/lit/ - Literature

How does one of average intelligence achieve any sort of progress in Buddhist studies? I had joined a zen group previously and they were all retired lawyers and scientist boomers talking about Catuskotis and showing diagrams of cones of light and time and shit and they just got fed up with me being around and being a burden. It all seemed self indulgent and the whole time i wondered how the fuck anyone was supposed to have a chance to comprehend anything.
Are there any good books that are easy to read but not dumbed down?

Should i just recite the name of Amida Buddha until i am born in a better realm?