The Buddha teaches on when conversation flows, presenting a threefold teaching for disciples on the path.
“Tīhi, bhikkhave, ṭhānehi kathā pavattinī hoti. Katamehi tīhi? Yo dhammaṁ deseti so atthappaṭisaṁvedī ca hoti dhammappaṭisaṁvedī ca. Yo dhammaṁ suṇāti so atthappaṭisaṁvedī ca hoti dhammappaṭisaṁvedī ca. Yo ceva dhammaṁ deseti yo ca dhammaṁ suṇāti ubho atthappaṭisaṁvedino ca honti dhammappaṭisaṁvedino ca. Imehi kho, bhikkhave, tīhi ṭhānehi kathā pavattinī hotī”ti.
Catutthaṁ.
Reference Translation by Bhikkhu Sujato (CC0).
“Tīhi, bhikkhave, ṭhānehi kathā pavattinī hoti.
“In three situations, mendicants, conversation flows.
Katamehi tīhi?
What three?
Yo dhammaṁ deseti so atthappaṭisaṁvedī ca hoti dhammappaṭisaṁvedī ca.
When the teacher understands the meaning and the teaching.
Yo dhammaṁ suṇāti so atthappaṭisaṁvedī ca hoti dhammappaṭisaṁvedī ca.
When the audience understands the meaning and the teaching.
Yo ceva dhammaṁ deseti yo ca dhammaṁ suṇāti ubho atthappaṭisaṁvedino ca honti dhammappaṭisaṁvedino ca.
When both the teacher and the audience understand the meaning and the teaching.
Imehi kho, bhikkhave, tīhi ṭhānehi kathā pavattinī hotī”ti.
These are the three situations in which conversation flows.”
Catutthaṁ.
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Last updated on July 27, 2026