Buddhism developed out of the teachings of Siddhartha
Gautama who, in 535 BCE, reached enlightenment and assumed the title Buddha.
He promoted 'The Middle Way' as the path to enlightenment rather than the
extremes of mortification of the flesh or hedonism. Long after his death
the Buddha's teachings were written down. This collection is called the
Tripitaka. Buddhists believe in reincarnation and that one must go through
cycles of birth, life, and death. After many such cycles, if a person releases
their attachment to desire and the self, they can attain Nirvana. Buddhists
do not believe in any type of God, the need for a savior, prayer, or eternal
life after death. Since the time of the Buddha, Buddhism has integrated many
regional religious rituals, beliefs and customs into it as it has spread
throughout Asia. This has occurred with little conflict due to the philosophical
nature of Buddhism.