tataḥ śataguṇa vardhamāno rāvaṇo rākṣasādhipaḥ

rāvaṇo (Ravana) rākṣasādhipaḥ (the lord of Rakshasas) tataḥ (then) śataguṇa (hundredfold) vardhamāno (increasing, growing)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tataḥ śatagguṇa vardhamāno rāvaṇo rākṣasādhipaḥ, highlights the illusion of separateness and duality. Shankara interprets Ravana's growth as a metaphor for the ego's self-aggrandizement, which obscures the true nature of the Self. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras (1.1.1), Shankara explains that the universe is a manifestation of Brahman, and all beings, including Ravana, are ultimately non-different from it. This verse points to the concept of avidyā, or ignorance, which veils the true identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). Shankara's reasoning emphasizes that liberation (mokṣa) can be achieved by recognizing and transcending this ignorance, thereby realizing the non-dual nature of existence. This verse thus serves as a reminder of the illusory nature of the ego and the importance of self-inquiry to attain liberation.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse can be seen as a demonstration of the Lord's (Īśvara) power and the jīva's (individual self) potential for growth, albeit limited by its inherent nature. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā (7.7), notes that the jīva's growth and accomplishments are ultimately dependent on the Lord's grace. Ravana's hundredfold growth represents the potential for the jīva to achieve great things, but also serves as a warning against the perils of pride and self-aggrandizement. In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, the relationship between the jīva and Īśvara is one of dependence and devotion. This verse highlights the importance of humility and recognition of one's limitations, and the need to cultivate devotion to the Lord in order to achieve true fulfillment and liberation. Madhvācārya's Commentary on the Mahābhārata (Mbh Parva 1 v.247) also underscores the theme of divine providence and the role of human agency in the attainment of spiritual growth.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of self-culture and the realization of one's inner potential. This verse can be seen as a call to recognize and develop one's capacities, just as Ravana grew by a factor of one hundred. Vivekananda's focus on the universal and practical application of Vedānta emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, self-discipline, and self-control in achieving personal growth and spiritual development. In his speech 'The Message of Vedanta' (1896), Vivekananda notes that the goal of life is to realize one's true nature, which is infinite and divine. This verse serves as a reminder that human growth and potential are not limited by external circumstances, but rather by one's own perceptions and understanding of oneself. S. Radhakrishnan, in his book 'The Hindu View of Life' (1927), also explores the concept of human potential and the importance of cultivating a sense of inner growth and self-awareness in order to achieve a fulfilling and meaningful life.

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