[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [The Social Organisation in North-East India in Buddha's Time](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.fick-1897) › c8.81 # The Social Organisation in North-East India in Buddha's Time c8.81 The Social Organisation in North-East India in Buddha's Time c8.81 - **Language:** English ### [c8.81](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.fick-1897.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 - [Previous: c8.80](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.fick-1897.c8.80) - [Next: c8.82](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.fick-1897.c8.82) - [Up: c8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.fick-1897.c8) ## Linked texts (1) - [Jātaka](https://indike.org/pramana/in.bauddha.theravada.sp.khuddaka.jataka.497) — Pāli --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.fick-1897.c8.81](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.fick-1897.c8.81) · Pramāṇa