I think you are right there - one must find one's own way to one's salvation. (Because, dhamma is like 'a finger pointing at the moon' -- telling what and where but does not 'transport' anyone to the moon; one's must move oneself there!

I am confused by this word ปฏิบัติธรรม. Does it mean 'doing good or righteous actions'? Or 'meditation' (sitting, calming mental activities, trying to be more receptive by developing more awareness,...)?

You described 'jhana' at various levels. How do you tell which is which? --In your own "mind"?