tataḥ śataguṇaḥ varṇaḥ śatāṃśuḥ tamasaḥ parī

tataḥ (then) śataguṇaḥ (having a hundred times) varṇaḥ (splendor) śatāṃśuḥ (having a hundredth part) tamasaḥ (of darkness) parī (surpassing)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tataḥ śataguṇa varṇaḥ śatāṃśu tamasaḥ pari, points towards the ultimate reality of Brahman, which is beyond all duality and limitations. According to Śaṅkarācārya, the 'hundred times brighter' refers to the unparalleled luminosity of Brahman, which is the essence of the universe. The 'hundred parts of darkness' symbolize the veiling effect of Māyā, which obscures the true nature of the Self. This verse highlights the struggle between the manifestation of Brahman and the obscuration by ignorance, ultimately guiding the seeker towards the realization of the identity of Brahman and Ātman. As Śaṅkarācārya explains in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, the removal of ignorance (Avidyā) reveals the true nature of the Self, which is none other than Brahman. This verse, therefore, underscores the non-dual reading of the ultimate reality, where the distinctions between the individual self and the universe are transcended, and the unity of all existence is revealed.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as a depiction of the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). The 'hundred times brighter' refers to the unparalleled glory of Īśvara, who is the source of all light and knowledge. The 'hundred parts of darkness' represent the conditioning and limitations of the jīva, which are overcome through devotion and surrender to the Lord. According to Rāmānujācārya, the relationship between the jīva and Īśvara is one of dependence, where the jīva is utterly reliant on the Lord for its existence and liberation. This verse, therefore, highlights the importance of Bhakti (devotion) in overcoming the limitations of the individual self and realizing one's true nature as a servant of the Lord. In his Śrī Bhāṣya, Rāmānujācārya emphasizes the role of divine grace in liberating the jīva from the cycle of birth and death, and this verse can be seen as a call to seek that divine grace through devotion and self-surrender.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse can be seen as a powerful metaphor for the human condition, where the individual struggles to overcome the limitations and conditioning of the mind. The 'hundred times brighter' refers to the infinite potential that lies within each individual, waiting to be tapped and realized. The 'hundred parts of darkness' represent the obstacles and challenges that one must overcome in order to realize this potential. As Swami Vivekānanda explains in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, the key to overcoming these limitations is to cultivate self-awareness, discipline, and devotion. By doing so, the individual can unlock their true potential and realize their unity with the universe. This verse, therefore, has a universal and practical application, guiding us towards a life of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. In his book 'The Ideal of a Universal Religion', S. Rādhākrishnan emphasizes the importance of realizing the unity of all existence, and this verse can be seen as a call to transcend our individual limitations and realize our place within the larger cosmic scheme.

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