Enlightened beings are called great swans (Paramahamsa). In sanskrit the word hamsa means the bird swan. Mythologically bird swans have a special ability to separate milk from water and drink milk. Hamsa also refers to individual consciousness (Jiva) since breath produces a gentle sound of “ham”, “sa” in the throat. Just like bird swan separates milk from water, individual being (Jiva), seperates SELF from non-Self (atma-anatma) and eternal from temporary (nitya-anitya) using discrimination and dispassion (viveka-vairagya) to attain supreme bliss of SELF realization. Such a noble soul is called great Swan (Parama hamsa).
Sri Prabhuji
25th October 2024