A mahásála brahmin, contemporary of the Buddha, reputed for his great learning and highly esteemed in brahmin gatherings - e.g., at Icchánangala (SN., p.115) and at Manasákata (D.i.235).
He is mentioned together with such eminent and wealthy brahmins as Tárukkha, Pokkharasádi, Jánussoni and Todeyya (E.g., M.ii.202).
Cankí lived in the brahmin village of Opasáda, on a royal fief granted him by Pasenadi. When the Buddha came to Opasáda, Cankí visited him, in spite of the protests of his friends and colleagues, and on this occasion was preached the Cankí Sutta (M.ii.164f).
We are not told that Cankí ever became a follower of the Buddha, though Buddhaghosa says that he held the Buddha in great esteem. MA.i.394; this also appears from the introductory part of the Cankí Sutta.