A mahāsāla brahmin, contemporary of the Buddha, reputed for his great learning and highly esteemed in brahmin gatherings - e.g., at Icchānaṅgala (SN, p.115) and at Manasākaṭa (D.i.235).

He is mentioned together with such eminent and wealthy brahmins as Tārukkha, Pokkharasādi, Jāṇussoni and Todeyya (e.g., M.ii.202).

Caṅkī lived in the brahmin village of Opāsāda, on a royal fief granted him by Pasenadi. When the Buddha came to Opāsāda, Caṅkī visited him, in spite of the protests of his friends and colleagues, and on this occasion was taught the Caṅkī Sutta (M.ii.164 f).

We are not told that Caṅkī 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 Caṅkī Sutta.