A Father's Plea from the Western Pure Land
An Interview with the Late Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew
Recorded on August 23, 2018
This interview was recorded on August 23, 2018, at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre. It features the spirit of the late Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, who, having sought deliverance through the compassionate guidance of the Centre, now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. From this vantage point, he reflects upon his past life and offers a heartfelt message to his son, urging him to seek the truth beyond the cycle of rebirth.
Lee Kuan Yew speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. I am Lee Kuan Yew. I am the father who has already departed from the world, now residing in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, waiting for you to come and speak with me.
The Heavy Burden of Personality
Recently, I have been observing my son, Hsien Loong, and I see him looking so weary. I often wonder: why does this world torment the human heart so relentlessly? The root cause, I have come to realise, lies in the existence of the 'self.' When there is a 'self,' there inevitably arise personal opinions and rigid attachments. Naturally, it is impossible for all worldly affairs to go according to one's wishes. When things do not go as planned, how is one supposed to face such moments of profound loneliness and desolation? It is a heavy, crushing weight to carry.
Looking at the lifestyles of people in the world—even though I was once deeply immersed in that very life myself—it now appears to me that everything we see in the world is merely a manifestation of various personalities. It is truly terrifying how these personalities, these deep-seated traits, trap everyone in the cycle of rebirth, preventing them from ever finding a way out. We are all bound by these chains of our own making, spinning endlessly in a world of suffering.
A Lifetime of Regret
For the sake of this physical body and this fleeting life, I spent decades that were ultimately not worth the cost. I caused myself to suffer and endure pain throughout my many lives. I have been searching for the truth behind these things for a long time, and only recently have I finally seen it clearly. My son is currently drowning in this muddy water, unable to pull himself out. Because no one has ever explained these profound truths to him, he remains unable to grasp the reality of his situation.
My own life was quite brilliant, and I have now passed into history. My son, too, is soon to become a figure of history. I am truly afraid that Hsien Loong will not have enough time to understand these principles and will end up following the same difficult path I walked. It was only by the grace of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre that my spirit was lifted and guided to safety. Otherwise, based on the I was due to face, I would have had to endure punishment for another million years. The weight of my past was immense, and I am deeply ashamed of the actions I took during my time in the world.
A Father's Final Guidance
Today, I feel an even deeper shame when I look at my son. I was the one who personally set you on this political path of no return. I truly hope that you can wake up, clear your mind, and come to see me so we can talk. As a father, I want to tell you how you should walk the path of the future. Furthermore, once you understand these truths, I hope you can use that wisdom to change this world for the better. I am waiting here, hoping that such a karmic connection will manifest, and that you will finally find the peace that has eluded us for so long.
Namo Amituofo."
This message was recorded by the chief writer, Buddhist disciple Shi Faxi.
More from Interviews with Lee Kuan Yew (S'pore ex-PM)
A Statesman's Reflection from the Western Pure Land
The late Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, shares his profound insights from the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, reflecting on the state of the world, the necessity of moral education, and the magnificent work being done at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
A Father's Reflection from the Western Pure Land
The spirit of Lee Kuan Yew reflects on the heavy burden of his past, the hollow nature of political power, and a heartfelt plea for his son to embrace the compassion of the Buddha's teachings.
A Father's Plea from the Beyond
The spirit of Lee Kuan Yew reflects on the heavy karmic burden of leadership, the terrifying reality of the brain-gouging hell, and issues an urgent, fatherly invitation to his son, Lee Hsien Loong, to seek spiritual purification at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Dharma Ship Sets Sail
The former Prime Minister of Singapore reflects on his transition from worldly power to the Western Pure Land, the vital importance of the Thrice Yearning Ceremony, and the urgent need for humanity to embrace the True Teachings before it is too late.
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library