Guest guest Posted November 28, 2002 Report Share Posted November 28, 2002 Can someone explain to me or define what a paramahamsa is and can anyone get this title like Paramahamsa Yogananda or do they have to qualify to be called Paramahamsa. Is it a very high title and where does it come from? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 28, 2002 Report Share Posted November 28, 2002 The word means transcedental swan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 28, 2002 Report Share Posted November 28, 2002 Bhagavat Gita Chapter 8 text 2 Srila Prabhupada's purport: Now the word prayana-kale in this verse is very significant because whatever we do in life will be tested at the time of death. Arjuna fears that at the time of death, those who are in Krsna consciousness will forget the Supreme Lord beause at such a time bodily functions are disrupted, and the mind may be in a panic-stricken state. Therefore Maharaja Kulasekhara, a great devotee, prays, "My dear Lord, may I die immediately now that I'm healthy so that the swan of my mind may enter into the stem of Thy lotus feet." The metaphor is used because the swan often takes pleasure in entering the stem of the lotus flower--similarly, the mind of the pure devotee is drawn to the lotus feet of the Lord. Maharaja Kulasekhara fears that at the moment of death his throat will be so choked up that he will not be able to chant the holy names, so it is better to "die immediately. Arjuna questions how one's mind can remain fixed on Krsna's lotus feet at such times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 29, 2002 Report Share Posted November 29, 2002 Thank you, what about the title of Paramahamsa, is it a common thing, who bestows such a title on a devotee, the disciples or the realized guru? Excuse my ignorance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 29, 2002 Report Share Posted November 29, 2002 I don't know for I am not even a neophyte.If you have pure devotion then you are a transcedental swan.There is no need for anyone outsider to bestow title.Only God can do that for he knows our heart. Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 29, 2002 Report Share Posted November 29, 2002 I understand the inner meaning of a swan taking the essence or extracting milk from water, but most of the heads of spiritual lineages seem to have titles some like Goswami, Thakur, Prabhupad, that must be given for a reason. I was just wondering where these extra titles are conferred from especially what makes a Paramahamsa. Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 29, 2002 Report Share Posted November 29, 2002 Joy, nice attitude, I've noticed you sound like a very joyous and well adjusted, not even neophyte, (does that translate as Anadhi), always trying to help. Funny how we take on the vibration of the names we wear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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