తన కోపమే తన శత్రువు

tana kopame tana shatruvu

Translation

One's own anger is one's own enemy.

Meaning

This is a popular proverb from Vemana Satakam emphasizing self-control. It means that an individual's inability to control their anger causes them more harm than any external enemy ever could. It is used to advise someone to stay calm and realize that outbursts of rage only lead to personal loss and damaged relationships.

Related Phrases

When one loses their own position or place, their own friends become enemies

This expression highlights how respect and relationships are often tied to one's status or position. Just as a tooth or hair loses its value once removed from its place, a person who loses their power or standing may find that even their allies turn against them or treat them poorly. It is used to caution that influence is often situational.

Anger upon seeing an enemy, peace upon seeing a saint

This expression describes the natural human tendency to react differently based on the person encountered. It implies that our internal state—whether aggressive or calm—is often a reflection of the company we keep or the character of the person standing before us. It is used to suggest that one should strive for emotional balance or to describe how someone's demeanor shifts instantly depending on their surroundings.

No matter how much wealth one's relatives possess, one's own fortune is what truly belongs to them.

This expression emphasizes self-reliance and the reality that one cannot depend on or claim ownership over the wealth or success of relatives. Even if one's family or kin are extremely rich, an individual only truly owns what they have earned or what is personally theirs. It is used to caution against relying solely on the support of others.

His shadow is his devil. Afraid of his own shadow.

This expression describes a state of extreme guilt, paranoia, or fear where a person is haunted by their own actions. It suggests that when someone has a guilty conscience or is deeply afraid, even their own shadow appears like a threatening spirit, meaning they cannot escape their own mind.

If one loses their character, their glory diminishes.

This proverb emphasizes that a person's reputation and status (glory) are directly tied to their conduct and character. If one deviates from their values or loses their integrity, their social standing and respect will naturally decline. It is used to advise someone to maintain their standards to preserve their dignity.

The one without a class is the enemy

This phrase is often used in political or sociological contexts, particularly in Marxist or class-struggle ideologies. It suggests that individuals who do not belong to a defined social or economic class, or who ignore the existence of class distinctions, are seen as obstacles or enemies to the progress of a specific group's movement.

All my patience is swept away, but I am not at all angry. An ironical speech used by a man boiling with indignation.

This is a sarcastic expression used to describe a person who claims they are not angry, even though they have clearly lost their temper and exhausted all their patience. It is often used to mock someone who is visibly furious but tries to deny their emotional state.

One's own anger is their enemy; one's own calmness is their protection.

This is a famous moral teaching from Vemana Satakam. It suggests that self-control is the greatest virtue. Uncontrolled anger causes harm to oneself more than others, acting as an internal enemy, while maintaining a peaceful and calm composure serves as a shield against life's troubles.

A sick person has more anger.

This expression is used to describe how people who are suffering or in a weak state tend to be irritable, impatient, or easily annoyed. It serves as a reminder to be patient and empathetic with those who are unwell, as their physical discomfort often manifests as bad temper.

If you walk, the whole village is your friend; if you lie down, even the mat becomes your enemy.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of being active and productive. As long as you are hardworking and successful (walking), everyone wants to be your friend. However, if you become lazy or fall into hard times (lying down), even the simplest things and closest people may turn against you or become a burden.