Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c34.28

v2.c34.28

The Commentary² explains that Lakkhaṇa was one of the thousand Jaṭilas ordained by the Buddha (when he converted the Tebhātika Jaṭilas). He attained arahantship at the conclusion of the preaching of the Ādittapariyāyadesanā. He was called Lakkhaṇa because of his marvellous personality, “like unto Brahmā’s” (brahmasamena). It adds further that Lakkhaṇa’s failure to see the Petas was not because he lacked the divine eye but because he was not giving attention (anāvaj-jento), as a clairvoyant must. It is said³ that when Moggallāna related his vision, some of the monks blamed him for claiming superhuman powers (uttarimanussadhamma), but the Buddha declared him free from blame.