Balarāma Slays Balvala and Visits Sacred Tīrthas; He Attempts to Stop Bhīma–Duryodhana
युवां तुल्यबलौ वीरौ हे राजन् हे वृकोदर । एकं प्राणाधिकं मन्ये उतैकं शिक्षयाधिकम् ॥ २६ ॥
yuvāṁ tulya-balau vīrau he rājan he vṛkodara ekaṁ prāṇādhikaṁ manye utaikaṁ śikṣayādhikam
[พระพลรามตรัส:] โอ้พระราชาทุรโยธน์! โอ้วฤโกทร ภีมะ! ท่านทั้งสองเป็นวีรบุรุษมีกำลังทัดเทียมกัน เราเห็นว่า คนหนึ่งมีกำลังกายเหนือกว่า แต่อีกคนหนึ่งชำนาญด้วยการฝึกฝนมากกว่า
Bhīma was physically more powerful, but Duryodhana was more advanced in terms of technique.
This verse distinguishes two dimensions of strength: raw vitality and stamina (prāṇa) versus cultivated skill through instruction and discipline (śikṣā), implying both matter in kṣatriya conduct.
Vṛkodara is Bhīma’s epithet meaning “wolf-bellied,” highlighting his immense appetite and extraordinary bodily power, often used in epic and Purāṇic narration.
Balance natural energy and resilience (health, steadiness, stamina) with systematic learning and coaching (skill-building, practice, discipline) rather than relying on only one.