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 |
毗湿摩说道：“大王啊，你安住于真实，专志于达摩，克制诸根；你是坚定的勇士，对诸天的爱敬不曾动摇。因你觉悟的智慧、虔敬与至高信心而令我欢喜，故我将依你所愿赐予恩赐。”
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.