The Last Hurdle

When Mahavir left this world, Gautam, his closest disciple, was out of the town. On returning, Gautam was informed that Mahavir has passed away. All his life Gautam was near Mahavir, but he was not there at the last moment of Mahavir's life. He felt he was very unfortunate. He began to cry and said, "I didn't attain nirvana (salvation) while He (Mahavir) was alive. How do I attain nirvana now?" He then asked, "Did he leave any message for me?"

"Yes, Mahavir's last message was - Gautam, you have renounced everything. When will you renounce me?"

It is said that Gautam attained nirvana at that very moment.