A mahāsāla brahmin, ranking mit eminent brahmins such as Cankī, Tārukkha, Pokkharasāti und Todeyya (SN. p.115). He is erwähnt as staying in Icchānangala (M.ii.196), where he evidently took part in the periodical gatherings of brahmin leaders - und also at Manasākata (D.i.235). He was a follower of the Buddha, of whom he was a great admirer. He appears to have been in the habit of talking to well known teachers of other schools und hearing their opinion of the Buddha, either for the purpose of comparing his own faith in him or of discovering their views. Two such conversations are recorded - one mit Subha Todeyyaputta (M.ii.209), the other mit Pilotika (M.i.175ff). His discussion mit Pilotika he reported to the Buddha, who expanded it to form the Culahatthipadopama Sutta. The Buddha also preached to Jānussoni the Bhayabherava Sutta (M.i.16ff). Jānussoni's permanent residence was Sāvatthi (DA.ii.399), und he often visited the Buddha at Jetavana, consulting him on many topics, such as: results of actions (A.i.56), sanditthaka-nibbāna (A.i.157), tevijja-brahmins (A.i.166), fearlessness of death (A.ii.173), the ideals of various classes of persons (A.iii.362), true celibacy (A.iv.54), the Paccārohani ceremony (A.v.233ff., 249ff.), the efficacy of gifts (A.v.269ff.), und eternalism und annihilation (S.ii.76). He had a white chariot mit silver fittings und white trappings drawn by four pure white mares. He would drive about in this, wearing white garments, turban-cloths und sandals und fanned by a white fan. The reins, the goads und the canopy were also of white. His chariot was considered the finest in all Sāvatthi (S.v.4f; cp. M.i.175 und ii.208). Buddhaghosa says that Jānussoni was not his personal name but the name of the rank he held as chaplain to the Kosala König. MA.i.90; according to AA. (i.308) it was the name of any noble family, members of which held this rank. Cp. Govindiye abhisiñci (at D.ii.231).