[11:59] "I Am an Imposter."[13:35] Journalist Wanted to Expose Maharishi[15:15] "I'm Here to Find and Report Facts."[16:39] Laughter-Filled Meeting With Maharishi[18:03] Surprising Turns: Maharishi's Impact on the Journalist[18:56] A Force Five Hurricane of HappinessUseful 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/

Silent retreats and cave retreats are nothing new and have been around for millenia, giving seekers an escape from the demands of daily life and a chance to simply let the mind be with itself.A modern twist on this is the use of Dark Room Retreats, a growing business model where the cave might be swapped for a cabin, and food and other needs are provided for you, leaving you alone to experience the potential bliss of sensory deprivation.In this episode, Thom shares his own experience with cave retreats, along with his perspective on dark room retreats. He also shares an alternative method for sensory deprivation. One that doesn’t require dark rooms or even silence but which still yields the bliss we might be looking for if we were to consider a dark retreat.Episode Highlights:[00:45] Awakening the Mind's Innermost Potential[02:41] Techniques of Sensory Deprivation[04:33] How do I Experience Pure Consciousness?[06:32] Deep Rest in Vedic Meditation[08:35] The Charm of Silence[12:02] The Reason the Mind Falls Mute[13:39] Modern Technology's Impact on the Search for Bliss[14:52] Limits of Sensory Deprivation in Achieving Bliss[16:52] Reduced Oxygen Consumption - The Measure of Deep Rest[18:20] Testing Bliss Levels[20:03] Extended Meditation in Solitude[21:37] Sensory Deprivation as a Test, Not a Shortcut to Bliss[23:42] Left With Your Own Joy[25:27] Passing the Bliss Exam[26:45] The Bliss of Being Beyond RelativityUseful 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/

This podcast explores the origins and meaning of Ayurveda from a Sanskrit perspective. It discusses the subdivisions of the Veda and the significance of the Rigveda. The connection between Ayurveda and longevity is explored, along with a personal story of someone benefiting from Ayurvedic practices. It also delves into the idea of aporachea and the path to becoming a Rishi.

This podcast episode explores the idea of moving forward from a divorce or separation, challenging the notion of permanence in relationships. It emphasizes the importance of happiness and reframing life changes. The episode discusses the complexities of separation and divorce, and highlights the advantages of adapting to change and embracing divorce as an opportunity for personal transformation. It also explores the concept of baseline happiness and the advantage of Vedic meditators in crafting a positive narrative after change.

Discussions about the separation of artists and their art are not new. The subject has been discussed for centuries, usually in the context of legacy, but in recent times, and especially with the rise of cancel culture, the question more often comes up in relation to the behavior of an artist.Does the conduct of an artist negate the appreciability of their art?In this episode, Thom invites us to consider artworks from the perspective of Cosmic influence, and offers a simple measure we can use to assess what that level of influence might be.Episode Highlights:[00:45] What Are You?[02:52] Me-ness in Art[04:40] The Works of Something Deeper[06:37] Artistic Expression of the Unified Field of Consciousness[09:01] What Makes Some Art Forgettable?[10:13] Cosmic Influence in Art[12:33] When the Medium Becomes the Art[14:27] Cosmic and Individualistic Layers of ArtUseful 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 Knoles, a panel participant at a fundraiser for The Light Inside, discusses the impact of Vedic Meditation on inmates. The founder of The Light Inside, Joh Jarvis, shares the vision behind the organization. Rev. Dr. Michelle Anne Simmons talks about supporting women after they leave the prison system. The podcast explores teaching meditation in prisons and overcoming resistance. It also highlights the challenges of teaching in violent jails like Rikers Island.

Explore the Veda and transcend individuality through beja mantras and Vedic meditation. Understand the concept of a rishi and their connection to the unified field of consciousness. Learn about the laws of nature and designing happiness through exploring the Veda.

Explore how to approach the new year from an evolutionary perspective, setting ourselves up to be in sync with Nature’s expectations. Discover the importance of stability and adaptability in navigating change. Learn about the power of Vedic meditation and embracing change in the new age. Understand the significance of being proactive in creating progressive change.

Explore how our perception of time changes with age and how happier moments seem to pass quickly. Discover techniques to slow down the passage of time. Understand the concept of dark matter and its implications for our understanding of the universe. Learn the difference between surrendering and being passive, and how surrendering means acting on behalf of the bigger self.

Manifestation and charm are explored in this episode. The speaker emphasizes the importance of living in a state of enlightenment for fulfillment. The concept of charm is introduced as a compass for progressive change. Following charm is recommended for those who have transcended individuality through meditation.