We’re all familiar with the saying, don’t use a sledgehammer to crack a nut, but how about using a sword to clean a finger?

Vedic literature is full of delightful fables that use analogies to deliver profound life lessons. In this episode Thom gives us some background on Upanishad, Vedic fables heard ‘while sitting at the feet of a Master’ before sharing a tale of a King and a swordsmith.

It’s a delightful reminder that our Vedic Meditation technique has a very specific and powerful purpose, and a demonstration of how to dig a little deeper than the superficial interpretation of a story.

Treat this episode as a taste test of more Upanishad tales to come in future episodes.

[00:45] Sitting at the Feet of a Master

[02:46] Sanskrit - The First Child of the Language of Nature

[04:56] Lingua Franca

[07:09] Sounds Like...

[09:26] Rishi - A Five-Senses Hyperactive Perceiver

[10:51] When a Rishi Hears the Sound of Nature

[12:47] The Stuff of Fable

[14:23] The Impact of Upanishad on the West

[16:35] Kenopanishad

[18:36] Defense of a Kingdom

[21:11] The Then-Known World

[23:08] Is it Sharp?

[24:52] A Demonstration of Trust

[26:17] A Clean Finger

[27:32] Remove the Mistake

[28:42] The Pathology of Acquisition

[30:17] Products of Stress Accumulation

[32:52] The Removal of the Mistake

[34:25] A Ridiculously Simple Way

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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.