In conversation : The Swan

[Guest guest]

Interesting,.... why the swan is used as a symbol to point, has no mention in

that dialogue.

 

A swan(and Paramhansa-the Great Swan) is reputed to be able to sift and drink

only the milk from a mixture of milk and water.

 

That is a pointing to one, who has apperceived the core, rather than be involved

at the periphery.

 

-

Nora <ashwini_puralasamy

Tuesday, January 28, 2003 09:32 AM

In conversation : The Swan

 

 

TB : What shall be our topic today?

 

NM : How about the Swan.

 

CD: Saraswati Vahana. Aren't they such graceful animal. Pleasant

sight.

 

TB : The ugly duckling story.. The swan lake.

 

NM : Precisely that is what I have been thinking. Our spiritual path

is like the story of the ugly duckling : we are "ugly" at the

beginning of our path, and as we progresses along and matures, we

turn ourselves into a beautiful swan. Sometimes its call hamsa. A

celestial bird. Swan is a modern term.

 

CD : Joseph Campbell book : the flight of the wild gander. Its all

about the swans.

 

TB : All swans are white. In their immature stage they are brown.

There is one type of swan has a black neck and is almost goose-like

appearance. You know it is said that a swan can have 25,000 feathers,

enough to make into an insulating coat.

 

CD : Chandrakirti, a Buddhist I think. Said : we are just like the

leaders of the swans, who by relying on two broad wings, can fly

across the ocean to its destinations. So by relying on the two wings

of method and wisdom, we can cross over to the great city of freedom.

 

NM : Shri Ramakrishna also called the Paramahamsa which means

superior or the perfected hamsa.

 

TB: I saw Sarasvati several time with a peacock and not a swan

 

CD : peacock = symbols of material manifestation, Swan = ethereal.

The representation of the presence of divine inspiration in our

worlds. The swan = can also be seen as the embodiment of the union

of Garuda and Naga. The long serpentine neck; looks like the snake.

These two are mythological enemies. So the swan stands for the

supreme wisdom or teachings concerning the union of the opposites.

 

NM : Normally you will only see a peacock sitting or standing next to

Saraswati, as if waiting anxiously to serve her or be her vehicle,

but SHE only use the swan. Peacock too is the representation of

unpredictable behaviour, like our moods. Fluctuates sometimes

according to the weather or like the stock market. LOL.

 

So Saraswati uses the Swan instead as the swan represents stability.

Therefore one should overcome fear, indecisions and fickleness in our

pursuit of true knowledge.

 

CD : Swan glide on the water. Posture regal and smooth. Reputated to

be a silent bird. Let our meditation be like the swan gliding on the

water : detachment results of the meditative practice.

 

TB : Looks so fragile and yet very powerful.

 

NM : Do not judge a person by its looks. Swan is known to be very

territorial and aggressive to intruders. I read once of how a swan

will fight to the death. They do not hesitate to threaten other

animals including humans who venture too close to their nests. Using

their long neck issueing a warning hissing sound like the snake.

Their wings too are powerful. They can break your leg or arm by the

powerful blow of their wings.

 

CD: Greeks too consider the swans as a symbol of wisdom and

creativity. According to the mythology when Apollo was born, the

event was marked with flights of circling swans.

 

 

 

Sponsor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Greetings Sandeep

 

Thank you for your prompt response. This inconversation is held over

the chat lines between friends/members. The discussion are short and

it is meant to be as to initiate further discussion and questions.

Anybody is welcome to contribute to this inconversation.

[Guest guest]

Okey dokey,

 

Let the Paramhansa soar.

 

 

-

Nora <ashwini_puralasamy

Tuesday, January 28, 2003 09:47 AM

Re: In conversation : The Swan

 

 

Greetings Sandeep

 

Thank you for your prompt response. This inconversation is held over

the chat lines between friends/members. The discussion are short and

it is meant to be as to initiate further discussion and questions.

Anybody is welcome to contribute to this inconversation.