In SN 44.9, the wanderer Vacchagotta declares: > So I was simply befuddled. I was uncertain: How is the teaching of > Gotama the contemplative to be understood? Then, later, the befuddled Vacchagotta asks the Buddha: > And at the moment when a being (satto) sets this body (kāyaṁ) aside > and is not yet reborn (anupapanno) in another body, what do you > designate as its sustenance (upādānasmiṁ) then? The Buddha replies: > Vaccha, when a being (satto) sets this body aside and is not yet > reborn (anupapanno) in another body, I designate it as > craving-sustained, for craving is its sustenance (upādānaṁ) at that time. Is SN 44.9 a supramundane ([lokuttara](https://suttacentral.net/define/lokuttara?lang=en)) sutta?

I have been inquiring about the teachings including translations of scriptures with regards to 'Awareness that knows' here , here , here .. Specifically, in reference to the explanations given by most of the forest tradition, Ajahn's from Thailand and Translations by "Thanissaro Bhikkhu" who is also from the same tradition and has translated the bulk of pali cannon... It seems to me that the illustrations given by the forest tradition have a somewhat distinctive view about this, for example, In this talk Ajan Amaro said Liberation is possible because of the transcendent quality of awareness beyond the Five Skandhas. He said ...That which knows the five Skandhas is not intrinsically tied to the Five Skandhas. that which knows is not part of the five Skandhas / i.e. the five aggregates or heaps: *form (or material image, impression) (rupa), sensations (or feelings, received from form) (vedana), perceptions (samjna), mental activity or formations (sankhara), and consciousness (vijnana).* Could you please expound or explain further, how is this Awareness lokuttara and beyond the Skandhas? Many thanks

It's said that desire for gains as intention for one undertakings, beyond simply that for liberation from suffering, is a huge hindrance, obstacle. No, the Buddha also warned even Arahats, at least in regard of the accumulation of sakkara (honor, amassing honor, [Labāsakkara](http://zugangzureinsicht.org/html/tipitaka/sn/sn17/sn17.005.than_en.html)) , as being a cause that leads to unease. Now, what could, should one do, should avoid, that all kinds of such accumulations do not take place and do not endanger ones intention, aspiration, to bend from highest path and fruits, awakening? Which role does maccharia (stinginess of five kinds and one primare cause) plays here, and if related, what kind of practice would work against such? *(Note that this task is not given for trade, exchange, stacks or entertainments but just to bind toward liberation)*