Shloka 18
एकान्तिधर्म-प्रश्नः (Inquiry into Ekāntin Dharma) / The Origin and Practice of Single-Pointed Nārāyaṇa-Centered Discipline
धार्मिको नित्यभक्तश्च पितुर्नित्यमतन्द्रित: । साम्राज्यं तेन सम्प्राप्तं नारायणवरात् पुरा,वे धर्मात्मा तथा पिताके नित्य भक्त थे। आलस्यका उनमें सर्वथा अभाव था। पूर्वकालमें भगवान् नारायणके वरसे उन्होंने भूमण्डलका साम्राज्य प्राप्त किया था
dhārmiko nityabhaktaś ca pitur nityam atandritaḥ | sāmrājyaṃ tena samprāptaṃ nārāyaṇavarāt purā ||
Bhīṣma dijo: «Era justo, siempre devoto y constantemente solícito en el servicio a su padre, sin entregarse jamás a la negligencia. En tiempos antiguos, por la gracia de Nārāyaṇa, obtuvo la soberanía: un imperio sobre toda la tierra.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse links legitimate sovereignty to ethical character: steadfast dharma, unwavering devotion, and diligent service to one’s father (and by extension elders and duty) are presented as the qualities that attract divine favor and rightful kingship.
Bhīṣma is describing a virtuous figure’s qualities—righteousness, constant devotion, and tireless attentiveness to his father—and explains that, long ago, this person attained imperial rule through a boon granted by Lord Nārāyaṇa.