This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Lee Kuan Yew, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his message to his son, Lee Hsien Loong. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on September 26, 2018.
Lee Kuan Yew speaks:
". I am Lee Kuan Yew. Throughout my life, I lived in a state of constant pursuit, yet looking back, one could say I pursued everything and nothing at all. My pen—that simple, branded instrument—was the tool with which I signed the fate of nations, both great and small. I buried myself in work, staying awake through countless nights, and I must confess, the sacrifices I made were not for my own sake. Sometimes, I even resorted to means that were less than ideal, but even then, it was not for personal gain. My singular obsession was to see Singapore stand tall upon the world stage. Now that I have passed from the physical realm, I realise with profound clarity that the karmic debts I incurred were simply not worth the price.
The Hollow Echoes of Power
My legacy is viewed through a lens of both praise and criticism, but in those days, I was so entrenched in the exercise of power that I cared little for such assessments. The complex analyses and the cold, calculated judgments I made—when I look back upon them now, they seem so incredibly convoluted. My son, Hsien Loong, is currently walking the very same path I once trod. It is a path of vanity, a path of endless struggle, conflict, and force. It is a path that leads only to illness and death. As a father, my heart aches to see him there. Hsien Loong, I look at you and I see that your hair has turned white. You were once a young man, vibrant and full of strength, but now, the weight of the nation’s countless afflictions rests heavily within your mind.
Governing Through
Hsien Loong, it is only now, from this vantage point, that I realise the management of a nation could have been so much simpler. The secret lies in the Buddha’s teachings. If you educate the people with the , if you teach them the meaning of compassion, you do not need to rely on high-pressure policies. When the people are guided by wisdom and kindness, they naturally know how to uphold the rules and maintain order. The crushing weight of stress and the relentless cycle of competition are not burdens that the people should have to endure every single day.
A Vision for a Happy Nation
Have you ever heard of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss? I hope that you will take the time to understand it, and perhaps, you might transform the life of Singapore into something that mirrors that beautiful realm. While economic growth may have been the guiding light of our past, I urge you to take a walk through the streets with a truly observant heart. Look at the people. How many of them are genuinely smiling? If you can count them on your fingers, then perhaps the policies I left behind for you are in need of a significant adjustment. Here in the Western Pure Land, everything is unified. There is no 'you,' no 'me,' and no 'them.' Our hearts are pure, transparent, and at peace. I hope you will begin by truly caring for the hearts of your people, and in doing so, turn Singapore into a happy nation, a place that reflects the of the Western Pure Land.
A Transformation of the Heart
Even those who visit Singapore as tourists can learn to practise the Buddha’s teachings; at the very least, they should know the name of Namo Amituofo. I was saved by the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia, and today, I am a child of Namo Amituofo. The people of Singapore were once children of Namo Amituofo as well, and I hope that from your position as Prime Minister, you can help them find their way back. I have become soft and gentle, and this is the change that has come over me since I began to study the Buddha’s teachings. Hsien Loong, your heart is inherently kind. I believe that once you truly understand these truths, you will see everything with new eyes. Namo Amituofo."
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