Salvation in Buddhism is an individual affair. You have to save yourself just as you have to eat, drink and sleep by yourself. When He was questioned as to what theory He propounded, the Buddha replied that He preached no theories and whatever he did preach was a result of His own experience. Thus His Teaching does not offer any theory. Theory cannot bring one nearer to spiritual perfection.
Theories are the very fetters that bind the mind and impede spiritual progress.
The Buddha said, ' Wise men give no credence to passing theories. Theories are product of the intellect and the Buddha understood the limitations of the human intellect. He taught that enlightenment is not a product of mere intellect. One cannot achieve emancipation by taking an intellectual course. This statement may seem irrational but it is true.