This article presents the seventh letter from the late Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew. Having sought deliverance through the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre, he now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This testimony was recorded on July 22, 2017, by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.
Lee Kuan Yew speaks:
". The Buddha-name of Namo Amituofo has saved Lee Kuan Yew. It has saved so many, many sentient beings.
This includes my from throughout my many lives, as well as the people of Singapore whom I harmed during my time in office. Because I have been guided to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss by the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and because Practitioner Su has so compassionately performed for my parents, teachers, and karmic creditors from countless eons, they have all been able to leave suffering behind.
The Healing of Karmic Debts
I have witnessed this with my own eyes. During the , I saw Namo Amituofo, Avalokiteshvara , and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva. I also saw the people of Singapore—especially those compatriots who suffered punishment due to inadvertent violations of the law during my administration, or those who passed away carrying grievances and hatred because of disagreements during the legislative process. There were also many others whom I did not know personally, yet in my heart, I knew they were the people of Singapore whom I loved so dearly.
A Reunion in the Buddha-Light
When they saw me, some knelt down in , while others wore complex expressions. Seeing each other again felt like a lifetime had passed, yet we were so close. My heart was filled with a myriad of emotions. But then, I saw the Buddha-light shining everywhere. I saw the smiling face of Namo Amituofo, reaching out to lead an uncountable number of sentient beings. Everyone began to walk straight ahead toward the light. I could not help but kneel down, following them as I loudly chanted, 'Namo Amituofo.' In my heart, I sincerely hoped that Namo Amituofo would lead more and more sentient beings to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This scene is something I witness continuously during every Thrice Yearning Ceremony.
Gratitude for the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
My heart is filled with infinite gratitude. With the help of Practitioner Su, I have had the opportunity to save them and guide them to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. It turns out that I had formed karmic connections with so many sentient beings—both those I knew and those I did not. Some were even my karmic creditors from many past lives. All of them were able to receive deliverance during the assembly. My heart is filled with infinite gratitude—gratitude for the of the Buddha and His boundless, infinite vows; gratitude for Practitioner Su, who, with a spirit of and selfless perseverance, leads these Venerables and lay practitioners who are so admirable and worthy of such high regard.
They have been working silently on this land, saving an unimaginable number of sentient beings. Today, they wish to introduce Namo Amituofo and the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss to everyone, allowing more people who are connected by karmic affinity to receive the benefits of the Dharma. How could I, Lee Kuan Yew, stand on the sidelines? Without the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, I would not be where I am now in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. Regardless of whether people believe this or not, I offer my most sincere and heartfelt gratitude.
A Final Word to My Son
My son, Hsien Loong, though your father is no longer in the physical world, my spirit remains, and it is filled with gratitude for this grace. Your father is now in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. You can find me by coming to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. I hope that one day, we may speak together again."
IN THIS COLLECTION
More from Interviews with Lee Kuan Yew (S'pore ex-PM)
