Paramhansa

Paramhansa is a Sanskrit term used in Indic religions, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism, to refer to an advanced spiritual adept or liberated soul. It literally translates to "supreme swan" or "highest goose." The swan is often seen as a symbol of purity, discrimination, and the ability to separate milk from water, representing the discernment between the real and the unreal, the eternal and the transient.

The title Paramhansa is usually bestowed upon those who have attained the highest state of spiritual realization, having transcended the limitations of ego and worldly desires. Such individuals are believed to live in a state of divine consciousness, often appearing outwardly ordinary but inwardly possessing profound spiritual insight and peace. They are considered to be free from the cycle of birth and death.

Prominent figures in spiritual history have been referred to as Paramhansas, signifying their elevated spiritual status. The concept emphasizes detachment, self-realization, and the attainment of moksha or liberation. It represents the pinnacle of spiritual attainment in many Indian philosophical traditions, describing a state of being where one is fully integrated with the divine.