If you adhere strictly to the Dharmic path and stick to the yearning, you can become Paramahamsa, though you may now be a novice or even a non-believer! (SSS Vol.2, p. 267)
The Gita has declared that it is not life itself but a good character that is important. A life devoid of good character is useless. You have to develop your character and earn a good name so that the principle of humanity will shine forth in you. Your most important duty is to harbour good thoughts, to have good behaviour, to speak good words and to lead a good life. You must be very careful with your words and actions so that you will never earn a bad name. Instead of living for a hundred years the life of a crow, scavenging off others, it is far better to live a few moments as a swan, with an untarnished name and an unblemished character. Gita has called such a sterling soul, whose life is replete with goodness, a Paramahamsa, a most sacred being. (DBG, p. 64)
One scientist wanted to know the meaning of the word Paramahamsa (Supreme Swan) used in spiritual parlance. He was told that just as the swan separates milk from water by dipping its beak into a mixture of milk and water, the Paramahamsa through his proper enquiry and the resulting wisdom separates the Atma (Self) from Anatman (Non-Self). In turn, when the scientist was questioned as to who endowed the swan with the capacity to separate milk and water, the scientist replied that when the acid secreted by the beak of the swan comes into contact with the mixture of milk and water. The acid curdles the milk thus separating it from water. But then the question arises as to who has placed this acid in the beak of the swan. Has any scientist done it? No, it is only God who has done this. Such, indeed, are the mysteries of God’s creation! (SSS Vol.25, p. 194)