Paramahamsa

[1] Paramahamsa is the highest level of spiritual development in which a union with ultimate reality has been attained by a sannyasi.

As described by Paramahansa Yogananda, author of "Autobiography of a Yogi" in which he states that hansa literally means "swan."

"[5] 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.

The Upanishad's theme is presented in four hymns as an explanation by Lord Brahma to Narada's query on the aspect of the path of the Paramahansa Yogis.

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.

This person is a fully realized soul, completely liberated from all bonds with the world, who knows no obligations, no likes or dislikes.

Paramahamsa, as a religion / theological title, is applied to an adept class of Hindu renunciates, liberated, realized masters who, having attained the supreme yogic state, or nirvikalpa samādhi.

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.