46 Prince Dukamma

Dukamma tests his father’s advice by marrying a thrice-widowed woman and befriending a thrice-renounced man. His wife betrays him for gold, and his friend abandons him. Gatekeepers tell stories of rash actions causing remorse, delaying his execution. He proves his innocence, refuses a kingdom, and later becomes king of Takkasilā. The Buddha teaches that bad company brings ruin.