Great post, Marcia!

I learnt something from your writing as always. 

Several independent systems are both conflicting and complimenting at same time.

All are correct in a way from their perspective and with respect to their respective destination of liberation!

I personally look around all the systems and great saints to learn from them and just move on to next step. I learnt a lot from davita, advaita and Buddhist school and teachings. 

Yes, at times I scratch my head in the conflicting philosophies but the techniques are potent and valid to tackle the specific problems I come across. 

Like your writing which is brimming of particular sect of Buddha energy which itself has given insight and new techniques to me to overcome a lot in my rare problems in my spiritual journey.

Your words and austerities are itself a carrier of Buddho energy!