Section outline
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Lesson 3.4.12 Pañhabyākaraṇasuttaṃ – How Questions Should Get Answered!
The Buddha possessed a remarkable quality known as paṭibhāṇa, signifying his exceptional ability to instantly grasp people's concerns and questions and provide immediate, satisfying answers. This term combines the noun bhāṇaṃ (telling, expounding) with the prefix paṭi (back, towards, in return), articulating the excellence of ready wit, promptness, and confidence in speech. It describes the rare skill of replying immediately, honestly, precisely, timely, and impeccably, without hesitation. Paṭibhāṇa is a crucial quality for anyone explaining the Dhamma. The Introduction to the Pañhabyākaraṇasutta highlights this, praising Venerable Ānanda's skill in giving proper answers and detailing four key aspects to consider when formulating a beneficial reply that satisfies the questioner.