Vedic Worldview
Religion & Spirituality
About
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
- How Can We Make Decisions During Challenging Times?
This episode of Vedic Worldview discusses making decisions during challenging times. Thom Knoles explains why nature does not concede and how disruption can be a part of the evolutionary process, offering a perspective on uncertainty and a…
- Ask Me Anything: Right vs Wrong, Good vs Evil
This episode of Vedic Worldview, titled "Ask Me Anything: Right vs Wrong, Good vs Evil," explores the Vedic perspective on right action, hesitation, evil, and demonic forces. It discusses how cosmic intelligence guides action and reframes…
- Pattern Recognition: The Hallmark of Wisdom
Thom Knoles explores the relationship between wisdom, pattern recognition, and the role of not knowing in life. Through the Vedic perspective, he discusses how surprise and uncertainty contribute to a meaningful and relational existence.
- Can Consciousness Evolve in an Inorganic Body?
Thom discusses whether consciousness can inhabit an inorganic body, exploring the intersection of Vedic knowledge, artificial intelligence, and human evolution. The episode touches on themes of transcendence, the nature of consciousness, a…
- Advanced Techniques: The Path to Accelerated Wisdom
Thom discusses how Advanced Techniques of Vedic Meditation help refine the senses to perceive emerging change and support wiser daily decision-making. The episode explores the relationship between transcendence, higher states of consciousn…
- An Invitation to Vedic Meditation Initiator Training 2027
In the 100th episode of The Vedic Worldview, Thom Knoles discusses the Vedic Meditation Initiator Training program. He explains the importance of preserving the tradition's purity and why a rigorous training approach is essential for those…
- Survival Consciousness vs Progress Consciousness
Thom Knoles discusses the distinction between survival consciousness and progress consciousness. He explores how prioritizing progress and evolution can transform survival into a secondary byproduct through higher states of consciousness.
- Reincarnation, Karma, Enlightenment and Punya
This episode explores reincarnation through the perspectives of karma, unfulfilled desires, and the Fulfillment Field of Vedic Meditation. It discusses the stages of enlightenment, the nature of punya (spiritual merit), and the necessity o…
- What Happens When the Body Dies?
Thom explores the Vedic perspective on death, emphasizing the integration of unbounded awareness into daily life and the concept of experiencing heaven through Cosmic Consciousness. The episode also covers topics like meditation, sleep, an…
- Is It OK To Leave a Child To Follow Your Calling?
Thom Knoles discusses the ethics of leaving a child to pursue a calling, framing the situation through the story of Buddha. The episode examines relationship transitions, the impact of parental decisions on children, and finding authentici…
- Ask Thom Anything - Rainbows, Young Meditators, Soma Bandits, Moksha & Nirvana
In this episode, Thom answers questions about Vedic wisdom, including the significance of rainbows, inspiring young people to meditate, understanding 'soma bandits,' and the technical distinctions between moksha and nirvana.
- Can Individuals Relieve Suffering in the World?
Thom Knoles discusses how individuals can impact world suffering by focusing first on ending their own personal suffering through Vedic Meditation. He explains how personal alignment with the Unified Field can help reverse patterns of nega…
- Boundaries vs Boundlessness: From Repetitive Thinking to True Freedom
Thom Knoles discusses the balance between necessary boundaries and the limitation of restrictive routines. He explores how cultivating unboundedness can refresh the nervous system and enhance communication and empathy in relationships.
- What's It Like On A Retreat With Thom Knoles?
This bonus episode offers a preview of Thom Knoles' retreats, featuring intimate stories and discussions not featured on the podcast. Listeners are invited to join an upcoming rounding retreat in Sedona, Arizona, scheduled for May 2026.
- Good Vibrations
Thom Knoles explores the concepts of vibration and frequency through the lens of physics and thermodynamics. He explains how peace and coherence emerge from reducing excitation rather than seeking to raise it.
- Rethinking Productivity: Process vs Outcome
Thom Knoles discusses how prioritizing a healthy process, mission, and inner stillness can lead to more meaningful and sustainable productivity. The episode explores the relationship between organizational health, Vedic meditation, and the…
- Preyas and Shreyas: Balancing Short-term Pleasure with Long-term Good
Thom Knoles discusses the concepts of Preyas (short-term pleasure) and Shreyas (long-term good) and their implications for human evolution. The episode also addresses freeze reactivity and the role of Vedic Meditation in managing neurochem…
- Consciousness Is...
In this episode, Thom addresses the philosophical and scientific nature of consciousness, offering a pragmatic perspective on understanding and increasing one's capacity for it. He discusses topics including the relationship between consci…
- How to Guide Children Through Parent and Partner Breakups
Thom discusses how children experience parental separation through the lens of the Vedic worldview. He covers the importance of honoring the other parent and why remaining in a relationship solely for the children may be counterproductive.
- Symbolism in Waking and Dreaming Consciousness
Thom Knoles discusses the nature of symbolism in daily life, the relationship between coincidences and reality, and the Vedic perspective on dreaming and unbounded awareness.
- When Is The Right Time To Let Go?
Thom Knoles discusses the natural process of evolution, explaining that embracing Nature's timing regarding what comes to an end can reduce or eliminate suffering. The episode explores the role of Vedic meditation in identifying irrelevanc…
- The Vyasanand Foundation: Expanding Human Consciousness Worldwide
Thom discusses the creation of the Vyasanand Foundation, focusing on the importance of preserving Vedic Meditation and scaling its reach. He outlines the foundation's goals, including scientific research, teacher scholarships, and fosterin…
- The Bond Between Kaṛma and Desire
Thom explores the relationship between karma and desire, discussing how they connect to fulfillment and agency. The episode examines the role of desire in human experience and addresses questions about the nature of enlightenment.
- Coping with Negativity: Content, Context and Consciousness
Thom Knoles discusses the nature of negative thoughts and experiences, explaining the distinction between content and context. He explores how consciousness and Vedic Meditation can help manage negativity using his own childhood experience…
- The Vedic Perspective on Surrender and Letting Go
Thom Knoles explores the Vedic perspective on surrender and letting go, describing them as the natural, effortless movement of the mind toward greater charm. The episode explains how Vedic Meditation helps remove unnecessary tenacity to fa…
- Saṃskaras and Smritis: The Cause and the Remedy for Our Mistaken Identity
Thom discusses the concepts of saṃskaras and smritis in the context of Vedic Meditation and personal identity. The episode explores how individuals can release the influence of their past to realize their true nature as totality.
- My Maharishi: Next
Thom Knoles recounts a formative experience during his time with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, where an embarrassing situation taught him valuable lessons about humility and arrogance. He explores how taking action can help overcome self-doubt an…
- The Impacts of Vedic Meditation: Your Questions Answered
In this episode of Vedic Worldview, Thom answers listener questions regarding Vedic Meditation. Topics covered include the practice's compatibility with talk therapy, the behavior of practitioners, and its effectiveness compared to other s…
- The Arrogance of Imposter Syndrome
Thom Knoles explores the causes of imposter syndrome and the role of false modesty in limiting personal potential. This episode examines the nature of the intellect and provides a perspective on recognizing one's true self to overcome self…
- What’s the Relationship Between Consciousness and Matter?
Thom Knoles explores the relationship between consciousness and matter, discussing the material universe, the state of unity consciousness, and the role of Vedic meditation in enhancing sensory perception.
- Can We Engineer Our Incarnations in Advance?
Thom Knoles discusses Vedic and Buddhist perspectives on reincarnation, examining whether it is possible to consciously design future incarnations. He explores the nature of desire and its relationship to fulfillment, enlightenment, and th…
- The Vedic Worldview on Sexual Energy as a Manifestation Technique
Thom discusses the Vedic perspective on sexual energy, the misconceptions surrounding attempts to harness it, and the nature of desire in relation to manifestation and transcendence.
- The Vedic Approach to Work-Life Balance
Thom Knoles discusses the Vedic perspective on work-life balance, exploring how work and free time can be integrated. He also examines how Vedic meditation can influence brain function and personal happiness in the workplace.
- Adventures with Thom in India
Thom Knoles shares stories from his decades of travel to India, including experiences with swamis and local traditions. He also invites listeners to join his upcoming annual India retreat.
- Questions About Evolution
Thom Knoles answers audience questions regarding human evolution, the impact of formulaic thinking, and the role of the unknown in brain development. The episode also discusses the nature of Vedic meditation and the importance of human con…
- My Maharishi - My Fondest Memory of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Thom Knoles shares a personal memory of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, illustrating the principle that problems are a state of consciousness through a specific experience in Switzerland. The episode examines how Maharishi's perspective transformed…
- The Relationship Between Buddhism and the Vedic Worldview - Part Two - Questions Arising
Thom discusses the relationship between Buddhism and the Vedic Worldview, addressing questions on the Self, compassion, desire, and evolution. He explains how direct experience of transcendence influences these worldviews.
- The Relationship Between Buddhism and the Vedic Worldview - Part One
In this episode of Vedic Worldview, Thom examines the historical origins of Buddhism in North India and its connections to the Vedic tradition. He explores the similarities, differences, and key philosophical divergences between the two wo…
- Refreshing One’s Dharma - Part Two - Questions Arising
In this episode, Thom addresses listener questions regarding the balance between helping others and accepting them, spontaneous action, and the possibility of unity with inanimate objects. It follows a previous discussion on refreshing one…
- Refreshing One’s Dharma - Part One
In this first part of a two-part series, Thom discusses the Vedic perspective on dharma as spontaneous right action rather than a fixed life mission. He explores how presence and consciousness influence our ability to respond to the changi…
- A Display of Devotion - My Favorite Scene in The Ramayana
In this episode of Vedic Worldview, Thom discusses The Ramayana, sharing one of his favorite scenes from the epic. He explores the significance of devotion and integrity within the story, while also considering themes of storytelling and c…
- Punya - A Reflection of Self-Realization
Thom Knoles discusses the Vedic concept of punya and its role in the fulfillment of desires as a sign of self-realization. The episode explores how spiritual progress relates to cosmic intelligence, consciousness, and the support of nature.
- My Maharishi - Changing the World at 30,000 Feet
Thom Knoles shares anecdotes about Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and discusses the importance of taking individual responsibility to create change in the world. The episode also explores how to grow in stability and engagement while addressing aud…
- Commandments, Charm vs Intuition, Déjà vu
Thom Knoles discusses listeners' questions regarding commandments, the nature of charm versus intuition, and the phenomenon of déjà vu from a Vedic perspective. The episode explores how these concepts relate to daily life and the experienc…
- The Peculiar Idea of Conscience
Thom explores the relationship between character and conscience, discussing how the Vedic worldview offers methods to refine discernment and character traits through meditation.
- How to Find Your Soulmate
Thom Knoles explores the concept of soulmates and challenges the idea of finding fulfillment through a single destined partner. He discusses self-realization as a path to guaranteed fulfillment in relationships.
- An Invitation to Become an Initiator of Vedic Meditation
In this bonus episode, Thom invites Vedic Meditators to apply for his 2026 Initiator Training program in India. The episode details the 12-week training designed to qualify participants as teachers of Vedic Meditation, offering mastery of…
- Veda Vyasa: The Cosmic Storyteller
Thom discusses the life and work of Veda Vyasa, the master responsible for organizing and preserving much of the Vedic literature. The episode includes an exploration of Vyasa's contributions, the significance of his epics, and answers to…
- Jai Guru Deva - Respect and Gratitude for Learning Anything From Anything
Thom Knoles explains the meaning and significance of the phrase Jai Guru Deva. He discusses it as a practice of reflecting on and showing gratitude for life's learning experiences.
- The Good News About Climate Change
In this episode of Vedic Worldview, recorded in Sydney, Thom Knoles discusses climate change by balancing scientific understanding with ancient wisdom. He offers an optimistic perspective on environmental challenges and the role of adaptat…