
Paramahamsa

Paramahamsa (परमहंस), also spelled paramahansa or paramhansa, is a Sanskrit religio-theological title of honor applied to Hindu spiritual teachers who have become enlightened. The title literally means "supreme swan," and symbolizes spiritual discrimination. The swan is equally at home on land and on water; similarly, the true sage is equally at home in the realms of matter and of spirit. To be in divine ecstasy and simultaneously to be actively wakeful is the "paramahansa" state; the 'royal swan' of the soul floats in the cosmic ocean, beholding both its body and the ocean as manifestations of the same Spirit. The word 'Paramahamsa' signifies one who is "Awakened" in all realms. Paramahansa is the highest level of spiritual development in which a union with ultimate reality has been attained by a sannyasi.
Etymology.
"Paramahamsa" is a Sanskrit word translated as 'supreme swan'. The word is compounded of Sanskrit परम "parama" meaning 'supreme', 'highest', or 'transcendent' (from PIE "per" meaning 'through', 'across', or 'beyond', cognate with English "far") and Sanskrit हंस "hamsa" meaning 'swan or wild goose'. The prefix "parama" is the same element seen in "Parameshwara", a title for God. In Hindic tradition, swans, are noted for characteristics of discipline, stamina, grace, and beauty. "Hamsa" may be spelled "hansa." As described by Paramahansa Yogananda, author of "Autobiograhy of a Yogi" in which he states that "hansa" literally means "swan." "The white swan," he clarifies " is mythologically represented as the vehicle or mount of Brahma the Creator. The sacred "hansa", said to have the power of extracting only milk from a mixture of milk and water, is thus a symbol of spiritual discrimination." Yogananda adds ""Ahan-sa" or "‘hansa" (pronounced "hong-sau") is literally “I am He.” These potent SANSKRIT syllables possess a vibratory connection with the incoming and the outgoing breath. Thus with his every breath man unconsciously asserts the truth of his being." 
In keeping with the construct of Sanskrit, which often layers multiple meanings upon or within words, "Hamsa" may also be a religious pun or allegory with a philosophical meaning. One such etymology suggests that the words 'aham' and 'sa' are joined to become 'hamsa'; "aham" is 'I' or 'me' and "sa" is 'he', together meaning 'I am he'. Here, 'I' refers to the "jivatma" or "jivatama", the living soul, and 'he' the "paramatma" or "paramatama" or supreme soul (the alternative spellings are due to differing Romanisations of the Sanskrit words). This relationship reflects of Advaita philosophy, which advocates the oneness of "jivatma" and "paramatma". The word "aham" is common to many Eastern religions. From "aham" is derived "ahamkara" or ego.
Mythology.
The "hamsa" (swan) 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 the only creature that is capable of separating milk from water once they have been mixed; symbolically this is the display of great spiritual discrimination. It is symbolic for a spiritually advanced being who is capable of controlling the breath energy in such a way that he only absorbs pure vibrations from all the different energies the world contains. To the Paramahamsa (the supreme celestial Swan) on the other hand, the whole of creation is God himself, there is nothing else but God alone. This person is a fully realized soul, completely liberated from all bonds with the world, who knows no obligations, no likes or dislikes. He is without any needs because he is completely immersed in God.
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 samādhi, 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.
Privileged use.
Some followers believe title cannot be assumed by oneself, but must be conferred by a recognized authority, either another individual swami who is himself esteemed as enlightened, or by a committee of spiritual leaders.
Other meaning.
Paramahaṃsa is also the title of one of the Upanishads.