1006. Care makes sacred

பூசுவார் கையால் கருமண்ணும் கோயிலாம்கைவிட்ட மண்மீண்டும் மண்

poosuvaar kaiyaal karumannum koyilaamkaivitta manmeendum man

Under the hands that plaster it, even dark clay becomes a temple; clay the hand lets go of is clay again.

In Tamil homes and shrines, earthen floors and walls are smoothed by hand with wet clay, often daily, as an act of care.

1007. The heart in reverence

பணிந்தார் பணிந்தது தம்நெஞ்சை அன்றிப்பணிந்ததோர் கல்லன் றது

panindaar panindadhu thamnenjai andrippanindadhor kallan radhu

Those who bowed humbled their own hearts; it was not a stone they bowed to.

Shrine images may be made of stone. The Tamil verb can describe both bending low and bowing in reverence.

1008. Worth beyond strength

வலிக்குத் தலைவணங்கல் வாணிகம் வாழ்வேமெலிவுக்கும் தாழ்வார் மனம்

valikkudh thalaivanangal vaanikam vaazhvemelivukkum thaazhvaar manam

To bow the head to strength is trade; a mind that bows low even to the frail is life itself.