attract / self-interest

1. Buddhism attracts followers around the world and is considered a major world religion.

Q) Does attract in #1 mean this? Buddhism has particular qualities which cause you to like or admire it?

Q2) What can replace "attract" and "followers?"
Can gather(or collect) and people be options, respectively?

2. The end of rebirths and suffering, the release into the highest stage of happiness, is achieved only by learning to give up self-interest. Buddhists are taught to speak kindly, to do no harm, and to avoid killing, stealing, lying, drinking alcohol, and committing sexual offense.

Q3) Does "self-interest" in #2 mean selfishness? Or what can replace that word?
Q4) Can attain or acheive replace "achieve?"