tataḥ śataguṇā vardhamāno vāyuryathā pavanaḥ punaḥ
“Then, growing a hundredfold, like the wind that again blows”
Structure
tataḥ śataguṇā vardhamānaḥ vāyuḥ yathā pavanaḥ punaḥ
tataḥ (then) vāyuḥ (the wind) śataguṇā (hundredfold) vardhamānaḥ (increasing) yathā (just as) pavanaḥ (the purifier) punaḥ (again)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śataguṇā | śataguṇā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | one hundredfold, greatly increased |
| vardhamānaḥ | vardhamānaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | increasing, growing |
| vāyuḥ | vāyuḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | wind, air |
| yathā | yathā | indeclinable | — | as, like |
| pavanaḥ | pavanaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | purifying, cleansing |
| punaḥ | punaḥ | indeclinable | — | again, once more |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, the phrase 'tataḥ śataguṇā vardhamānaḥ vāyuḥ' signifies the unfolding of the ultimate reality, Brahman, in a manner similar to how the wind expands and spreads. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality by stating that the expansion is not an actual increase but a manifestation of what was already existent. This understanding is crucial as it points to the identity of Brahman and Ātman, where the individual self (Ātman) is not separate from the universal reality (Brahman). The 'punar' or 'again' in the phrase 'yathā pavanaḥ punaḥ' suggests a recurring or cyclic nature of this manifestation, which aligns with the concept of creation and dissolution in Advaita philosophy. Therefore, this verse, when understood through the lens of non-duality, underscores the eternal and unchanging nature of the self and the universe, guiding the seeker towards the realization of the ultimate truth, 'Tat tvam asi' - 'That thou art.'
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, the verse 'tataḥ śataguṇā vardhamānaḥ vāyuḥ yathā pavanaḥ punaḥ' can be seen as an allegory for the expansion of the divine in the world. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, highlights the personal aspect of God, Īśvara, and the relationship between Īśvara and the individual soul (jīva). The 'śataguṇā vardhamānaḥ' or hundredfold growth can represent the manifold ways in which Īśvara engages with the world and the souls within it, demonstrating his omnipotence and benevolence. The comparison to the wind 'yathā pavanaḥ' signifies the pervasive and essential nature of divine presence, much like the wind which is felt everywhere. 'Punaḥ' or 'again' suggests the cyclical nature of divine engagement with creation, indicating both the recurrent cycles of creation and the recurrent opportunity for the jīva to seek union with or service to Īśvara. This interpretation underscores the devotional path of the Vaiṣṇava tradition, emphasizing love and surrender to the personal deity as the means to achieve spiritual fulfillment.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, 'tataḥ śataguṇā vardhamānaḥ vāyuḥ yathā pavanaḥ punaḥ', offers a profound lesson in the potential for human growth and development. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often spoke about the inherent power of the human being, likening it to a seed that contains the tree. The 'śataguṇā vardhamānaḥ' or hundredfold growth symbolizes the immense potential within each individual awaiting manifestation. The comparison to the wind, 'yathā pavanaḥ', suggests the dynamic, expansive, and ever-changing nature of human potential, as the wind can both gently nurture and powerfully transform. The cyclic nature implied by 'punar' or 'again' reminds us that opportunities for growth and self-realization are ever-present, encouraging a continuous striving for excellence and a deeper connection with one's inner self and the world at large. In contemporary life, this verse inspires individuals to recognize and actualize their innate potential, fostering personal growth, societal progress, and universal harmony, reflecting the inclusive and practical teachings of Neo-Vedānta.