Dear Bryan,
You wrote:
<< My understanding is that anything to do with Pali is an appropriate
subject for the Pali group, including (and especially) the meaning of key
Buddhist terms like kasiṇa. The group monitor can perhaps comment on that
point, as obviously I don't want to burden the group with irrelevant
questions. >>
Here's my comment:
I have no objection to the topic of the nimittas and kasiṇas. And as you
say, as long as it is related to Pāḷi and. I would add, no one's
complaining.
To add to the discussion:
In the early 80s, I attended a two week teacher-led meditation retreat on 5
of the 10 kasiṇas, i.e., starting with the earth element, water, fire, air
and ending with space. We each prepared our own kasiṇa devices. It was a
good retreat. About a decade later at the same centre I spent a couple of
days working with the light kasiṇa and can still remember seeing the dining
area radiating a clear light. But, of course, all this is very introductory
and getting a taste of this kind of work.
Best,
Jim