Listening to Ancient Wisdom

Listening to Ancient Wisdom: What Iniyavai Naarpadu Can Teach Us About SEL

There’s a quiet joy in returning to the roots. In a world constantly rushing forward, there’s something deeply grounding about looking back—especially when what we find there speaks to the very heart of who we are and who we hope our children will become.

Iniyavai Naarpadu—literally, “Forty Pleasing Things”—is one such gem from Tamil literature. Composed by the poet Putham Sērnthanār, this slim collection is part of the Pathinen Keezhkanakku anthology. At its core, it is a list. But what a list it is. Not of things to own or places to go, but of ways to live. Things that are truly pleasing—not to the senses, but to the soul.

As we read through these verses, we couldn’t help but notice that this 2000-year-old text holds striking parallels to what we now call Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).

We picked five verses that felt especially relevant today—and here’s what we found when we looked at them through the lens of CASEL’s five SEL competencies.

1. On Kind and Thoughtful Speech

இனியவே சொல்லுக இனியவாக் கேட்டக்க

வணிகமும் செய்தொழுகும்

Speak sweetly, only words that delight the listener.

Even trade thrives on pleasant speech.

In simple terms: Say it kindly. Think before you speak. Words can hurt—or heal.

This ties in beautifully with SEL’s focus on self-management and relationship skills. In the classroom, when a child learns to pause before reacting or chooses a gentler way to disagree, we see this verse come alive. Thoughtful speech is more than etiquette—it’s emotional intelligence in action.

2. On Listening to the Wise

செவிக்குண வில்லை எனினும் அவையஞ்சல்

அவையஞ்ச வைக்கும் சொல் இனிது

Even if the ear tastes no flavour,

It is pleased by words spoken at wise gatherings.

At its heart, this verse says: Listen. Learn from those who know. True pleasure lies not in noise but in meaningful conversations.

This reflects the SEL domain of social awareness. It reminds us that learning happens best when we listen—not just to respond but to understand. When children tune in to another’s story or reflect on a peer’s feelings, they are practicing this ancient wisdom in a modern world.

3. On Forgiveness

தீயவை செய்தொழுகும் ஞாலம் அதனினும்

நீங்குதல் இனியவையாக் காண்

This world often leans toward wrongdoing—

even so, the act of letting go is sweeter still.

Forgiveness isn’t a weakness. It’s, in fact, a strength. It takes a lot of courage to let go of anger or hurt, especially when we feel justified. But as this verse gently reminds us, the act of forgiving—even in an imperfect world—is deeply satisfying.

In SEL terms, this connects with both relationship skills and responsible decision-making. It’s the skill of moving forward, not with resentment but with wisdom.

4. On Self-Control and Resisting Temptation

விரும்பின் இனியவை செய்தல் அதனினும்

செருக்கிழைக்கும் சிந்தை இனிது

Fulfilling every desire may be sweet—

but sweeter still is the mind that masters its pride.

It’s easy to say yes to every impulse. But what if we paused? What if we chose wisely, even when no one is watching?

This verse speaks to self-management. In the classroom, it unfolds when a child resists the urge to interrupt or chooses to help a friend instead of taking the last toy. Over time, such choices build not just discipline but dignity.

5. On Doing What’s Right, Even Unseen

ஒப்புரவில்லாத சூழலும் அஃதொன்று

மெய்ப்படச் செய்யின் இனிது

Even in situations where fairness is hard to find,

doing the just thing is most pleasing.

This one hits home. It’s about integrity. About doing what’s right—not for praise, not for reward, but because it matters.

In SEL, this is responsible decision-making at its most profound. In today’s classrooms, it might look like a child returning a lost pencil, sharing credit for a group project, or standing up when something feels unfair.

Each of these verses reminds us that SEL is not new. It may have a new name today, but its roots run deep—woven into our language, literature, and ways of living. Iniyavai Naarpadu doesn’t use words like “emotional regulation” or “interpersonal effectiveness.” It doesn’t need to. It simply offers a way of being in the world—with compassion, awareness, and quiet strength.

Perhaps the greatest gift of looking back at texts like these is the recognition that our ancestors, too, were trying to raise kind, thoughtful, wise children.

And perhaps, in their verses, we find both comfort and clarity as we shape the spaces our children learn and grow in today.

References:

1. Iniyavai Naarpadu, Putham Sērnthanār – from the Pathinen Keezhkanakku anthology (Post-Sangam period, ca. 100–500 CE)

2. Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) – www.casel.org