By the time Guatama died, Buddhism had become a major influence in India; three hundred years later, Buddhism had encompassed most of Asia. The scriptures and sayings attributed to the Buddha were written about four hundred years after his death.
Mtu haji kwa Baba, ila kwa njia ya mimi" wakati Guatama alikufa, Ubudha ulikuwa na ushawishi mkubwa katika India; miaka mia tatu baadaye, Ubuddha ulikuwa umeenea maeneo mengi ya Asia. Maandiko na misemo inayohusishwa na Buddha ilikuwa imeandikwa juu ya miaka mia nne baada ya kifo chake.