Rāmaneyyaka Thera.– An Arahant. He belonged to a wealthy family of Sāvatthi, and left the world impressed by the presentation of Jetavana. Dwelling in the forest, he practiced meditation, and, because of his attainments and charm, he was called Rāmaneyyaka. Once Māra tried to frighten him, but without success. The verse he uttered on that occasion is included in the Theragāthā (Thag. vs. 49).
In the time of Sikhī Buddha, he had offered him flowers. Twenty-
Rāmaneyyaka Sutta.– Sakka visits the Buddha at Jetavana and asks him what it is which, by situation, is enjoyable. The Buddha replies that whatever place is occupied by the Arahants that is the most enjoyable. S.i.232; cp. DhA.ii.195; the verse here ascribed to the Buddha is attributed to Sāriputta in the Thag. (vs. 991). Both there and in the Dhammapada Commentary the verse is uttered in reference to Sāriputta’s brother, Revata.