III. The Book of the Threes

V. The Minor Section

[134]

Thus have I heard:

On a certain occasion the Exalted One was staying near Sāvatthī.

Then he addressed the monks, saying:

"Monks."

"Yes, Lord," replied those monks to the Exalted One.

The Exalted One said this:

"In three respects, monks, a (religious) talk is profitable.¹

What three?

When he who teaches Dhamma
is able to penetrate
the letter and spirit thereof.

When he who hears Dhamma
is be able to penetrate
the letter and spirit thereof.

When both he who teaches Dhamma
and he who listens
is able to penetrate
the letter and spirit thereof.

In these three respects, monks, a (religious) talk is profitable."

¹ Pavattanī, cf. supra on text 125.