"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 Mahamandaleshwar, Thom has a vast collection of stories to tell. In this episode, Thom shares a tiny sample from this vast collection, featuring swamis, snakes, Diet Coke, and more.
There are even more stories to come. If you’d like to be there and be a part of future adventures, Thom invites you to join him on his upcoming annual India retreat.
You can find out more at https://thomknoles.com/india-retreat/.
Episode Highlights
[00:45] A Visit from Swami Premananda
[05:40] Passing the Lunch Exam with the Shankaracharya and Some Swamis
[08:40] Eructations and Diet Coke
[10:27] The Shankaracharya’s Birthday Party
[12:37] Of Course He Has a Snake in His Hair!
[15:11] A Full Spectrum of Experiences Await in Rishikesh
Useful Links
https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoles
https://www.facebook.com/thethomknoles
https://www.youtube.com/c/thomknoles
https://thomknoles.com/ask-thom-anything/
Registration is now open for Thom’s only rounding retreat for 2026, in Sedona from May 21-25.
This is your one and only opportunity this year for deep rest, stress release and consciousness expansion through industrial-strength meditation, along with twice-daily knowledge sessions with Thom.
You’ll enjoy delicious retreat-friendly meals and the beauty and healing powers of the Red Rocks of Sedona.
Register before February 28th and you’ll save $500 on your retreat fee.
You can find out more at thomknoles.com/sedona.
