tataḥ śataguṇa vardhamāno lakṣaguṇa iva tadvaśī.
“Then, as if the very earth were under his control, he grew a hundredfold and even a thousandfold.”
Structure
tataḥ śataguṇa vardhamāno lakṣaguṇa iva tadvaśī
tataḥ (then) śataguṇa (hundredfold) vardhamāno (increasing) lakṣaguṇa (a millionfold) iva (like) tadvaśī (under his control)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śataguṇa | śataguṇa | compound | karmadhāraya · "śata guṇa" | hundredfold |
| vardhamāno | vardhamāno | verb | √vrdh · vartamāna · third | increasing, growing |
| lakṣaguṇa | lakṣaguṇa | compound | karmadhāraya · "lakṣa guṇa" | a hundred thousandfold |
| iva | iva | indeclinable | — | like, as |
| tadvaśī | tadvaśī | compound | bahuvrīhi · "tad vaśī" | under his control |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately identical with the universal self (Brahman). Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras emphasizes the idea that the growth described here is not of the physical body but of the self's understanding and realization of its true nature. The 'hundredfold and thousandfold' growth symbolizes the expansive and unlimited potential of the self when it recognizes its unity with Brahman. As Shankara notes, the verse points to the idea that the self, once freed from ignorance, realizes its infinite potential, akin to the earth being 'under his control,' signifying the mastery over one's own consciousness and the dissolution of ego boundaries.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as a metaphor for the devotee's spiritual growth under the grace of Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya's commentary might interpret the 'hundredfold and thousandfold' growth as the devotee's increasing devotion and surrender to the Lord, leading to a deepening of their relationship. The phrase 'as if the earth were under his control' could signify the devotee's mastery over their own desires and worldly attachments, achieved through devotion and the Lord's grace. This interpretation highlights the interpersonal relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara, where the soul's growth is facilitated by the Lord's benevolence.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda would likely interpret this verse as a call to unlock human potential, emphasizing the idea that every individual has the capacity for immense growth and development. He might connect this verse to his concept of the 'universal religion,' where the goal is to realize one's true self and contribute to the betterment of society. Vivekānanda's lectures often stressed the importance of self-realization and the pursuit of knowledge as a means to achieve this growth. In contemporary life, this verse can inspire individuals to strive for personal and spiritual growth, recognizing the vast potential that lies within them, much like the earth's potential when harnessed wisely. It encourages a holistic approach to development, integrating personal, spiritual, and societal growth.