The Way of the Flowing Stream teaches that one cannot win by meeting their opponent with equal force but by using their force against them. Monks who follow this way outwardly appear to never fight back when attacked, instead adopting more defensive motions and stances. However, if you watch closely, the monk's movements and actions mimic that of flowing water, turning away strikes and using their opponent's force and momentum against them.

Reactionary

Starting when you choose this tradition at 3rd level, you gain 1 additional reaction (for a total of 2 reactions) to use on another creature's turn, beside your own.

You can only use this additional reaction whenever you take the Dodge action or use Patient Defense.

You gain 2 additional reactions at 5th level, 3 additional reactions at 11th level and 4 additional reactions at 17th level.

Counter Strike

Also at 3rd level, when you are under the effects of the Dodge action and a creature misses with a melee attack against you, you may spend 1 Ki point to use your reaction to make an unarmed strike against them.

Deflect Strikes

At 6th level, while under the effects of the Dodge action, your Deflect Missiles ability can now be used on melee attacks that hit you. If the damage is reduced to 0, you may spend 1 Ki point to make an unarmed strike against the attacker.

Unbalance

Starting at 11th level, when you use your Counter Strike ability you may spend 2 Ki points to throw your opponent off balance. They must make a Constitution saving throw. On failure, the target suffers from Disadvantage on attacks and saving throws for 1 minute.

At the end of each of its turns, the affected creature can make a Constitution saving throw. If it succeeds, this effect ends for the creature.

Flowing Stream, Crashing River

At 17th level, when you make a Counter Strike, you may spend 5 Ki points instead. If you do, make 3 unarmed strikes with advantage.

Additionally, if the target is under the effects of your Unbalance, these attacks have a critical hit range of 19-20.