Reflections from Beyond: The Eleventh Letter of Lee Kuan Yew

This article records the eleventh letter from the late Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew. Having sought deliverance through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, he now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This testimony was recorded on July 30, 2017.

Lee Kuan Yew speaks:

"Greetings to everyone. I am Lee Kuan Yew. In the human world, the distinction between day and night is so stark—the rising and setting of the sun, the cycles of the moon. For thousands, even millions of years, the same sun and moon have witnessed the vast shifts in history, the changing of people, events, and the environment. But tell me, what is truly eternal? What is it that lasts forever? Are there dynasties that never fall? Are there regimes that endure for all time? Is there a physical body that never ages or dies? What of those vows of love, sworn to last until death—are they truly everlasting? Amidst so many changes, what remains unchanged? What is truly eternal?

The Illusion of Worldly Glory

Even the most brilliant achievements and grand legacies eventually vanish with the wind, leaving behind only historical records for future generations to ponder. What of the beauties who once captivated entire courts with their grace? Do they possess a beauty that never fades? No, they leave behind only ashes and tombs for others to visit. The touching stories of filial piety between parents and children are reduced to stone tablets and inscriptions, recording the past for later generations to study and admire. But where are the protagonists of these countless scenes now? They are in the spiritual realms, in the ghost realm, or in the hells. After being judged by the Ten Kings of Hell, one by one, they drink Meng Po’s soup, forgetting everything from their past lives, only to reincarnate and take on a new identity. They do not recognise one another. Some return to the human world, perhaps becoming 'fine men' again after twenty years. Others fall into the animal realm, becoming chickens, ducks, cows, sheep, snakes, or fish.

The Reality of Karmic Retribution

How many people have ever seriously faced these matters of the afterlife? Some assume there is only this life and no next; others believe they have done well enough and have committed no grave sins. Some have acted against their conscience, thinking that 'no one knows, no one sees,' and that as long as they get through this life, it is enough. But they do not realise that the laws of karma and cause and effect are clear and manifest. Every word, every action, every single move does not simply vanish into thin air. As the saying goes, 'Whatever you do leaves a trace.' Furthermore, 'Three feet above your head, there are divine beings.' I, too, have Chinese roots and have heard such proverbs. If one truly believes that there is nothing after death, then one has suffered a great loss indeed! The consequences of doing whatever one wanted while alive must be reaped after death. Every account will be settled with absolute clarity. When that time comes, you may cry out to the heavens or the earth, but there will be no response. It is better to be cautious in how one conducts oneself in life.

The Value of Ethics and Moral Foundations

The greatest difference between Chinese education and Western education lies in the emphasis on ethics, moral foundations, and the grace of our ancestors—keeping every bit of that gratitude in one’s heart. Therefore, I have always respected different religions, provided they do not harm the people. Buddhism also holds a place in the faith of the Singaporean people. To me, the Buddha’s teachings felt both familiar and strange. They seemed easy to understand, yet I had never truly 'seen' them. I never expected that after passing away, I would have such a real, tangible encounter and receive their benefits. Could all of this be a matter of karmic affinity?

A Day of Joy in the Western Pure Land

Today, I see the Thrice Yearning Ceremony again, and I am filled with joyful anticipation. My parents, teachers, and karmic creditors from countless lifetimes are being named in this Dharma assembly and are being saved, guided to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. I am here, waiting to lead them into the Western Pure Land. Thus, today is a day of great joy for me. This is inconceivable, yet it happens every week. I have no personal connection to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre or Practitioner Su. It was simply that after the news of my passing spread, this series of events began—from the hells to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and finally to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Moreover, so many sentient beings with karmic affinity—some I knew, some I did not—have also been saved. This is not something that can be bought with all the wealth, fame, or power in the world. It is the concrete manifestation of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas’ 'unconditional compassion and shared identity with all beings.'

The Eternal Nature of Compassion

Everything in the world will change; only the compassion of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas—their unconditional love and shared identity with all beings—will never change. It will not be altered by the shifting of stars, the changing of dynasties, the disasters of nations, or the passing of people. What a precious, priceless benefit of the Dharma this is! I have been able to receive it, and I truly understand what it means to say that the grace of the Buddha is hard to repay. Although my physical body is gone, my spirit is eternal. Here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, bathed in the Buddha-light, my heart is incredibly peaceful and serene. This is a tranquility I never experienced while I was alive—a joy that springs from the very depths of my heart.

A Message to My Son

Hsien Loong, my son, have you received your father’s words today? It seems I have become accustomed to this one-sided conversation. If you see this text, you should know that your father has changed significantly since I was alive. This is the influence of the Buddha’s teachings! I have taken the same energy I once used to devote myself to politics and the stability of state affairs, and I now use it to listen to the sutras and hear the Dharma. Only now do I realise how vast and boundless the philosophy of the Dharma and the capacity of the heart truly are, and I am filled with deep admiration. Such a wonderful Dharma Gate should be known and studied by more people. The Pure Land Dharma Gate requires education, especially education on the laws of karma and cause and effect. It needs the support of the government to be popularised among the people. This is extremely important; it has a significant impact on social stability and the goodness of the human heart. This is something I have repeatedly called for.

Gratitude and the Final Call

Whether or not Hsien Loong can come here to speak with me, I hope that you can contribute some effort to the Buddha’s teachings, especially the Pure Land Dharma Gate. Please assist in promoting and propagating it, so that more people can receive the true benefits of the Buddha’s teachings, the Pure Land, and Namo Amituofo. However, there is only one Practitioner Su in this world, and only this one Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre that has truly helped me. I have no way to repay this, so I can only use this opportunity to share these bits and pieces of my insights with those who have karmic affinity. I was useless in this regard while I was alive—I could 'summon the wind and call for the rain,' yet after death, I have written so many letters without receiving a single word of response from my son. Your father writes until here. I believe there will be those who hear my heart’s voice and receive my infinite gratitude. If this is so, I ask you all to press your palms together and sincerely, respectfully chant one 'Namo Amituofo.' I, too, press my palms together here, responding with a sincere and respectful 'Namo Amituofo,' to repay the compassionate grace of the Buddha."