Ja 191 The Story about (the Family Priest) Ruhaka
(Ruhakajātaka)
In the present one monk who ordains after his marriage gradually comes once again under his wife’s power. The Buddha tells a story of how a brahmin called Ruhaka was made a fool of by his wife, who made him dress and act like a horse. When shamed in front of the king he chased her out and got a new wife.
1. Api Ruhaka chinnāpi, jiyā sandhīyate puna,
Sandhīyassu purāṇiyā, mā kodhassa vasaṁ gamī ti.
Although broken, Ruhaka, the bow string can be reconnected, connect with the old bow string, PED: f. purāṇī, of an old bow string, applied jokingly to a former wife. do not be controlled by anger.
In this connection, this is the meaning in brief: dear Ruhaka, surely, although the bow string is broken, it can be reconnected again, recombined, so you can also reconnect with your old bow string your wife, The word for a former wife is purāṇadutiyikā. and not come under the control of anger.
2. Vijjamānesu vākesu, vijjamānesu kārisu,
Aññaṁ jiyaṁ karissāmi, alañ-ñeva purāṇiyā ti!
While there is fibre existing, while there are workmen existing, I will make another bow string, enough with the old bow string!
This the meaning: great king, while men such as bow-makers, soft-fibre workers, and bow makers exist. I will make another bow, enough with the old bow which is broken, it is nothing to me, is the meaning. And after saying this, having removed her, he brought another brahminī to be his wife.