There are no descriptions in the early canon of the nature of tapokasi.na.
The passage you refer to clearly does not implicate tapokasi.na. In
addition, there is no reference to the jhaanas, that are essential to
kasi.na practice. The are actually similar canonical descriptions of persons
who enter the fire element (tejodhaatu.m samaapajjitvaa) and hover in the
air, the Bddh, for instance, cf. the Brahmasamyutta. No meditation is
implied.

You will find descriptions of this type of meditation in Visuddhimagga and
in the Vimuttimagga in the respective chapters on the subjects of
meditation. These are late sources, however.
The benefits of practicing the tapokasi.na mentioned in Vimuttimagga do not
necessarily reflect canonical views or practice.


Regards,

Ole Pind



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