Vedic Worldview
Thom Knoles, a philosopher and educator, shares insights and wisdom to support personal evolution, drawing on the ancient Vedic tradition and cognitive sciences. He explores the connection between quantum physics and human consciousness, offering practical guidance on Vedic Meditation. With over five decades of teaching experience, he brings a deep understanding of these timeless teachings to a modern audience.
Episodes
What Is Navaratri Sharad? The Nine Nights of Mother Divine
What could be more worthy of a twice-yearly celebration lasting nine nights and ten days than the celebration of Mother Divine herself? In this bonus episode, coinciding with the festival of Navaratri Sharad: The Nine Nights of Mother Divine, Thom explores the meaning and significance of the event, describing Maha Durga Devi as the protective, active expression of Mother Divine who observ
From Journalist to Meditation Teacher: Joh Jarvis's Journey, Part 1
How can a piece of advice unsettle a life that seems already established? In this first installment of a three-part conversation, Thom Knoles and Joh Jarvis, a fellow Vedic Meditation teacher, look back on their first meetings, Joh’s years as a journalist in Australia, and the unexpected suggestion that led her to New York City. Joh reflects on meditation, becoming a Vedic Meditation teac
Ask Thom Anything: Ego, Reincarnation, and Tough Love
Is the problem ego, or our misunderstanding of it? In this Ask Me Anything episode, Thom responds to three big questions: how to balance eliminating the ego with having a healthy self esteem, whether consciousness can move backward through time, and how compassion differs from enabling. Along the way, he connects self-esteem, spiritual evolution, past lives, and compassionate boundaries t
Why You Feel Alone Even When You’re Connected
It's never been easier to connect with others yet loneliness is reportedly the fastest-growing epidemic worldwide. In this episode, Thom explores why human beings are built for proximity, how consciousness affects us in subtle ways, and why technology cannot fully replace the richness of physical presence. He also expands the conversation beyond human interaction alone, pointing to a livi
Living Abundance Sedona Retreat Preview
What if abundance begins when we stop assuming everything is running out? In this short bonus episode of The Vedic Worldview Podcast, Thom previews his upcoming Living Abundance retreat in Sedona and explores why certainty has to be internalized rather than extracted from an ever-changing world. He reflects on unboundedness, spiritual evolution, and a deeper view of the Self as the basis
The Real Danger of AI: Why Fear Is the Problem
Are fears about AI justified, or is it fear itself that's the problem? In this episode, Thom puts today’s anxiety about artificial intelligence into a much larger context, from thermonuclear war to the Vedic understanding of consciousness itself. He explores why fear is the real danger, how Vedic Meditation helps stabilize awareness, and what it means to participate fully in life without
How to Be an Extraordinary Human Being Pt 2
What if becoming extraordinary has less to do with certainty and more to do with your capacity to move with the unknown? In this episode, Part Two of a two part series (Listen to or watch Part One here if you haven't already) Thom responds to retreat questions about charm, long-term planning, chaotic times, collective consciousness, and how to make a meaningful contribution in a suffering
How to Be an Extraordinary Human Being Pt 1
What if safety is not found in the familiar, but in our willingness to move into the unknown? In this episode, Thom explores why the ever-repeating known leads to stagnation, while greater context, transcendence, and Vedic Meditation awaken more of our human potential. From brain power and stress to evolution, ancestry, and consciously designed change, he offers a grounded Vedic perspecti
The True Source of Toxicity
We're often told that we live in a world full of toxic behaviour, but is it the world that's toxic or is it our view of it that gives it a toxic flavor? In this episode, Thom explores the true source of toxicity: the stress we carry that makes us sensitive to the inputs from the outside world. As always Thom has a solution that allows us to remove those stresses and develop the resilience
Dopamine: A Product of Human Experience
What if the real problem with dopamine is not too little or too much, but the modern urge to treat it as the source of human experience rather than its product? In this episode, Thom explores the Western fixation on active ingredients, from neurochemicals to nutrition to pleasure, and contrasts it with the Vedic understanding that Nature knows how to restore balance when consciousness set
The Purpose of Creation: Why Consciousness Becomes a Story
If Oneness is our natural state, why does life unfold through uncertainty, limitation, and change? In response to a listener's question, Thom explores why the Unified Field becomes manifest, and why creation expresses itself through sequence, variety, and storyline. Using Homer's Odyssey and the metaphor of the bow, he shows how pure potential becomes lived experience, and why not knowing
Building Community Through Vedic Meditation: A Conversation with Barron Hanson
Can a regional town become a living experiment in collective consciousness? In this conversation, Thom speaks with fellow Vedic Meditation Initiator, Barron Hanson about returning home to Nowra, in Australia, teaching Vedic Meditation in a regional community, and creating the Here in Nowra festival as a gathering point for meditators from around the world. They explore the effect of susta
Dhanur Veda: The Forgotten Art of Diplomacy
What creates diplomacy, and why does it seem so absent when societies need it most? Thom explores Dhanur Veda, the Vedic body of knowledge concerned with governance, diplomacy, defense, and the awakening of collective potential. He explains why the Vedic approach is diagnostic rather than prescriptive, and why lasting change begins not with controlling behavior, but with raising conscious
The Masters of the Shankaracharya Tradition Part 2
Why would a naked yogi be received as a blessing, and why would a great master decline a title others might revere? In this second part of the two-part Masters of the Tradition series (watch or listen to Part 1 here), Thom answers questions about Shukadeva, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the place of women in the tradition, and the meaning behind Guru Deva's throne and parasol. Along the way, he
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and the Masters of the Tradition, Part 1
What keeps a body of knowledge alive across thousands of years without losing its purity? In this first part of a two-part series, Thom traces the Guru Parampara, the lineage of the Shankaracharya tradition, from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and Guru Deva back through Vyasa, Shankara, and the ancient masters who carried Vedic knowledge forward. Along the way, he explores why preserving the purit
Ravana: The Essential Villain, Part 2
There's never any shortage of characters on the world stage who demonstrate what appear to be anti-evolutionary behaviors, but what if the very forces that seem to obstruct life are part of what drives its evolution? In this follow-up episode on Ravana, the essential villain (you can find the first episode here), Thom responds to listener questions about adversity, the severity of rishis
Ravana: The Essential Villain Part 1
What if the villain is not outside evolution, but part of what gives it shape? In this first episode of a two-part exploration, Thom uses the characters of Ravana and Rama, from the epic Ramayana, to unpack Vedic mythos, dharma, and the surprising role of the antagonist in the unfoldment of consciousness. Along the way, he reframes mythology not as fantasy or fallacy, but as a way profoun
Ask Thom Anything: Apology, Higher Consciousness, and Past Lives
Have we met before? Is it possible to be over apologetic? And if Cosmic Consciousness is so special, then what's the function of God Consciousness and Unity Consciousness? In this Ask Thom Anything episode, Thom responds to guest questions on when an apology is appropriate, how Cosmic Consciousness differs from God Consciousness and Unity Consciousness, and whether past-life connections c
The Root Cause of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Does Nature really need us to organize forest floors? And do we all suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) to some extent? We often think of OCD as being a personal affliction, but as Thom explains in this episode, it's much broader than that, reflecting a general lack of trust in Nature's organizing power. Thom explores OCD through the lenses of entropy, control, addiction, and
What Are the Signs of Expanding Consciousness?
What if spiritual progress becomes clearest when you stop trying to measure it? In this episode of The Vedic Worldview, Thom explores why enlightenment is not an individual achievement but a gradual expansion of Universal Consciousness through the individual.He describes the signs of growing consciousness, from moments of inner silence to greater adaptability, rapid recovery, and a quiete
The Life and Legacy of Anandamayi Ma
How does one describe a person whose presence alone seemed to transform everyone around her? In this episode, Thom shares the story of Anandamayi Ma, the Bliss Permeated Mother, and reflects on why she was regarded by so many as a living embodiment of The Divine. Through personal memory, Vedic insight, and vivid detail, he offers a portrait of a woman whose influence reached across India
Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) Through the Vedic Worldview
What if post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, is shaped not only by what happened, but by how much adaptation energy we had when it happened? In this episode, Thom explores stress, premature cognitive commitment, and why seemingly unrelated triggers can keep past overload alive in the nervous system. Thom also explains how Vedic Meditation helps dissolve accumulated stress and responds to
My Maharishi - The Best Advice I Ever Received
What if the best advice you ever receive sets you up to walk straight into danger? In this episode, Thom shares why meeting Maharishi Mahesh Yogi personally changed the course of his life, and how following that guidance led him into the middle of political unrest in The Philippines.What unfolds is a remarkable account of trust, action, and the role meditation can play in cooling collecti
Grace and Devotion on the Path to Unity Consciousness
Grace and devotion are often seen as qualities we need to embody for our spiritual progress, but are they a cause or an effect? In this episode, Thom responds to a guest question about grace and devotion, clarifying the Vedic view of omnipresence, the role of devotion, and why Unity lies beyond the experience of self and Other.It is a thoughtful exploration of evolutionary progress, deep
Ask Me Anything: Time, Evolution, God, Pain, and Artificial Intelligence
What if time is not an objective force, but a function of consciousness? In this Ask Thom Anything episode, Thom explores the Vedic view of time, the deeper meaning of evolution, whether God can feel individual pain, and how to think about artificial intelligence without fear or fantasy.Along the way, he returns again and again to a central Vedic question: who is the "I" having the experi
How Can We Make Decisions During Challenging Times?
Decisions can be difficult to make even at the best of times, but during times of upheaval, even more so. In this episode, Thom explains why Nature doesn't make concessions, and that the same rules apply, whether we're under pressure or not.Thom describes why disruption is not necessarily a mistake in the evolutionary process, and why our search for guarantees can keep us stuck in the eve
Ask Me Anything: Right vs Wrong, Good vs Evil
What if right and wrong are not fixed rules, but questions of consciousness and timing? In this Ask Thom Anything episode, Thom responds to questions about right action, hesitation, evil, and so-called demonic forces, reframing them through the Vedic worldview. From Arjuna on the battlefield to the image of becoming a river rather than the landscape, he explores how Cosmic Intelligence, n
Pattern Recognition: The Hallmark of Wisdom
The ability to know what the future might hold can seem pretty compelling, but what if it has a downside?In this episode, in answer to a question from a guest on a retreat, Thom explores why wisdom is not always an abundance of knowledge, but the ability to move between broad context and intimate human experience.Through the lenses of dharma, avidya, and pattern recognition, Thom reveals
Can Consciousness Evolve in an Inorganic Body?
What if consciousness is not something a body produces, but something that nothing can avoid?In this episode, Thom explores whether an inorganic body could host consciousness, and what Vedic knowledge reveals about evolution, enlightenment, and the future of intelligence.Thom challenges familiar assumptions about machines, suffering, war, and the role of transcendence in human progress. L
Advanced Techniques: The Path to Accelerated Wisdom
What if mere transcendence is only the beginning of what meditation can reveal about the world around you?In this episode, Thom explains how Advanced Techniques of Vedic Meditation refine the senses so you can notice change as it is emerging, rather than only after it has arrived. It's a skill that doesn't just provide hints about the future in the making, but one which supports wiser cho
An Invitation to Vedic Meditation Initiator Training 2027
We celebrate this, the 100th episode of The Vedic Worldview, by covering one of Thom’s favorite subjects, Vedic Meditation Initiator Training.Building on the last episode, Become a Teacher of Vedic Meditation, Thom explains why his training is the ultimate path for anyone considering becoming a Vedic Meditation Initiator.While there are many more trainings available than there were just a
Survival Consciousness vs Progress Consciousness
What if survival is not the starting point but the byproduct? In this episode, Thom explores why progress and evolution must come first, and how "Big Consciousness" turns survival into a natural side effect rather than a desperate project. Along the way, he unpacks the Committee on Darkness, the difference between dog consciousness and elephant consciousness, and why hesitation makes Natu
Reincarnation, Karma, Enlightenment and Punya
Following the last episode, "What Happens When the Body Dies," this week's episode, explores the continuation of the cycle of birth and death: reincarnation through the lens of karma, unfulfilled desires, and the Fulfillment Field revealed in Vedic Meditation. He explains the stages of enlightenment, why heaven on Earth requires a body, and how punya, or spiritual merit, reflects our real
What Happens When the Body Dies?
Body death causes a lot of fear for most people. It’s a subject that’s been speculated about since we first sat around campfires together millenia ago. In this episode, Thom gives a comforting explanation of the Vedic worldview on death, including the possibility that heaven is not something postponed until after death, but something that can be lived now, through Cosmic Consciousness.Rat
Is It OK To Leave a Child To Follow Your Calling?
A father feels called to leave his child and follow a deeper purpose. In this Vedic Worldview episode, Thom explores what many might call abandonment through the story of Buddha and reframes it as an evolutionary phase transition in consciousness. Along the way, Thom unpacks how relationships evolve, why some marriages end, and what children really absorb when parents try to "protect" the
Ask Thom Anything - Rainbows, Young Meditators, Soma Bandits, Moksha & Nirvana
Rainbows, youth, soma bandits and liberation – in this Ask Me Anything episode, Thom unpacks how Vedic wisdom sees everyday life, from Indra dhanush rainbows to the way attention is stolen and spent.Thom speaks directly to young people about avoiding a “stress‑bag” future and choosing a different destiny through Vedic Meditation.Thom also clarifies the Vedic meaning of soma bandits and of
Can Individuals Relieve Suffering in the World?
Is it really possible for one person to make a dent in the suffering of the world? In this episode Thom explains why the most powerful contribution begins with ending our own suffering and aligning with the Unified Field through Vedic Meditation. He traces the way everyday gossip, blame and negativity ripple out into global conflict, and how twenty four hour bliss quietly reverses that tr
Boundaries vs Boundlessness: From Repetitive Thinking to True Freedom
It’s very fashionable to talk about boundaries, especially in the context of relationships or expectations of others. One could argue that boundaries are useful, but once they become a cage, they become a problem.In this episode, Thom unpacks the difference between living inside sharp routines and cultivating real unboundedness, the kind that actually refreshes the nervous system and expa
Good Vibrations
In spiritual circles it’s very trendy to speak of “raising frequency” or accessing “higher vibrations,” but what if higher vibration isn’t mystical at all, but a precise description of physics at work?In this episode, Thom explores how order, coherence, and peace naturally emerge when we reduce excitation, rather than seek to raise it.Drawing on the laws of thermodynamics, Thom demystifie
Rethinking Productivity: Process vs Outcome
Productivity is often seen as the holy grail of business success. Though organizations obsess over productivity gains, often they miss the fact that these gains come with a hidden cost.In this episode, Thom explores why healthy mission, creativity, and inner stillness are not distractions from productivity, but its deepest source.When work feels meaningful, participation becomes voluntary
Preyas and Shreyas: Balancing Short-term Pleasure with Long-term Good
Delayed gratification is often touted as one of the secrets to a fulfilling life. The famous marshmallow experiment concluded that children who were able to delay the reward of a marshmallow for a larger reward of more marshmallows had better outcomes later in life.But is this really the case? Are we actually better off favoring long-term good over short-term pleasure?In this episode, Tho
Consciousness Is...
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 b
How to Guide Children Through Parent and Partner Breakups
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 honor
Symbolism in Waking and Dreaming Consciousness
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 unb
When Is The Right Time To Let Go?
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 red
The Vyasanand Foundation: Expanding Human Consciousness Worldwide
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
The Bond Between Kaṛma and Desire
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 u
Coping with Negativity: Content, Context and Consciousness
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 Vedic Perspective on Surrender and Letting Go
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
Saṃskaras and Smritis: The Cause and the Remedy for Our Mistaken Identity
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 Highlight
My Maharishi: Next
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
The Impacts of Vedic Meditation: Your Questions Answered
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; an
The Arrogance of Imposter Syndrome
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
What’s the Relationship Between Consciousness and Matter?
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 Uni
Can We Engineer Our Incarnations in Advance?
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 Th
The Vedic Worldview on Sexual Energy as a Manifestation Technique
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 transcenden
The Vedic Approach to Work-Life Balance
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:
Adventures with Thom in India
"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
Questions About Evolution
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, an
My Maharishi - My Fondest Memory of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
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 Bas
The Relationship Between Buddhism and the Vedic Worldview - Part Two - Questions Arising
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:
The Relationship Between Buddhism and the Vedic Worldview - Part One
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 explan
Refreshing One’s Dharma - Part Two - Questions Arising
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 und
Refreshing One’s Dharma - Part One
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
A Display of Devotion - My Favorite Scene in The Ramayana
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
Punya - A Reflection of Self-Realization
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 o
My Maharishi - Changing the World at 30,000 Feet
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was renowned as a man of small stature who made a big impact. His tireless commitment and the legacy of his work will be felt for millennia, not only for the meditation technique he shared with the world, but also for bringing Vedic wisdom to life for everyone to enjoy.He was also known for holding high expectations of those around him. In this episode, Thom shares a
Commandments, Charm vs Intuition, Déjà vu
Vedic Meditation isn’t just about creating a couple of spaces in the day to enjoy some peace and tranquility. In fact, we are less interested in what happens during our meditation than what happens outside of our meditation. In this episode, Thom answers questions from listeners about commandments, charm, and déjà vu, which speak to the change of experience we can expect in day-to-day lif
The Peculiar Idea of Conscience
One of the curious aspects of human nature is how widely our consciences can vary. Some people feel uneasy even after doing something relatively harmless, while others can commit truly terrible acts without their conscience so much as flinching.In this episode, Thom explores how character forms the foundation of our conscience, while personality expresses it.Thankfully, the Vedic worldvie
How to Find Your Soulmate
The idea that there can be a soulmate, a single person out there who is destined to bring fulfillment and who can promise a happily-ever-after ending, is a story that’s been told for millennia.While it’s a compelling proposition, it’s actually based on a fundamental misunderstanding. Thom uncovers that misunderstanding in this episode, but he delivers a more compelling proposition in its
An Invitation to Become an Initiator of Vedic Meditation
In this bonus episode, Thom extends an invitation for Vedic Meditators worldwide to attend Thom’s Initiator Training program in 2026, to become a fully qualified teacher of Vedic Meditation.For a Vedic Meditator, there is no greater level of knowledge, experience, capability, and standing available in our worldwide community than what is conferred by graduation from Thom’s Initiator Train
Veda Vyasa: The Cosmic Storyteller
Modern day students have a great debt of gratitude to the Vedic masters who have captured and preserved Vedic wisdom for millennia, making it available for us to apply to our lives today.One of the most prolific of these masters is Veda Vyasa, who is recognized as being responsible for documenting as much as three quarters of the Vedic literature, and organizing, or “sequencing” it, in su
Jai Guru Deva - Respect and Gratitude for Learning Anything From Anything
Regular listeners to the podcast are well familiar with the term Jai Guru Deva, which Thom says on most podcasts at least once or twice. But what does this phrase mean?In this podcast, Thom explains the literal translation of the terms and its significance to those who say it. As you will hear, far from being a platitude, it’s an invitation for those who say it and those who hear it, to r
The Good News About Climate Change
Are we too late to do anything about climate change? Many would argue that that’s the case, but are we even asking the right questions?In this episode, recorded live in Sydney, Australia, in answer to a question from an audience member, Thom offers a more optimistic perspective about climate change than we might usually find.Thom provides a framework for thinking about our environmental c
The Role of the Garden of Eden in the Cosmic Storyline
One thing that separates humans from other species is our ability, and in some cases our need, to have origin stories to explain who we are, how we got here, and what we should or shouldn’t be doing.One of the most widespread of these stories is the Garden of Eden, with God, Adam and Eve taking starring roles, and the serpent in the supporting role. In this episode, Thom takes a connotati
Transcending Co-dependence
We often celebrate codependence in nature, such as bees pollinating flowers and receiving nectar as their reward, yet when it comes to codependence in human relationships, it’s frequently seen as a problem that needs to be fixed.In this episode, Thom gives us fresh perspectives on codependence, inviting us to celebrate our dependence on each other, while at the same time, learning to reco
Vairagya - Spontaneous Non-attachment
Detachment is frequently sold as a necessary step for spiritual progress. We’re taught that attachment is often the root of our suffering, so it stands to reason therefore, that detachment will bring about the opposite of suffering.But as Thom explains in this podcast episode, it’s an understandable yet inaccurate conclusion that actually causes more suffering.Thom brings clarity to the s
How to Take Control of Your Life
Many would be forgiven for thinking we don’t have much control over our circumstances in life or how we feel about them. At times it might feel like someone or something else is pulling the strings and we simply have to do our best to play along.The Vedic worldview has a very different perspective, which Thom outlines in detail in this podcast episode. Looking through the lens of “locus o
Introducing Shri 1008 Mahamandaleshwar Maharishi Vyasanand Giri Maharaj
Vedic Meditation is rooted in an ancient Indian tradition that has preserved Vedic wisdom for millennia. The Shankaracharya Tradition, like many others, has senior custodians who ensure this wisdom remains both pure and relevant.In January 2025, Thom was honored with a role as one of these custodians, a distinction never before granted to a non-Indian. In this episode, Thom shares the sto
My Maharishi - Before He Met His Master
In this episode of the Vedic Worldview, Thom delves into the life and journey of his spiritual master, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, before Maharishi met his own master, Swami Bramhananda Saraswati, revered as Guru Deva.The narrative follows Maharishi’s initial resistance to a conventional life, his commitment to spirituality, and his eventual acceptance into the spiritual fold after completing
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