The Buddha was an ordinary man, who 2,500 years ago saw clearly into the true nature of reality. As such, Buddha’s teachings are not set rules to follow, nor the only wisdom in the world. Rather, they should be seen as advice to consider, from someone who has ‘gone beyond’ everyday views, ideas, and conceptions. Many have also become enlightened’ before Buddha, have since the Buddha, and will in the future.
Buddhism teaches that beings experience an endless cycle of death and rebirth. If a person doesn't attain goals in her lifetime, she will live again. This may seem like doctrinal trivia, but without reincarnation, certain basic ideas of Buddhism make no sense.