Kathavatthu 20.2.2

20.2.2.1

Natthi puthujjanassa ñāṇanti?

Does an ordinary person have no knowledge?

Again, you admit, do you not? that there is not one of the four Rūpa-jhānas or of the four Arūpa-jhānas to which a man of the world may not attain, and that he is capable of liberality towards the Brethren as to the four requisites: raiment and so forth. Surely then it is not right to say a worldly man can have no insight.

20.2.2.2

Āmantā.

Yes.

20.2.2.3

Puthujjano paṭhamaṃ jhānaṃ samāpajjeyyāti?

Could an ordinary person attain the first absorption?

20.2.2.4

Āmantā.

Yes.

20.2.2.5

Hañci puthujjano paṭhamaṃ jhānaṃ samāpajjeyya, no ca vata re vattabbe—

If an ordinary person could attain the first absorption, then indeed, sir, it should not be said:

20.2.2.6

“natthi puthujjanassa ñāṇan”ti.

“An ordinary person has no knowledge.”