What 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 drinking alcohol, or even to stop drinking altogether. In other cases, the desire to drink might simply just go away so there isn’t even a choice required. And in other cases still, there might be a desire to reduce alcohol and a recognition that some extra help is needed with that.

In this episode, Thom takes a broad look at alcohol from the physiological and scientific perspective and also from a spiritual perspective. Whether you are a drinker or not, it’s a discussion that goes beyond the ‘should or shouldn’t’ angle that often distorts thinking on the subject.

Episode Highlights: 

[00:47] The Impact of Alcohol on Developing Higher Consciousness States

[01:59] Q- Can You Share More About The Vedic Worldview on Alcohol Consumption?

[02:07] Alcohol is Not a Barrier to Vedic Meditation

[03:48] Not Speaking From Experience

[05:23] Feeling Rosy

[06:42] Vedic Meditation Can Reduce the Desire for Alcohol

[08:40] Meditation Decreases Our Body's Tolerance for Toxicity

[09:59] The Effects of Alcohol

[11:12] Irreplaceable Brain Cells

[12:41] A Natural Choice Gets Made

[14:14] Justifying the Choice to Drink Alcohol

[15:23] Fermented Grape Juice or Unfermented Grape Juice?

[16:12] A Very Graceful Intoxication

[17:10] Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on the Body

[18:38] Alcohol Decreases Longevity

[20:02] The Rule of Exceptions

[21:19] The Spiritual Angle

[23:00] The Chemistry of Bliss

[25:16] Meditators Live Longer With a Younger Body Function

[26:26] Meeting Challenges Adequately

[27:42] Alexander the Great Invaded India and Came Back With a Vedic Guru

[29:07] The Deities Associated with Alcohol

[32:37] A 12-Step Program

[34:04] The Home of All the Laws of Nature

[35:20] Beholden to a Gangster

[37:05] The Big Self Takes Charge

[39:00] Vedic Meditation Initiates the Awakening in You

[40:06] Less Resistance to Seeking Help

[41:48] The Process of Intoxication

[42:44] "I'm Not Intoxicated"

[43:53] Witnessing Intoxication

[45:44] I Could Start Drinking Any Day

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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.