Shloka 18
Kṣātra-Dharma, Daṇḍanīti, and Social Order
Indra–Māndhātṛ Dialogue
सत्ये स्थितो धर्मपरो जितेन्द्रिय: शूरो दृढ्प्रीतिरत: सुराणाम् । बुद्धा भक््त्या चोत्तमश्रद्धया च ततस्ते5हं दक्मि वरान् यथेष्टम्
satyē sthito dharmaparo jitendriyaḥ śūro dṛḍhaprītirataḥ surāṇām | buddhā bhaktyā cottamaśraddhayā ca tataste 'haṃ dadāmi varān yatheṣṭam, nareśvara |
Bhīṣma dit : «Ô roi, tu es établi dans la vérité, voué au dharma et maître de tes sens ; tu es un héros constant, inébranlable dans ton amour pour les dieux. Satisfait par ton intelligence éveillée, ta dévotion et ta foi la plus haute, je t’accorde donc des grâces selon ton désir.»
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse praises a ruler’s ethical qualifications—truthfulness, commitment to dharma, mastery over the senses, courage, and devotion—implying that inner discipline and faith are the grounds for legitimate honor and reward (here, the granting of boons).
Bhishma addresses a king, commending his virtues and stating that, being satisfied with the king’s discernment, devotion, and faith, he will grant him boons according to his wish.