tataḥ śataguṇā vardhamāno vṛkṣo'tha sahasraśaḥ ।
“Then the tree, which was growing hundredfold, grew thousandfold.”
Structure
tataḥ śataguṇā vardhamānaḥ vṛkṣaḥ atha sahasraśaḥ
tataḥ (then) śataguṇā (hundredfold) vardhamānaḥ (growing) vṛkṣaḥ (tree) atha (then) sahasraśaḥ (thousandfold)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śataguṇā | śataguṇā | adjective | — | hundredfold, multiplied by a hundred |
| vardhamānaḥ | vardhamānaḥ | verb | √vardh · present participle · third | growing, increasing |
| vṛkṣaḥ | vṛkṣaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | tree |
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, also |
| sahasraśaḥ | sahasraśaḥ | indeclinable | — | thousandfold, in thousands |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata, 'tataḥ śataguṇā vardhamāno vṛkṣo'tha sahasraśaḥ', underscores the concept of exponential growth, symbolizing the unfolding of the ultimate reality. According to Shankara, such imagery points to the boundless potential of the Self (ātman) which, upon realization, grows from a limited, individualized form (jīva) to its true, all-encompassing essence (Brahman). In his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, Shankara discusses the concept of 'śataguṇā' in terms of the Self's infinite capabilities, implying that just as the tree grows hundredfold and then thousandfold, the Self expands infinitely upon Self-realization. This growth signifies the dissolution of individual boundaries and the realization of the non-dual identity of Brahman and ātman. Shankara's reasoning highlights that this verse supports the Advaita Vedānta perspective by illustrating the expansive and infinite nature of the ultimate reality, encouraging the seeker to look beyond the limited, mundane understanding of growth and development.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The growth of the tree, as described in the verse 'tataḥ śataguṇā vardhamāno vṛkṣo'tha sahasraśaḥ', can be seen as a metaphor for the devotional journey of the jīva towards Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, discusses the concept of 'vardhamānaḥ vṛkṣaḥ' in relation to the flourishing of bhakti (devotion) in the heart of the devotee. He emphasizes that just as the tree grows exponentially, the love and devotion towards the Divine can expand infinitely, leading the devotee towards a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. This verse, in the context of Vaiṣṇava thought, encourages devotees to nurture their spiritual growth through continuous devotion and self-surrender, reflecting the reciprocal relationship between the Lord and the devotee, where the devotee's love and surrender are met with an infinite, loving response from Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda often spoke about the vast, untapped potential within every individual, using natural imagery to convey the idea of exponential growth and development. The verse 'tataḥ śataguṇā vardhamāno vṛkṣo'tha sahasraśaḥ' illustrates this concept perfectly, symbolizing the transition from a limited, confined existence to one of expansive, limitless potential. In his lectures and writings, Vivekānanda urged individuals to tap into this inner reservoir of strength and potential, advocating for a life of service, self-discipline, and spiritual growth. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, emphasized the importance of realizing one's true nature and harnessing inner potential for the betterment of society. This verse, from a Neo-Vedānta perspective, serves as a reminder of human potentiality and the importance of striving for continuous growth and self-improvement, reflecting the universal and practical application of ancient wisdom in contemporary life.