Prophecy: United States of the World Prophecy
Swami Guru Paramahansa Yogananda in 1920 Foresaw concept of the United States of the World
United States of the World Prophecy Swami Guru Paramahansa Yogananda in 1920 Foresaw the concept of The United States of the World
Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, discussed the concept of "The United States of the World" in his teachings. This concept appears in several contexts within his work.
Paramahansa Yogananda's journey to America was guided by a profound spiritual calling and vision. In 1920, while at his SRF school in Ranchi, India, Yogananda experienced a powerful vision where he saw thousands of faces passing before him, which he immediately recognized as Americans.
This vision confirmed what he felt was his destiny to bring spiritual teachings to the West.Following this vision, Yogananda acted with remarkable decisiveness. Within just four hours of receiving this vision, he had packed his belongings, delegated his responsibilities to other staff members, said goodbye to everyone at his school, and departed for Kolkata. His first destination was to visit his guru, Sri Yukteswar, to confirm the meaning of his vision. Sri Yukteswar affirmed that "the time is now" and that Yogananda must go to America.
Before leaving India, Yogananda established the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS), which would spread Kriya Yoga throughout India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. This organization would serve as the sister organization to what would become the Self-Realization Fellowship in America.
Yogananda's journey to America was not without obstacles. It was extremely difficult for an Indian national to leave the country at that time, especially right after World War I. He faced numerous "red tape" difficulties with obtaining a passport, but these were resolved in what he described as "fairly miraculous" ways. He eventually secured passage on "The City of Sparta," the first passenger boat sailing to America after World War I.
Upon arriving in Boston in September 1920, Yogananda came as a delegate to the International Congress of Religious Liberals. On October 6, 1920, he delivered his first speech in America, which was well received. That same year, he established the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), dedicated to teaching people outside of India the secrets of Kriya Yoga.
Yogananda's mission was revolutionary for its time. As Varun Soni, dean of Religious Life at USC, noted: "For hundreds of years we were on the receiving end of Christian missionaries as part of colonialism. For Yogananda to come as a Hindu missionary to the U.S., to bring the ancient wisdom of India in all of its purity and magnificence, this was a way of saying we also have something to offer".
Before his departure, Sri Yukteswar gave him this advice: "Forget you were born among Hindus, and don't adopt all the ways of the Americans. Take the best of both people. Be your true self, a child of God. Seek and incorporate into your being the best qualities of all your brothers, scattered over the earth in various races". This guidance shaped Yogananda's teachings in America.
Yogananda was the first Indian swami to make America his permanent home. He established seven temples and one monastery in California, which became his home base. Today, there are SRF centers on six continents, with the central office located in Los Angeles.
His journey to America was summarized in his own words: "I am going forth to discover America, like Columbus. He thought he had found India; surely there is a karmic link between those two lands!" This statement reflects his understanding of a deeper spiritual connection between East and West that he was destined to bridge.
In a rare and powerful talk in his talk titled "World Crisis" given on May 19, 1940, in Encinitas, California, Yogananda discussed global challenges and transformations. In one of his talks ironically recently published on YouTube (April 23, 2025), Yogananda delivers a vision of world peace rooted in the idea of Earth being united with "God as our President". This talk explores his vision of a unified world under spiritual guidance.
The concept of world unity also appears in Yogananda's vision for "World Brotherhood Colonies." He posed the question, "How can we by spiritual methods begin a United States of the World?" His World Brotherhood Colonies were intended to be spiritual communities based on principles of unity and cooperation.
In his talk titled "World Crisis" given on May 19, 1940, in Encinitas, California, Yogananda discussed global challenges and transformations. "The United States of the World" in the excerpted portion, he spoke about a coming "world revolution" that would "change the financial system" and have profound effects on America and other countries. This talk shows his concern with global unity and transformation during times of crisis.
In his "Autobiography of a Yogi” this spiritual classic, published in 1946, recounts Yogananda's life journey, his search for his guru, and his teachings on Kriya Yoga. "The United States of the World" in direct connection with this book, the autobiography contains Yogananda's broader spiritual vision, which includes concepts of universal brotherhood and global unity.
Swami, Guru Paramahansa Yogananda came to America to start the SRF from the similar teachings in India because he felt guided to bring his teachings to the United States.Yogananda's teachings consistently emphasized spiritual unity across national boundaries, which aligns with the concept of a united world under spiritual guidance.
Article: Stephen C Monahan, Member Yogi, SRF, TEDx Organizer, Founder Ahimsa Humane Society, Former Global Financial Executive.