This state of enlightenment is known as Nirvana, and became the ultimate goal of all Buddhists. Many who have had near death experiences describe this feeling. The peace that comes through death and acceptance of a cessation of wants. So the primary belief of Buddhism is that enlightenment comes not from a god, but from personal effort and development in proper thinking and good deeds. Buddhism also believes that life is not a linear order of chronological events, as it is perceived in the West.
Life is a self-repeating cycle of life and death, and human history is of little importance.
By being evil, our lives will be reflected with despair. Since Nirvana is may be an unattainable goal, in this lifetime, the goal for most Buddhists is to be a harmonious, benevolent and a positively contributing influence on society. Though we may not achieve enlightenment in this lifetime, we should strive for knowledge and understanding so that we may achieve Nirvana in our future life. With a Taoist influence, we are taught to understand that it is not the destination, but the journey itself, that is of greater importance. Since the death of the Buddha, there have bloomed many different schools of Buddhism.