Yoga & Hinduism's Journey to America: New documentary premieres on public television and PBS.Org
Public Television Stations, The PBS World Channel, PBS.org and The PBS App premiere ‘America’s First Guru’ this May, tracing Yoga and Hinduism’s entry into the popular American conversation in 1893 with the arrival of an unknown Indian monk, Swami Vivekananda, at the first World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago.
PRINCETON, N.J. — This May, Public Television, PBS World Channel, the PBS App, and PBS.org will premiere the captivating documentary “America’s First Guru,” directed by award-winning filmmaker Raja Choudhury and produced by A Thousand Suns Academy, a spiritual media production and talent management company. The film explores the fascinating story of Swami Vivekananda, the Indian monk who introduced Yoga, Vedanta, and Indian wisdom to America in the late 19th century.
A Spark That Ignited a Spiritual Revolution
“America’s First Guru” delves into a pivotal moment in American history: the 1893 World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago. There, Swami Vivekananda, a charismatic but then-unknown figure, captivated audiences with his profound teachings on Yoga, Vedanta, Hinduism, and the universal principles of Indian wisdom. His powerful speeches left an indelible mark, sparking a spiritual revolution that continues to shape and influence American culture today, from Yoga studios to the “Star Wars” saga.
From Obscurity to Widespread Influence
Vivekananda’s impact extended far beyond the Parliament walls. Over the next six years, he traveled across America, establishing the first Hindu ashram in the country, the Vedanta Society of New York, and sharing the transformative practices of Yoga and Vedanta. Today, over 55 million Americans actively practice Yoga, and terms like “Guru,” “Asana,” and “Karma” have become part of everyday vocabulary. The gesture of Namaste is a familiar sight from the red carpets of award shows to baseball stadiums.
Vivekananda taught Yoga in America for the first time and introduced the more profound Vedantic concepts of meditation, universalism, tolerance, pluralism, and accepting all faiths as ultimately true. He opened the door for American women, creatives, and people from diverse backgrounds and traditions to discover their inherent divinity and become spiritually free. In just six short years, he became America’s First Guru.
Exploring a Legacy
Produced by A Thousand Suns Academy, presented on Public Television by WTTW Chicago, and distributed by NETA, “America’s First Guru” offers a captivating exploration of Swami Vivekananda’s life and lasting influence on American society.
Stream “America’s First Guru” on PBS.org at pbs.org/show/americas-first-guru/ or on the PBS App. Visit the film’s official website at https://americasfirstguru.com to learn more about the film, its filmmakers, Swami Vivekananda, Vedanta, and Yoga, where to find public screenings, and how to engage in conversations.
###
Contact:
Raja Choudhury
A Thousand Suns Academy
(609) 955 0335
[email protected]
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Religion News Service or Religion News Foundation.