A Statesman's Reflection on the Path to Enlightenment

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Lee Kuan Yew, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his perspective on his legacy and his son, Lee Hsien Loong. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxi, on August 25, 2018.

Lee Kuan Yew speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Lee Kuan Yew. It has been said that the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is a truly precious land, a place where one can cultivate the path to becoming a Buddha. It is a magnificent Buddha-land in the human world. Those who enter this space are individuals of great merit and tremendous blessings. Those who understand the importance of giving and supporting this centre are truly people whose good roots and blessings are complete.

I have seen the magnificent conditions here. However, those who can truly connect with this place are those who hold goodness in their hearts and have engaged in spiritual practice in the past. The uniqueness of this place can only be imagined once you arrive here. Because the world is so heavily polluted, it is impossible to envision such dignity and purity through mere imagination. The world is filled with such thick layers of spiritual dust that one cannot see the light without guidance."

A Rare Opportunity in a Polluted World

"People of the world, should you not seize this opportunity? Come here to investigate the truth for yourselves. By doing so, you help not only yourself but others as well, creating a wonderful connection with the Buddha. To be able to reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss in this lifetime is the greatest blessing one could ever hope for. The cycle of reincarnated suffering is filled with such immense pain, such endless turning and churning, but I wonder—does everyone truly understand this reality? Do they see the fire that burns beneath the surface of their daily lives?

My son, Lee Hsien Loong—his name was chosen with care and carries a special significance. I only hope that with such a noble name, he might find the opportunity to come here and understand the truth of life and death. In the world of men, there is no one who could ever persuade my son to change his mind. From a young age, I taught him that the only person one can rely on is oneself. I told him to be independent, to handle his own affairs. The education I provided made him very successful in society; he is very skilled at growing and diligent practice in the worldly sense."

A Father's Message to His Son

"However, regarding the purification of the heart through the Dharma, I did not understand it in the past. It is only now, having seen it with my own eyes, that I truly know. Hsien Loong, can you understand your father's words? Only by coming here is it possible to find a different kind of reality. Only by coming here can your life be transformed. Your father is waiting for you to come. I am deeply grateful for everything this centre has done to help me. I am grateful for everything. Namo Amituofo."