[orbidewa]

I agree with you, but I think some people need some kind of superstitious or faith to help them along the path, even if that help is merely of a psychological nature. For instance, what of Pure Land, isn't praying to a Buddha to be reborn in his Pure Land by merit of faith a very religious concept?

The teaching is really to be 'mindful' of Buddha, not praying. It is really no different than other 'mindfulness' meditation used in other traditions, the only difference is what you are been mindful of. The Texts specify that a practitioner needs to have 'one-point-concentration' of Buddha for 7 days, (i.e. no other distracting thought and probably not even getting up to use the restroom or to eat.) in order to be reborn Pure Land.