Shows
The People Leaders PodcastCombating Workplace Stress with Vedic Meditation: An Interview with Brett JarmanWorkplace stress, resilience, psychological safety… These are all buzzwords that have gained increasing attention in recent years. And rightly so. We spend a huge proportion of our time at the workplace, so it’s critical that we do our best to keep stress to a minimum.But who is actually responsible for this? Our guest on the podcast this week says the burden of responsibility is shared, and proposes meditation as a solution that can have a huge impact on stress, not just from within the workplace, but also the stresses that naturally make their way into the w...2024-10-3129 min
Vedic WorldviewThe Importance of Puja to Vedic MeditationFew would argue that we often lack reverence in modern day-to-day living. Toasts are given and glasses are raised, often at the drop of a hat. Families might go for years without even sitting at the same table for a meal, let alone saying grace or giving thanks for a shared meal and loving company.One notable exception to this trend is the use of Puja when a student of Vedic Meditation receives their mantra. It’s a beautiful and important tradition that any committed teacher of Vedic Meditation takes seriously.In this epi...2022-04-2518 minVedic WorldviewAsk Me Anything - Parenting SolutionsFew situations make us second guess ourselves more than those that we come across as parents or guardians of children.In this episode, Thom provides some guidance for parents who face some fairly typical situations, balancing the needs of their children with their own self care, as well as one parent facing a parent’s worst-case scenario, a child at risk of taking their own life.Rather than being prescriptive about what each parent ‘should do’ in relation to their child, this episode is a reminder that Vedic Meditation is ‘a tool in our parenting quiver’...2022-04-1825 minVedic WorldviewWhat is Consciousness?What is consciousness? Well, the ultimate answer to this question is, ‘everything,’ but, ironically, our ability to understand this depends on our own level of consciousness.In other words, our ability to truly understand what consciousness is, relies on consciousness itself and our experience of it. And by the time we get to the point where we actually understand the answer to the question, the question becomes irrelevant. The good news is, we have a simple technique at our disposal, Vedic Meditation, which gives us an experience of Pure Consciousness on a regular basis. And even...2022-04-1113 minVedic WorldviewLove is a Self-Referral PhenomenonNone of us can imagine a world without love, but how many of us actually know what love truly is? Is it the romantic, idealized love that we see in story and song all around us, or is there something deeper, something ‘richer’ than what we’ve been ‘sold’ over the centuries.As you would expect, the Vedic worldview holds that there is something deeper and richer to love than that which the vast majority of us experience.Ironically, the thing that prevents us from experiencing true love for others, is the lack of Self lov...2022-04-0451 minVedic WorldviewMy Maharishi - The Beginning at RameshwaramThom’s master, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, is responsible for millions of people around the world taking up the meditation technique we now refer to as Vedic Meditation, but which Maharishi originally referred to as ‘The Grace of Guru Deva.’What few people realise though, is that Maharishi never set out with a specific intention to share the technique with anyone, let alone share it with millions around the world.In this episode, Thom shares the origin story of the meditation technique that changed the world, a story that began with a one word thought, ‘Rameshwaram.’Episo...2022-03-2820 minVedic WorldviewSpirituality vs Money, Tradition of Vedic Meditation, Dharma and Self ExpressionThe spotlight in this Ask Me Anything episode is on spiritual life…Is spiritual life compatible with earning money? (Spoiler alert: the answer is a resounding yes).Is the tradition of Vedic Meditation truly ancient? (Also yes).And what’s the relationship between Dharma and self expression? (No spoiler alert for this one).The underlying message in all of Thom’s answers in this episode, is the importance of Self referral. Too often we’re influenced by the thinking of others, whether they be those closest to us, or in the br...2022-03-2119 minVedic WorldviewVedic Meditation vs. Detached or Dissociative StatesHumans have a natural tendency to try to explain phenomena outside of our experience from within a limited understanding of the ways in which the world works. We’ll theorize about an event or situation to reassure ourselves that we know what’s going on, when in fact we may not.Vedic meditators sometimes find themselves on the receiving end of such behavior. Through regular practice of meditation, they don’t just transcend thinking, but they also transcend ‘normal’ responses to situations. They become less ‘reactive’ to situations that others might find stressful and are generally less affected by th...2022-03-1420 minVedic WorldviewThe Fundamentals of Being an Agent of Progressive Change (Pace Gallery Lecture)You’ll need a pen and paper, and zero distractions, for this episode, which is nothing less than a masterclass in evolution. Delivered in front of a live audience, at the Pace Gallery in New York City in 2021, Thom explains what an ‘agent of progressive change’ is, and why it’s incumbent on us to step up to the plate and take on that role for ourselves.More than just a call to arms, it’s a practical ‘workshop’ covering the five fundamental elements of being an agent of progressive change. If you truly want to acc...2022-03-0755 minVedic WorldviewAlcohol and Vedic Meditation Part 2With alcohol being so prevalent in society, it takes more than one episode of the podcast to cover questions on the subject adequately. In this episode, Thom explores the question of being able to replicate the effects of alcohol ‘naturally,’ and explains the difference between alcohol and drugs or spirit medicine in this regard.He discusses references in Vedic texts to alcohol, and how to distinguish between actual references to alcohol and metaphorical references to the effects of ‘Soma’ in the body.Lastly, the role of Vedic Meditation in helping someone attain sobriety is covere...2022-02-2835 minVedic WorldviewCommuning With the Dead, Fear of Dying, Post-Death TransitionsDeath and dying is the common thread of this, another Ask Me Anything episode.Having already embraced the Vedic worldview as it relates to death, two of our listeners pose questions about relating with loved ones who are no longer in the body they knew them to have. Thom’s replies provide reassurance to all of us, and remind us that we already have the skills necessary to maintain relationships and cope with transitions that come about through the body death of those that we love.And another listener, who has overcome a fea...2022-02-2119 minVedic WorldviewMy Maharishi - RelationshipsThe messaging around relationships can be somewhat strained when Valentine’s Day rolls around each year. Today’s episode is a breath of fresh air though, as Thom shares with us some of the wisdom about relationships that he picked up from his 25+ years with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.This wisdom can be applied to all relationships, romantic or otherwise, and begins with the importance of understanding the consciousness of those to whom we wish to relate with. Without such an understanding, relationships are relegated to mostly shoddy guesswork, often putting the relationship under stress...2022-02-1415 minVedic WorldviewNivar-Tatvam - Go Where You Are NotMark Twain once famously said, “I didn't have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.” Guru Dev, Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, the master of Thom’s master, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, had no such problem, and was known for being economical with his words.He was able to condense his wisdom into a one-word call to action that people would travel hundreds of miles to hear. It’s a call to action that’s available to everyone, simply by learning Vedic Meditation.Episode Highlights: [00:46] Guru Dev - An Unusual Child2022-02-0724 minVedic WorldviewRaising Conscious ChildrenParents know what’s best for their children. Or do they?Parents and other primary caregivers often have trouble distinguishing the difference between who we want our children to be, and who they came here to be. Often that difference is vast, and difficult to know, especially when the path of the child has so many unknowns to it.And let’s face it, most parents or guardians have trouble understanding what their own path is, let alone determining what the path of their child ‘should’ be, so thinking we know what’s best for our childr...2022-01-3136 minVedic WorldviewFree Will vs DestinyIt’s the ultimate bout, Destiny vs Free Will, the subject that’s had philosophers debating for centuries. Despite the centuries of debate, the subject still remains unresolved. Or does it?The Vedic perspective is quite simple. In fact, there isn’t even a contest because Free Will and Destiny are actually both on the same team. Will you exercise Free Will to listen to this podcast, or is it part of your Destiny? You’ll have to listen to find out…Episode Highlights: [00:46] How Much Free Will Do We Have?2022-01-2422 minVedic WorldviewGratitude, Community, and Mixing MantrasOur listeners are setting the agenda again in this episode, another of our regular “Ask Me Anything” series.Thom starts with what you might find to be a surprising twist on gratitude. While gratitude is, of course, a good thing, sometimes our perspective can distort our level of gratitude, or even what we might be grateful for. Thom refers to one of our favorite teachings from Guru Dev, who told us, “You deserve the best…”In answer to a question about the role of community in our self realization, Thom points out that our evolution actually r...2022-01-1729 minVedic WorldviewAlcohol and Vedic Meditation Part 1What is the Vedic worldview on alcohol and alcohol consumption?In some ways, the ‘goal’ of consuming alcohol and the goal of Vedic Meditation are contradictory. While Vedic Meditation increases our sense of Self, drinking alcohol does the opposite.However, a Vedic Meditation teacher will never tell a student they should stop drinking. In fact, the only thing a Vedic Meditation teacher advise is to meditate twice a day. This alone will put us in a position to make better choices for ourselves.In some cases, that may be the choice to reduce drin...2022-01-1048 minVedic WorldviewShanti Patha - A Song for All TimesHave you ever wondered about the song that Thom sings at the beginning of each episode of The Vedic Worldview?More than just a song, Shanti Patha is a ‘sloka’, or Sanskrit verse or chant,that you’ll often hear throughout India, and with good cause. Shanti Patha is a credo, a manifesto if you like, of how we can conduct ourselves, so we can enjoy a sense of community together, rather than feeling separate from, and fearful of, each other.Even if we just follow the ‘teaching’ of the song at the literal level of the Eng...2022-01-0317 minVedic WorldviewMy Maharishi - January in SilenceFor a large part of the population, the first week of January is a period of regret. Regret about some of the food and drink choices made over the festive season, and perhaps regret from some of the New Years’ Resolutions that are turning out to be not so resolute as they might have wished.This, of course, was never a problem for Thom’s Master, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Being in such a highly-evolved state, he was simply beyond the stage where he could make choices that he would regret.Maharishi’s routine for the New Ye...2021-12-2717 minVedic WorldviewColonization, Gossip and Jealousy, Giving Away Our PowerIt’s time for another Q&A episode with Thom, this time covering a range of questions with a similar theme, acquiescing our power to others.In answer to a question about the harm of colonization, he reminds us that it’s not such a recent phenomenon, that humans have had an inclination to dominate groups from other regions for millenia, and will likely continue to do so. Thom explains that the societies that endure are those that remain invincible and who give back more than they take from their invaders.He discusses jealousy and goss...2021-12-2027 minVedic WorldviewDealing With Family GatheringsIt’s that time of the year where families come together to experience the joys of the family bond. Greetings are given, embraces exchanged, laughter is shared, tears of joy are shed, and the love is felt. And then it starts…The euphoria wears off and the tension kicks in.It might just be some low level tension that doesn’t really amount to much. Or it could be a full-on dispute that escalates to a large-scale crisis. Or it might be something in between.Not in every home of course but, fo...2021-12-1318 minVedic WorldviewReparenting Psychology and the Vedic PerspectiveReparenting is an often-used psychological technique where one is given, or gives oneself, opportunities to learn the lessons of character or personality development that one might have missed out on through ‘insufficient’ parenting or care during childhood.It’s a technique that has met with some success, yet, as Thom explains in this episode, there is a missing element that might make this approach incomplete.The Vedic perspective is that we, including our parents and caregivers, can only act based on the level of our consciousness. This being the case, rather than focusing on repairing the ‘m...2021-12-0617 minVedic WorldviewThe Difference Between A Spiritual Awakening and PsychosisEpisodes of psychosis and experiences of ‘spiritual awakening’ have one key characteristic in common, they are both experiences that are ‘out of the ordinary.’This can be problematic, especially if the person making a diagnosis has not had an experience of spiritual awakening themselves.One key distinction between the two states though, is that a spiritual awakening is accompanied by a stable sense of Self (with a capital S), whereas a psychotic episode is the opposite, and is usually accompanied by an erratic sense of self (with a small s).A spiritual awakening is desir...2021-11-2921 minVedic WorldviewThe Art of Following CharmFrequently on the podcast you’ll hear Thom mention ‘charm.’ While we all have a good understanding of the word charm, in Vedic Meditation circles, charm has a special, more nuanced meaning.For a Vedic Meditator, charm is like an inner-guidance mechanism, a gentle tug that steers you in the direction of that which is most evolutionary, not just for yourself, but for all of Nature. It’s a subtle form of intuition that feels charming to experience and charming to follow, hence the name we give to it.In this bonus ‘charm-inducing’ episode, Thom gives us a w...2021-11-2314 minVedic WorldviewHypnosis and Vedic MeditationHypnosis is often seen as having therapeutic value, a way of overcoming problems caused by an ‘incorrect psyche.’ Because of the layer of silence achieved inside a Vedic Meditation sitting, Vedic Meditation, we’re frequently asked if it is actually a form of hypnosis.The short answer is no. Vedic Meditation is not hypnosis, but to understand the answer fully requires a closer look at what hypnosis is. Though hypnosis may be done with good intent, and may apparently have some ‘good’ effects, and may appear to be beneficial, essentially it’s a form of manipulation. So in that...2021-11-2243 minVedic WorldviewMy Maharishi - Following Charm to Brazil and GermanyTravelling with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi meant there was never a time for a dull moment.In this episode, Thom shares some adventures of a particular trip to Brazil, with an unexpected detour to Germany. With Maharishi, Thom soon learned that the unexpected was always to be expected. Maharishi wasn’t just a passionate teacher of following ‘charm,’ but he was also a 24/7 exponent of it, even at 3 am...Episode Highlights: [00:05] An Invitation From Rio for Maharishi[02:03] Drawing Restfulness Into the Working State[03:31] His Asana[04:16] Maharishi's Visit to...2021-11-1524 minVedic WorldviewPost-Concussive Symptoms, Misfortune, and DementiaCan Vedic Meditation heal post-concussive symptoms? How is the experience of misfortune framed within the Vedic worldview?Can Vedic Meditation help lower the risk of Alzheimer’s or dementia?In this, another Ask Thom Anything episode, Thom answers all of the above, including details of the broader healing effects of meditation in general. He reminds us that stress is the greatest cause of disease and that Vedic Meditation is the most powerful means of removing psychological and/or physiological stress, helping us to heal current health difficulties, and to prevent or redu...2021-11-0830 minVedic WorldviewWhere Do Our Thoughts Come From?All of us think but how often do we contemplate where our thoughts come from? And when we do, how accurate is our answer?Many of us think thoughts are the work of the brain, stimulated either by the environment or circumstances around us, or by memories of the past or fears of the future.For most of us, there is also a sense of identity associated with the thoughts we’re having. We define ourselves based on our thoughts, especially those that we repeat on a regular basis.Given that we have 60,000 pl...2021-11-0117 minVedic WorldviewThe Difference Between Vedic Knowledge and HinduismA very frequent question Thom receives is "What is the difference between Vedic knowledge, learned through Vedic Meditation, and Hinduism?"Hinduism, as a religion, is supposed to honor thousands, if not millions, of Gods. This religion offers many offerings to people from all over the world and is practiced by around a billion people in India. It surprised many to learn that Hinduism does not originate in the Vedic or Sanskrit languages, which makes it quite an intriguing conundrum.Hinduism in reality is a linguistic construction that came about as a result of B...2021-10-2552 minVedic WorldviewThe Revival of AyurvedaAyurveda, the ‘science of life’ has become very popular in developed nations in recent decades, thanks to the work of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in reviving this ancient body of wisdom.Dating back several thousand years, the practice of Ayurvedic techniques was forced ‘underground’ when the British colonized India and imposed their own ‘modern’ approaches to health.Fortunately, some families passed the wisdom down through the generations, allowing Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to bring three of the greatest minds on the subject together for a long-overdue revival of this timeless body of knowledge.In this episode, Tho...2021-10-1821 minVedic WorldviewEmotional Healing, Comparison Thinking, Feeling EmotionsWe are always striving to attain more and more in our lives. But, every now and again, we get the impression that we haven't done enough with our time. No amount of accomplishment is capable of bringing us fulfilment. And, it's also not a bad thing to have a lot of achievements on your scoreboard.But, more importantly, are we truly enjoying the process or simply trying to finish the race? Unfortunately, even after winning, we often postpone our celebrations until we reach the pinnacle of achievement.In this Ask Me Anything session, Thom Knoles...2021-10-1117 minVedic WorldviewNavratri Sharad - Celebration of the Divine FeminineWhen we think of feminine and masculine, typically we tend to think in terms of gender, i.e. female and male but the Vedic worldview has a much broader approach than the arrangement or expression of chromosomes. In Vedic circles the feminine and masculine are seen as aspects of creation, present everywhere and in everything. Wherever there is masculine there is always feminine, and vice versa, with the feminine often referred to as Mother Divine and celebrated through a vast range of personifications* and a range of festivals or holy days. One of those festivals is...2021-10-0609 minVedic WorldviewMy Maharishi - Daily Life and Travels with My MasterOver the period of 25 years, Thom Knoles got to spend many extended periods of time with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi as a student and a ‘replicant,’ one of many charged with the task of sharing Vedic wisdom with the world.In this episode, another instalment of the My Maharishi series, Thom recounts some of the aspects of daily life and travels with Maharishi, including Maharishi’s tireless round-the-clock efforts to fit as much teaching into his lifetime as he possibly could.Warning - This episode may require you to reassess your current standard for ‘busy’ :-). Episod...2021-10-0512 minVedic WorldviewDrugs and Spirit MedicineHumans have been using substances to have ‘extraordinary experiences’ for millenia. Sometimes this is motivated by a simple sense of curiosity, and at other times it might be to ‘fill a void,’ while in other cases it might be motivated by a promise of an elusive ‘spiritual experience.’ In some cases it leads to addiction and dependence, while in others it might just be a bucket-list experience that someone moves on from.In this episode, Thom takes a non-judgemental look at the motivation and impact of such experiences, and outlines an alternative approach, one that’s mor...2021-09-2757 minVedic WorldviewVedic Meditation and MantrasMantras are central to the practice of Vedic Meditation, but different understandings about what the word mantra means sometimes lead people to misunderstand how the mantra is used.For some, the word mantra means ‘a slogan’ or a tagline of sorts, used as a way of encapsulating a group point of view. For others, a mantra is a tool to aid concentration or to use as an affirmation.In Vedic Meditation the use of the mantra is very different. To understand this difference, you need to understand the distinction between ‘charm’ and suggestibility, which Thom explains...2021-09-2111 min
The Leanne Shelton PodcastEp93 - Brett Jarman: Wearing two hats - The health care practitioner and the business personAre you currently 'doing it all' in your health and wellness business?
Are you meeting with clients - face to face or virtually - as well as doing all the bookkeeping, marketing, and administration?
If your answer is yes - and you feel like you're on the verge of burnout - it makes sense.
Because starting up a business doesn't just mean serving your clients in the best possible way. There are so many other elements involved; things you don't usually consider when you're an employee.
Today, I'm chatting with Brett Jarman about the different hats you wear as a...2021-09-1341 minVedic WorldviewThe Story of SophieAfter 50 plus years of instructing Vedic Meditation, and 50,000 plus students, Thom Knoles has accumulated thousands of shared memories with these students.In this episode Thom shares a delightful anecdote about Sophie, who learned Vedic Meditation with Thom when she was only eight years old, and how Sophie’s wisdom helped Thom teach the concept of Cosmic Consciousness to a roomful of adults.Episode Highlights: [00:40] Sophie from New York[02:09] What will come into your consciousness state?[03:25] Cosmic Consciousness[04:58] Deep Diving[06:19] A Simple ExplanationUseful Lin...2021-09-1309 minVedic WorldviewMy Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and the Walnut TreeWhile Maharishi Mahesh Yogi spent thousands of hours teaching his students formally, often it was the day-to-day life situations that provided the most profound teaching moments.In this, another instalment of the My Maharishi series, Thom shares a delightful anecdote of a picnic in Switzerland that gave rise to one of Maharishi’s most famous sayings, “You can't stop someone from behaving according to their level of consciousness.”Enjoy this short but sweet episode.Episode Highlights:[00:40] Out in the Field[01:51] The Numbers Game[02:32] A Picnic in Switzerland...2021-09-0610 minVedic Worldview5D, Spirit Babies, Success and Support, Paramahansa Yogananda and Kriya YogaYet another interesting mix of questions in today’s Ask Me Anything episode with Thom.In discussing 5D, The Fifth Dimension, Thom explains how premature contentedness is the enemy of enlightenment and that, regardless of what we call it, the true measure of progress is to become an exemplar of Self realized consciousness.He describes the Vedic worldview on the incarnation of babies (including fetuses) who only remain with us for a short while.Thom also describes how common measures of ‘success’ (money and fame) are irrelevant to our effectiveness in meeting the need o...2021-08-3024 minVedic WorldviewCuring Insomnia and Finding Purpose through Vedic MeditationIn this short bonus episode, Thom shares a couple of bite-sized nuggets of wisdom to address two problems of epidemic proportions, insomnia, and a lack of meaning or purpose.He starts with a delightful story of how Maharishi Mahesh Yogi learned that better sleep was one of the more popular ‘side effects’ of meditation when he first came to the United States. He also explains the cause of insomnia and why Vedic Meditation is the ultimate cure for it.And in relation to meaning and purpose, Thom outlines that the lack of meaning or purpose come...2021-08-2614 minVedic WorldviewHeroes and VillainsAll of us want to be known for something heroic, but who decides who are the heroes and who are the villains? And do the villains perhaps think of themselves as heroic? Would the heroes even be heroes if there were no villains? In this episode Thom, once again, shines a new light on a subject that has been with humankind since we first developed the ability to create and share experiences and stories.He explains that it isn’t an either/or argument and offers an alternative option. One that we can all aspire to...2021-08-2344 minVedic WorldviewHow Do I Cultivate a Regular Meditation Practice?This is a question that can be answered in three simple words, but listen in for a complete and satisfying explanation from Thom.Using an analogy that we can all relate to, Thom explains that the discomfort caused by not meditating should be enough to inspire us to keep practicing regularly, twice a day.It’s a short and concise episode that should strengthen your resolve to keep your meditation practice regular.Episode Highlights: [00:40] A Little Device Was Invented[01:59] It’s Not a Chore[03:19] A Kind of Anath...2021-08-1608 minVedic WorldviewHow to Learn Vedic MeditationIn this bonus episode, ahead of an upcoming visit to New York City, Thom runs through the process of learning Vedic Meditation.He explains the rationale of spreading the course over four days so you can embed the experience and commence a sustainable daily routine, and develop a deeper understanding of the mechanics and expected results of Vedic Meditation.He also explains why Vedic Meditation should be taught in person rather than online, and why it’s worth your investment of time and effort to find a teacher who can teach you face to face....2021-08-1313 minVedic WorldviewMindfulness vs. Vedic MeditationMindfulness has become a bit of a buzzword in recent years. There’s no shortage of teachers, books, apps or other tools to help us practice mindfulness. But how does mindfulness compare with Vedic Meditation? Is there a comparison at all or do they have different functions altogether?Thom explains the difference between the two in a way that leaves no doubt as to which one has the most profound effect.Episode Highlights: [00:40] Vedic Meditation Isn’t Really Meditation[01:58] Going Beyond Thought [03:05] A Doing That You’re Doing 2021-08-0908 minVedic WorldviewWhat Are the Vedas?What are the Vedas? Or should that be what is the Veda? Because you can’t put a finder on it, the Veda is hard to define as such, except to say it is the totality of the laws of Nature.So rather than trying to define what the Veda is, perhaps a more pertinent question might be, “How do I access the Veda and make use of it?”For that Thom has a solution. Listen in or read the transcript below to find out how you can tap into the limitless knowledge that is...2021-08-0214 minVedic WorldviewRelaxation vs Vedic Meditation, The Dark Night of the Soul, Death and Dying, Spiritual DietsIn this episode, another in our ongoing series of Ask Thom Anything, Thom explains the distinction between wellness and relaxation activities and why they don’t deliver the same impacts as Vedic Meditation.He also explores “The dark night of the soul” and describes how contrasting experiences of the mind and body lead to an unstabilized vision.He gives us some insights into how we can respond when someone is in the dying stage of their life and the advantages we have as Vedic meditators during this stage. And finally, Thom explains a practic...2021-07-2628 minVedic WorldviewIs Everything Random or is There Perfect Order?Does perfect order exist or is everything random? Pour yourself a cup of your favorite beverage and take a seat because you’ll want to lean into this episode. Thom shares a fascinating exploration of entropy and order, ‘randomicity,’ the laws of thermodynamics, levitating trains, superfluids, superconductors, multitasking, learning to drive, and much more.You’ll learn how Vedic Meditation can help you defy the laws of thermodynamics and, most importantly, how you can use meditation to answer the question of orderliness vs. randomness through your own direct experience.Episode Highlights: [00:40] Something...2021-07-1954 minVedic WorldviewMy Maharishi - Who Was Maharishi Mahesh Yogi?Continuing the occasional series of My Maharishi episodes, Thom gives us a few very brief highlights of a truly accomplished life.Thom shares how Maharishi was larger than life in spite of his small and gracious appearance. He tells us how his title of “The Giggling Guru” contrasted with his ability to satisfy questions about the deepest and most serious aspects of life.Thom describes how Maharishi embodied the teachings of his own teacher, Guru Dev, and how he became a guru himself.He also shares how Maharishi first came to teach the medit...2021-07-1219 minVedic WorldviewJealousy, Selfishness and PolyamoryOur first Ask Thom Anything episode was such a hit that we’re making it a regular feature. In this episode, Thom talks about how to respond to the jealousy of others when we’re following our own evolutionary path, including a delightful background story to how Guru Dev stubbornly followed his own evolutionary path at a very young age.He also discusses the self-love trend and how to recognize the distinction between self-ish-ness and Self-ness. Polyamory and monogamy are also addressed, with Thom taking the opportunity to outline the role of a ‘love all...2021-07-0537 minVedic WorldviewWhat is Evolution? And What is Our Role in Evolution?We’re all familiar with the term evolution, but few of us spend time contemplating what that means and, perhaps more significantly, what our ‘role’ is when it comes to evolution.Evolution has been happening in a continuum, and will continue to shape the Universe forever, where then do we fit into the picture? How can we be an active participant?As Thom explains in this episode, evolution happens regardless of our awareness of it, and in spite of our attempts to control it. In fact the most active role we can play is to relinq...2021-06-2814 minVedic WorldviewGod, Gods and Goddesses Part 3In this episode Thom puts a fresh perspective on the phrase “Oh my God” and shows us how there is more to this term than meets the eye. Having given us a solid foundation to the subject in Part 1 and Part 2, Thom uses this episode to set us up for our own personal experience.He explains that while there are many commonalities of archetypes across cultures, each of us shapes our experiences of “god” based on our own personal model of the world.This even includes those that have the view that there is no such thin...2021-06-2146 minVedic WorldviewHow Do I Choose A Meditation Teacher?There’s no shortage of options when it comes to choosing a meditation technique, let alone a teacher to learn from. Many don’t choose a teacher at all, and go the do-it-yourself route, perhaps with the help of an app, or an audio or video found online.While one can certainly receive some benefits from these approaches, Thom shares in this episode that the goal should be to get maximum impact from your meditations, rather than just ‘some’ impact.Thom explains the value of using an ancient technique, one that’s been proven for thousands...2021-06-1416 minVedic WorldviewThe Process is the OutcomeWe all know that goals are transient. They might bring us some short-term pleasure but the periods between the goals, the goals we actually get that is, are often peppered with consistent feelings of lack, frustration and disappointment.Despite knowing this, we still live lives where we’re mostly striving for, and only occasionally arriving at, a state of fulfillment. It’s a hamster wheel that’s kept billions of us busy through countless lifetimes.In this episode, Thom explains that we do this because we’ve got our achievement process backwards. He exposes the ‘fulfillmen...2021-06-0753 minVedic WorldviewManifestation, Relationships, PTSD, Cancel Culture and Using Funk to Empower YourselfThom tackles the “cancel culture” of today’s world, and empowers us to make ourselves useful if we find ourselves in a funk. He shows us how to let go of anxious attachment in relationships and puts PTSD in perspective, while giving us the tool to address it.If you’d like to have Thom answer a question on the podcast, you can submit your questions here.Episode Highlights: [00:40] Q - Please Comment on Our Culture’s Obsession with Manifestation[01:14] Charm - The Mechanism of Desire[04:30] Cosmic Management[06:52] M...2021-05-3148 minVedic WorldviewIs Vedic Meditation Religious?Vedic Meditation teachers are often asked if the practice is a religious practice. Its ancient roots and the reverence that we sometimes approach it with can have the appearance of being religious, but this is largely due to misunderstandings of what the word religion actually means.In short, the practice of Vedic Meditation doesn’t require any belief. It works for believers and non-believers alike and doesn’t favor one over the other. Practitioners of all religions practice the technique every day, as do practitioners of no religion, all with equal efficacy.Listen in as Thom...2021-05-2409 minVedic WorldviewHow Enemies Are CreatedWhile most of us like to think of ourselves as ‘likeable’, we don’t always see others in the same way. Though we may have many similarities, our differences often stand in the way of having an amicable relationship.When our differences are too extreme, then feelings of enmity can evolve and, even without trying we can have an ‘enemy’ on our hands. This doesn’t necessarily mean we are at war with them, just noticing our differences enough to put a barrier between us.There is an alternative. One where we follow our natural human tenden...2021-05-1749 minVedic WorldviewGod, Gods and Goddesses Part 2As you might expect, Thom is never short of a few words to say on the subject of God, gods and goddesses. He held a ten-day retreat on the subject several years ago and, more recently, published Part One of a three-part podcast series on the subject. If you haven’t listened to that episode yet, we invite you to start there as it lays the foundation for this episode, Part Two of the series.In this episode Thom explores the seven states of consciousness and how they impact our experience and perception of God, gods and go...2021-05-1045 minVedic WorldviewGoal Setting and the Vedic World ViewThe “hustle” culture of modern life has put extra emphasis on the pursuit of goals and attaining them through ever increasing busyness and unrelenting productivity.While goal setting is not a problem, per se, Thom explains that the level of importance people place on them can be problematic.The challenge lies in the notion of, “I’ll be happy when…” This is a false premise. The thought that something outside of us might bring us happiness is a recipe for disillusionment and a misguided search for external fulfilment.A better approach might be, “I’ll be happy...2021-05-0309 minVedic WorldviewWhat Is Rounding?Outside of India, the word yoga has come to mean various forms of dynamic exercises that test your flexibility and strength. Yoga is in fact much more than just these physical exercises, which are more correctly referred to as asanas. And believe it or not, asanas weren’t created to make us look good in lycra! Asanas were first created to help prepare the body for meditation and union with the Absolute.In this episode, Thom explains how asanas, pranayama and Vedic Meditation are used in combination, also called ‘rounding,’ to give us ‘industrial-strength meditation’ and to acce...2021-04-2615 minVedic WorldviewMy Maharishi - Moonlight on the RiverThom Knoles was blessed to spend many years as a student of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, travelling to many parts of the world both as a student and an assistant in Maharishi’s work. In that time he gathered many fond memories worthy of sharing. This episode is the first of a “My Maharishi” series where Thom will be sharing some of those memories over the months to come.He tells of his first experience hearing pundits chanting Samaveda. You might also recognize the ‘sloka’ or hymn that Maharishi chanted before the meal, as the same sloka that Tho...2021-04-1912 minVedic WorldviewWhat Is Karma?What is Karma? Despite popular belief, it’s neither punishment nor reward, neither good nor bad. It’s simply nature’s way of steering us back onto a more evolutionary path.In this short episode, Thom explains the true meaning of karma, and gives us a short introduction to kriya, evolutionary action.He tells us how we can think of karma, and karmic behavior, without lacing it with judgement that, ironically, ‘binds’ us even more.And as you would expect, he shows us how to align our consciousness with kriya rather than karma. Episiode...2021-04-1219 minVedic WorldviewGod, Gods and Goddesses - Part 1Does God exist? It’s a question that’s puzzled humankind for millenia and the answer, from the Vedic worldview, is sure to both surprise and delight you, even if you are a hardened atheist.This is not your standard philosophical debate on the idea of God, gods and goddesses but a matter-of-fact exploration that will liberate you from any dogma surrounding the subject or any social indoctrinations that might be limiting your perception. Most importantly, you’ll discover that experience trumps faith or belief when it comes to having a definitive answer to the question...2021-04-0554 minVedic WorldviewAn Upanishad Story - The Yogi and the Man in the PondApart from the Veda, one of the many gifts of ancient wisdom from India is the Upanishads. The Upanishads consist of several short parables that give us insight into how we can behave in ways that support our personal and collective evolution.In this podcast episode, Thom shares the story of a man in a lake who, while immersed in more water than he’d need in a lifetime, remained thirsty. This is a story we all have a need to hear as we all have our own ‘thirst stories’ that are running our lives.It’s a s...2021-03-2918 minVedic WorldviewWhat is Stress and How Can You Control It?Stress is very much misunderstood. Most people think of stress as something that happens ‘to us,’ that our stress is caused by outside situations or stressful circumstances, but this is not the case. We know this because we can all react differently to the same situation. What makes you stressed might cause no reaction at all in someone else, thus demonstrating that it’s ‘the victim’ that is the source of the stress rather than the circumstances.In this episode, you’ll learn that not all stress is bad, how and why we have different reactions, how the body reacts...2021-03-2223 minVedic WorldviewWhat is Reincarnation? The Vedic PerspectiveThe subject of reincarnation arouses a lot of curiosity and debate. Those who ‘believe’ in reincarnation seek to understand the mechanisms behind it, and those who don’t, look for ‘proof’ before they consider it a possibility. In this episode, Thom explains the Vedic worldview on reincarnation, putting forward a case to satisfy both the believers and the ‘scienticians.’He explains that the process of reincarnation doesn't just happen between lifetimes, but that it happens countless times within each lifetime. He challenges the notion that reincarnation must be proven and measurable, while at the same time offering suf...2021-03-1449 minVedic WorldviewDeath is Not RealAs Vedic meditators we regularly experience evidence of being more than just a physical body. We can use this to our benefit when it comes to tackling the subject of death, or even tackling death itself; our own or the death of a loved one.In our twice-daily practice of Vedic Meditation, the connection we experience in The Absolute, the Unified Field of Consciousness, reminds us that we are consciousness having a human experience rather than just a human body experiencing consciousness and thinking. It’s an important paradigm shift that can transform our view of the worl...2021-03-011h 08Vedic WorldviewWhat Is Dharma?Dharma, like many other Sanskrit words and phrases, is not well understood by many with an interest in Vedic wisdom. It is often simplified to such an extent that it loses its true meaning.‘Purpose’ is perhaps the most common misinterpretation of the word dharma. Many try to narrow their dharma down to a specific mission or purpose that they hope becomes a legacy for which they will be remembered.But dharma is much more interesting, more exciting even, than a singular mission or role in life. In a constantly-changing ever-evolving universe, our dharma changes year by...2021-02-1513 min
Marketing The InvisibleHow to Stop Being the Best Kept Secret and Start Earning the Rewards You Deserve – In Just 7 Minutes with Brett Jarman
Find out the secrets to let you stand out in the market
How to name your price as an established authority and not charging based on what the market perceives
Find out why even if your work could speak for itself, no one would hear it, and why the need for you to be proactive
Resources/Links:
Find your angle. Access your free content creation matrix. Click here: http://www.brettjarman.com/angle
Summary
Have you been wondering why, despite having excellent work, nothing is happening to your business?
Do you find yourself always comparing your price with what the ma...2021-02-0808 minVedic WorldviewCreation, Maintenance and Destruction - The Qualities of the Evolutionary ProcessEverything is always evolving thus, by definition, everything is always changing. Yet many of us resist change. We prefer the comfort of the status quo and get distressed when things meet their natural end.The Vedic worldview however, recognizes all aspects of the evolutionary process, creation, maintenance and destruction, not reluctantly, but with reverence. So much so that each aspect is assigned its own deity, Brahma for creation, Vishnu for maintenance, and Shiva for destruction.Understanding the role of all three, and the interdependence of all three, is essential to living a carefree, yet practical and...2021-02-0148 minVedic WorldviewWhat Is Freedom?All of us aspire to attain freedom in one form or another, but for most of us, we craft our idea of freedom based on an expected set of circumstances - time, money, power, environment, relationships, and more.The trouble with this approach is that circumstances are subject to change and inevitably lead to disappointment. Freedom through acquisition of circumstances can never truly deliver on its promise, at least not in any sustainable way.In this episode, Thom sets you free from this paradigm and shows you that freedom is truly an "inside job." You a...2021-01-1857 minVedic WorldviewThe Crisis of Governance and Your Role in Its ResolutionWe hear a lot about the problems of governance, whether it be government at the highest level, or the administrators of smaller bodies in society, schools, businesses, etc.In this episode, Thom explains that the crisis of governance is not with ‘the government’ or whatever other body is ‘in charge’, but rather with our view that ‘they’ are the problem, and that there is little or nothing ‘we’ can do about it.The Vedic worldview is that everything is structured in consciousness, including governments, and the only way to effect change is to effect consciousness.Thom shares...2021-01-0452 min
Bright Business Women with Pauline BrightEpisode 10 Melanie Colling The ConnectorIn this episode I talk with Melanie Colling. Melanie is a podcaster, a best-selling author, and the business owner of Purpose Driven Projects. With her business partner Brett Jarman she is also the co-founder of Experts on Air. She moved to Bali with her family to pursue her love of connecting with people but in her own words “After 7 months, I was voted off the island by my family.” She is also a Certified Project Management Professional with over 20 years project management experience.She’s worked on multi million dollar projects throughout her career...2020-11-0939 min
Vedic WorldviewTruth - That Which Never ChangesThom Knoles discusses Truth as that which does not change, how it can be detected in all fields of life, and how, by allowing change to form our sense of identity, we succumb to suggestibility. Vedic Meditation takes our awareness from the field of ever-change into an experience of that which is beyond change, and reveals to us the truth of our own identity, as an implicit statement of pure knowingness.Episode Highlights: [00:56] Truth is That Which Never Changes[02:36] Non-Change is Not Possible in the Relative World[05:28] Who is the ‘I’?...2020-07-1845 min
RTO Superhero 🎙️ Empowering RTOs to Thrive!Angela Connell - Helping Training Businesses To Pivot And ThriveThis episode is a little different to our usual format. Instead of playing the host, I’m sitting in the guest’s chair and have invited Brett Jarman, Executive Producer of Experts On Air, the production house behind our podcast, to step in as the host and interview me.We wanted to give you a behind the scenes look at Vivacity, the origins of the Education in Isolation Podcast, a look at the impact Covid-19 has had on us and our clients, and a look at the future of the training industry.Episo...2020-07-0251 min