Nightshades, I understand your point and its one well taken. We must become one with the Absolute and often, too often, text is take to be the proof rather than the experience of the Infinite. From my point of view, there are three pillars, so to speak, of spiritual practice. These are Study, Prayer/Meditation, and Loving-kindness. Over time and with diligent practice, these become one in the same.
Sometimes, however, practitioners get caught up in one or the other of these pillars. Fundeis (of whatever sect) see text less as a gateway than as an end in itself supporting their understanding of their relationshp to the Absolute. Some get stuck in prayer/meditation and forget that there are precepts to follow, texts that assist in guiding our practice ands so on. Still others think that their pure loving-kindness will get them close to the Infinite, or even that the Infinite is irrelevant to their practice.
The Buddha taught that becoming consumed with any one way, gate, or pillar, is "dukkha" a suffering caused by being out of balance.
On the other hand, as we integrate all three pillars, as the inside and outside, small mind and large mind come together as they naturally exist, then we can speak with authority. We take up text and understand that it is but a finger pointing to the moon; we take up prayer and know that we and the object of our prayer are actually one, and that our acts of loving-kindness are without reference to self they are universal gestures.
In this, however, we must not become smug. Each is along their own way, walking at their own pace. A wise teacher offers teaching appropriate to that place and pace.
Be well.
