Yogananda dreamed of places where people of all walks of life, not only monastics, could devote themselves to living a life dedicated to “simple living and high thinking” by applying the teachings of yoga to every aspect of their lives.

In talks, he often said,

Take the best advice I can give you. Gather together, those of you who share high ideals. Pool your resources. Buy land out in the country. A simple life will bring you inner freedom. Harmony with nature will bring you a happiness known to few city dwellers. In the company of other truth seekers you will find it easier to meditate and think of God.

Although the colony in Encinitas didn’t last, Yogananda was enthusiastic about the idea of World Brotherhood Colonies even up until the end of his life, seeing them as places where people would have the “opportunity to find happiness, freedom, job, home, and church all in one place, and to produce food for their own use.”

Disciples of Yogananda, following in his dream, have founded colonies such as Ananda Village around the world.