tataḥ śataguṇaḥ varṇaḥ śatāṃśuḥ tadguṇaḥ raviḥ na tat hiranyamayaḥ somo na tat cāgneyam agnihotram

tataḥ (then) śataguṇaḥ (having a hundred times more) varṇaḥ (brilliance) śatāṃśuḥ (having a hundred parts) tadguṇaḥ (that much quality) raviḥ (the sun) na (not) tat (that) hiranyamayaḥ (made of gold) somo (Soma) na (not) tat (that) ca (and) āgneyam (related to fire) agnihotram (the fire sacrifice)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata elucidates the hierarchy of luminosity, with the being having a hundred times more radiance than the moon, and the sun surpassing that by a hundredfold. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, would interpret this as a metaphor for the gradations of consciousness. The ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all such relativities of light and darkness. The 'being' described here, with its immense radiance, is still within the realm of māyā, the illusory world of distinctions. The verse points to the brahman-ātman identity by hinting at the existence of a reality that transcends the distinctions of the phenomenal world, including the distinctions of luminosity. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's non-dualistic approach, emphasizing the ultimate unity and identity of the individual self (ātman) with the supreme reality (Brahman). The verse prompts the seeker to look beyond the ephemeral manifestations of light and sound to the eternal, unchanging essence that underlies all existence.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as a description of the various levels of divine manifestation. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, would likely interpret the 'being' with a hundred times more radiance than the moon as a reference to the intermediate divine forms, such as the gods, who serve as emissaries between the ultimate reality (Īśvara) and the individual selves (jīvas). The sun, with its hundred times greater radiance, symbolizes the supreme lord, Īśvara, who is the source of all light and life. The verse underscores the distinction between the material and spiritual realms, emphasizing that true devotion (bhakti) and knowledge (jñāna) can lead the jīva to recognize and reverence the Īśvara, beyond the glitter of worldly attractions, such as gold (hiranyamaya) or the Soma ritual, which are mere shadows of the divine. This devotional reading stresses the personal relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, with the verse serving as a reminder of the jīva's ultimate goal: to attain union with or loving devotion to the supreme lord.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universal and practical applications of ancient Indian wisdom. This verse, with its imagery of increasing luminosity, can be seen as a metaphor for the evolution of human consciousness. The 'being' with its extraordinary radiance represents the potential for human growth and self-realization. Vivekānanda would likely interpret the sun's greater radiance as symbolizing the awakening to one's true nature, beyond the confines of material attachments and rituals. The verse's message, in this context, is one of hope and aspiration, encouraging individuals to strive for their highest potential, to seek the light within, which is beyond external symbols of wealth (gold) or outdated religious practices (Soma ritual). Sarvepalli Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, also underscores the importance of moving beyond mere external observances to the cultivation of inner wisdom and the realization of the universal self. This modern reading of the verse connects it to contemporary life, emphasizing personal growth, self-awareness, and the pursuit of one's inner light as the path to true fulfillment and understanding.

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