Buddhism: The Goal or the Path?

In The Parable of the Burning House, to get his children out of the burning house the rich man promised them rare toys which are better than those they already had. In other words the man used a manipulation, a mind game, and children's attachment to toys in order to turn their attention to another desire.

The same idea with pure lands, nirvana, etc. Perhaps such 'pure places', or 'heavens' are promised in order to help people develop flexibility and let go of narrow mindedness. Therefore, from this perspective the promise of nirvana, or 'nirvana' itself could be used as the means, not the end. Therefore, the path itself is important and not as much the goal.

Evidently that what Mahayana view is about. It is not where you will end up later, but what you are now. Apparently that what the selfless compassion and unconditional love is.