Vedic Worldview

Consciousness is spoken of in many different ways and contexts. Usually when we speak of consciousness, we know the meaning that’s being conveyed. But what exactly is consciousness? It’s both a philosophical and scientific question at the same time.  In this episode, Thom cuts through the philosophy to give us a pragmatic answer to the question. It’s an answer that lets us get on with the business...

How do children really experience their parents’ separation? In this episode, Thom explores why children are often far more adaptive to a family separation than adults assume, and how they unconsciously mirror the emotional state of their parents.  Drawing on the Vedic worldview, Thom explains why change is evolutionary, why staying together “for the children” can be harmful, and how honoring the...

Are events in life symbolic, or are they simply expressive moments within a vast, intelligent universe?  We humans love to make meaning of things, especially unusual events or mysterious dreams. Are we justified in doing so, or are we possibly distracting ourselves from what’s really going on around us? Once again, Thom offers a profound reframing of symbolism, dreaming, and the role of unbounded...

One of the biggest causes of suffering in our lives is the fact that nothing lasts forever. It’s not only true that all good things must come to an end, but all things must come to an end.  In this episode, Thom reminds us that Nature has the final say on what is, and what no longer is relevant in the natural process of evolution. Rather than resisting Nature’s timing, our suffering is reduced or...

In this episode, Thom shares the inspiration and urgency behind the creation of the recently launched Vyasanand Foundation. He explains why preserving the purity of Vedic Meditation, while making it accessible at scale, is essential for meeting the demands of our time.  Thom outlines the foundation’s twin priorities of teacher scholarships and scientific research, and reflects on Maharishi Mahesh...

Is it possible to escape the cycle of desire that keeps us bound? In this episode, Thom explores the subtle mechanics of kaṛma and the paradox of fulfillment, blending ancient wisdom with contemporary dilemmas.  Move beyond the myth of desire-free enlightenment and discover the true role desires play in moving us, often mysteriously, right where we need to be.  Prepare to step into a new understa...

What makes a thought or experience negative? And is it “bad” to have a negative thought or experience? Thom gives us food for thought in this episode, in response to a question from a guest at a recent retreat.  Using his own unusual childhood as a case study, Thom explains the distinction between content and context, and the role consciousness and Vedic Meditation have in helping us negate the ne...

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 e...

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:...

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 arrogan...

Does Vedic Meditation solve all our problems? And if it’s so good, why are some Vedic meditators less than perfect? In this Ask Thom Anything episode, Thom explores the impacts of Vedic Meditation in response to questions from listeners. Questions include: a query about the compatibility of Vedic Meditation with talk therapy; an investigation into the characteristics of Vedic meditators; and an en...

Ever felt like a fraud? Like any minute now you’ll be “found out”? In this episode of The Vedic Worldview, Thom Knoles unpacks the real cause of imposter syndrome and why false modesty isn’t the virtue we think it is. He reveals how subtle mistakes of the intellect keep us playing small and prevent us from expressing our full potential in the world. So, if you’ve ever questioned your worth or doub...

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...

Can we consciously design our next incarnation, or are we already doing it unwittingly? In this episode, Thom explores the Vedic and Buddhist perspectives on rebirth, fulfillment, and the trap of unfulfilled desire. Along the way, Thom shares a remarkable story of enlightenment and a cautionary tale from the Mahabharata that reveals how easily we can mistake desire for destiny. Listen as Thom expl...

Is sexuality a path to higher consciousness or a distraction dressed up as spirituality?  In this episode, Thom explores the Vedic view on sexual energy, why so-called “harnessing” may be the opposite of what you think, and the hidden cost of “chasing the active ingredient.“ Thom also flips manifestation on its head, revealing why desire follows what is already unfolding and how transcendence twic...

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]...

" 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 Maha...

What if the thing holding back our evolution wasn’t the Unviverse, but our alignment with it? In this Q&A episode, Thom explores the subtle early signal of misalignment, why formulaic living dulls creativity, and how the unknown became the forge of the human brain.  Thom also challenges us to make our behaviors more evolutionary, offers a cautionary message about our modern archives, and share...

One of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s most well-known insights was, “Problems are a state of consciousness.” In this episode, Thom shares a vivid example of how Maharishi embodied this truth, using a single, signature word to transform everyday challenges into masterclasses in perception, presence, and trust. Episode Highlights [00:45] Beautiful [03:04] An Excursion in Switzerland [05:50] Lost in Basel [...

This episode is a Questions Arising episode, where Thom answers questions from the previous episode on the relationship between Buddhism and the Vedic Worldview.  Thom explores how Buddhism and Vedanta view the Self, compassion, desire, and evolution differently, and why direct experience of transcendence changes everything. You can view Part One of this episode here .  Episode Highlights [00:45]...

Though Buddhism has spread far and wide and has taken on many different ‘flavors,’ its origins are from the heartland of the North Indian subcontinent, ensuring an inescapable link to the Vedic worldview. In this episode, Thom explores the birth story of Buddhism, and the similarities and differences between the Buddhist and Vedic worldviews.  It’s a fascinating insight, including an explanation o...

Do pillows have feelings? And how do we know when we’re helping versus interfering in the evolution of another? This Questions Arising episode follows on from the most recent episode on Refreshing One’s Dharma , in which Thom explored how we can position ourselves to be performing spontaneous right action in any given moment.  As always, Thom’s answers give clarity and the opportunity to understan...

Is your purpose something fixed, or does it evolve with every passing moment? In this episode, Part One of a two-part series, Thom explores the Vedic understanding of dharma , not as a grand life mission, but as spontaneous right action in real time.  Discover how our deepest sense of purpose emerges not through planning, but through presence, as well as the tool we can use to ensure we’re respons...

Vedic texts, apart from being full of wise insights and deep learning, are also highly entertaining tales. One of the most famous stories is that of The Ramayana , an epic that’s been told and retold for thousands of years. In this episode, Thom recounts his favorite scene from The Ramayana , sharing both the grand scale of the scene, and the significance to the storyline of the devotion and integ...

One of the many signs of self-realization, or spiritual progress, is a natural decline in attachment to having our desires fulfilled. Thom explored this in depth in an earlier episode on vairagya , or non-attachment. Ironically, another hallmark of self-realization is that our desires actually become more likely to be fulfilled. In this episode, Thom explores why that is, through the lens of punya...