Only to the extent that one envisions a higher way of life does the discrepancy between the real world and the ideal become obvious. There is no need for religion in the Utopian realm called Uttara-kuru, which, according to ancient Buddhist cosmology, lies north of Mount Sumeru (the center of the universe), and where all wishes come true. The Buddha never appeared in Uttara-kuru because the people dwelling there felt no need of the salvation he offered.
Basic Buddhist Concepts