Just a quiet word to the Biker, as far as his contributions to this thread are concerned.
As far as anecdotes are concerned, I would say that to broaden our hearts it would be wise to hear and reflect upon the stories and experiences of people of all races, colours and creeds. There are many who have suffered, and do still suffer, for their faith. An example at the moment is the persecution of those of the Baha'i faith in Iran. Again, their are many stories of self sacrifice, sacrifice made for the sake of others, irrespective of their beliefs. I think to draw inspiration only from the sacrifice and suffering of those who share our OWN creed has the potential to actually diminishe us as human beings.
As far as your use of the word mystical, perhaps we do not share the same definition? To be acquainted with the mystical literature of the world is to be informed of those human beings who have sought - and often found - the actual
experience of the Living God, or of "reality", and who, by such experience, have known a greater love for their fellow human beings.
I suspect, Biker, you use the word "mystical" to infer "smoke and mirrors" and unnecessary complexity? As I said to Aquine, who implied the self same thing, often it is the most simple of things that take the most words to make explicable. Take your own efforts, for instance, when seeking to show how "simple" it was to "refute" the Trinity teaching of "apostate" Christianity........was it two yards of turgid type, or perhaps three that you quoted? Anyway, whatever, yes, "mystical" as far as a true experience of reality is concerned.
Caring for another human being with dementia has nothing to do with smoke and mirrors, nor unnecessary complexity. The reality was wiping my mother clean every time she went to the toilet, clipping her toe-nails, hearing her speak to me in the voice of a six year old, calling me her "sister". I was seeking to speak about such experiences - my own and of others who wrote the poems - and of how a human being can cope in the midst of them without despair, but instead opening to the reality of compassion and even love.
As far as who may or may not be "enjoying" it, I have no say over that. I do know that I have run much the same sort of threads on other forums, and the result has been some good dialogue with people of various faiths who have shared such experiences. I would like the same here, but if not, so be it. Like you Biker, I feel compelled to write concerning my own faith, and whether others are interested or not or respond at all is not for me to determine.
One thing I would like to make clear, this to anyone who is interested. Pure Land Buddhism is the faith of the "common-or-garden" people in the East, it is for lay people, not monastics, egalitarian, having nothing to do with "masters" and such like. In the West it is largely derided, not even recognised as "true" Buddhism by those who would insist that "true" Buddhism involves deep study of the Theravada or Mahayana texts, coupled with hours of meditation "on the cushion". To say one is a Pure Lander on most Buddhist Forums is to invite being patronised - this known from first hand experience.
Anyway, I will continue as and when, monologue or not.