The Social Organisation in North-East India in Buddha's Time c8.81

c8.81

Of a Brâhmaṇa ascetic whose hermitage lies on the banks of a river, it is said (IV. 388) that one day as he takes water to rinse his mouth, a toothpick floating in the water which a Caṇḍāla living near by has thrown into the water, is caught in a tuft of his hair. He notices it and cries out "Damn you, wretch."¹ With the words, "I will now see whence this evil omen has come," he moves up-stream and as he notices the Caṇḍāla he asks him, "To what caste do you belong." The reply comes, "I am a Caṇḍāla." "You have then thrown the toothpick in the river?" "Indeed, I have," replied the Caṇḍāla, and the Brâhmaṇa said, "Damn you, wretched Caṇḍāla, you bird of evil omen, you shall not live here any longer, move your dwelling down the river."²