Paramahamsa

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Paramahamsa (also paramahansa and paramhansa) -- This is a religio/theological title associated with particular Hindu saints, by their devotees; one thus sees these religious figures referred to as -- "Ramakrishna Paramahamsa" and "Paramahansa Yogananda".

Hamsa is only an allegory. The true meaning is highly philosophical. The words 'aham' and 'sa' joined becomes 'hamsa'. 'Aham' is 'I' and 'sa' is 'He'- meaning 'I am He'. Here 'I' refers to the jivatma - the living soul and 'He' the supreme soul. This is part of Advaita philosophy which indicates one-ness of jivatama (living soul) and paramatma (the supreme soul). The Word 'Aham' is common for many religions. From 'aham', 'ahamkara' - 'ego' is derived.

1 Etymology
2 Alternate spellings
3 Mythology
4 Theology
5 Similar uses of different titles
6 Notes
7 References

[edit] Etymology

Paramahamsa is a Sanskrit word translated as "Supreme Goose." It is a title created by combining hamsa meaning goose (more precisely, the high-flying Indian goose, Anser indicus) with the superlative suffix para- meaning "Supreme; highest; beyond." But English scholars erroneously translated "hamsa" as swan, because in the English tradition a goose (the domesticated one) is used to denote foolishness and irresponsibility. But the characteristic of the wild goose is noted for its discipline, stamina, grace and beauty. This is especially true for the Ancer Indicus, whose migratory route from Central Asia to India and back, forces it to fly over the Himalayas twice a year. A feat which makes it fly higher than any know bird. And that is why God is also denoted as the "Paramahamsa".

[edit] Alternate spellings

Due to the limitations inherent in transliterating Sanskrit into Roman English, other widely used English spellings include Paramahansa and Paramhansa. ^[1]

[edit] Mythology

The hamsa is the vahana, the mount or vehicle, of the god Brahma. In the Vedas and the Purânas it is a symbol for the soul/Soul. The hamsa is said to be is the only creature that is capable of separating milk from water once they have been mixed together.

[edit] Theology

Paramahamsa, as a religio/theological title, is applied to an adept class of Hindu renunciates, liberated, realized masters who, having attained the supreme yogic state, or nirvikalpa samadhi, can always distinguish between the Real (sa) from the unreal (ham).

The hamsa mantra indicates the sound made by the exhalation ("ha") and inhalation ("sa") of the breath.