What is the meaning of Parmahamsa? Its literal meaning is supreme swan. Why a swan? The swan is at home on land and water. A true sage is equally at home in the realms of matter and spirit. To be in divine ecstasy and simultaneously to be aware in the world is the state of parmahamsa.

The swan is a symbol for the soul. The swan is said to be the only creature capable of separating milk from water when water has been added to it. Symbolically this is the display of great spiritual discrimination. It means an enlightened and spiritual master and the highest accolade of spirituality. It is the union with ultimate reality that has been attained by a sannyasi.

Today is World Yoga Day and the eternal sayings of Swami Satyananda Saraswati remain relevant for us.

Some quotes

“Yoga is not an ancient buried in oblivion. It is the most valuable inheritance of the present. It is the essential need of today and the culture of tomorrow.”

“Awareness is the key to the secrets of life. It will never disappoint you. It gives you knowledge, understanding and depth of character. You can develop it through the practice of pratyahara.”

“There is no love greater than faith. There is no reverence greater than obedience. There is no bliss greater than the bliss of meditation.”

“Living the Yogic way of life one learns to handle both the pleasant and the unpleasant events with the same detachment.”

“The more energy you spend in serving others, the more divine energy will flow into you.”

“The secret of happiness lies in connecting the mind with its source. Once you are able to do this, happiness flows. When you know the source, you become an elevated person in thought as well as action. Happiness is within your reach, and you can hold it firmly but incessant and noble efforts are necessary.”

There is no noise in the world. There is no peace in the Himalayas. Both are within us.

Love, serve, give sums it all. We all can live a Yogic life if we follow what Swami Sivananda preached. All his disciples say the same thing in different words. Awareness is being aware of the needs of others, being detached about one’s feeling and emotions, and being in harmony with the universe.

Aim Hrim Klim