The Social Organisation in North-East India in Buddha's Time c14.39

c14.39

In my opinion, we have to distinguish between two kinds of Brâhmaṇas who, though they do not perhaps appear to be outwardly distinguishable in any way, are essentially different in nature² and have nothing in common with each other except the name and the fact of belonging to the same caste. We speak of the distinction between "proper" and "worldly" Brâhmaṇas. The first class corresponds closely to the ideal sketched in their own writings. Their life is usually divided into three or four stages, into which the life of a Brâhmaṇa is divided by the lawbooks and the observance of which, as is recommended here, appears to be looked upon as essential.¹