The story is that when Buddha reached the doors of NIRVANA the doors were opened, celestial music was played, golden flowers showered, angels with garlands were ready to receive him, but he refused to enter. He turned his back to the door. The angels were surprised, they could not believe it. They asked him again and again, ”What are you doing? Your whole life – not only one but many lives – you have been searching for THIS door. Now you have arrived, and you are turning your back to the door? And we have been waiting for you, and the whole paradise is full of joy – one more person has become a Buddha. Come in! Let us celebrate your Buddhahood together.”
But Buddha said, ”Unless all those who are in suffering are redeemed, I’m not going to enter. I will have to wait. I am going to be the last, let others move first.” And the beautiful story says that he is still waiting at the door. The door is open because the angels cannot close it; any moment he may want to enter. That is his right, to enter, so the door is open. He’s keeping the door open, and the celestial music continues, and the flowers are still being showered, and the angels are waiting with garlands and he’s standing outside the door. And he’s calling people forth; he’s calling, challenging, he’s provoking. He’s telling people, ”The doors are open, don’t miss this opportunity.
Come in! And I am going to be the last. Now the doors shall never be closed. They will be closed only when everybody is redeemed and enlightened.”
