NMRK32 wrote: Of course it's all constructed from the point of self. Its myself that I'm trying to logically convince, train and exercise in the dharma. If the dharma makes no sense to my conventional self then how does it differ from biblical religions where what is said is taken on faith?
Then we're back to basic meta-religious issues, such as conversion and justification for conversion. There can be quite a bit to clear up in this, depending on the individual person.
On the whole, I think that the seeming availability of world's religions to Westerners can easily leave one with the impression that one is able and welcome to take up any religion that may happen to be on offer or seem on offer.
But just because preachers and other members of religions advertise their religions and invite people to join or at least to "come and see," and just because one is able to physically attend a religious establishment and follow through with a daily regimen of religio-spiritual practice, that doesn't really mean much in terms of actual availability of a particular religious path for a person.
Some years back, the Dalai Lama spoke out against people converting to Buddhism. He was met with quite a bit of criticism from Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. I tend to agree with him, though. I think many Westerners have the tendency to take religious conversion too lightly and too easily, and as a result, end up with a lot of trouble for themselves (and for others too).
NMRK32 wrote:/.../
This is where I believe we Buddhists actually lose the plot,
Who are "we Buddhists"?
I think actual Buddhists never feel like they have lost the plot when explaining the Dhamma to others (or to themselves).
If someone indeed "loses the plot" like this, then why call themselves a "Buddhist"?
NMRK32 wrote:Or being the great accomplished teacher that he is he could just draw pictures on the blackboard and still get the kid to understand without the complex equations.
I don't think so. Some things simply are so complex or so specific that a person without sufficient knowledge and experience already present simply cannot understand them or relate to them.
pardon my french. We carry on and on with the Pali and the endless quoting of Scripture instead of cracking on with teaching each other and helping with the essential understanding on the dharma. We get lost in our own texts.
In short, I think you're either asking for something that nobody can give you, or have not established the interpersonal relationship in which that which you're asking for could be given and received.