The Burden of Leadership and the Path to Compassion
An Interview with the Spirit of Lee Kuan Yew
Recorded on June 7, 2018
This is a record of an interview with Lee Kuan Yew, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the . This account reflects upon his life and his transition into the spiritual realm. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Faxin, on June 7, 2018.
Lee Kuan Yew speaks:
"Namo Amituofo. I am Lee Kuan Yew. Looking back at my early years, I remember the youthful vigour that once surged through my body. It was as if fate itself had charted my course, leading me inevitably onto the path of politics. That life was filled with countless constraints and a profound sense of helplessness. The success I achieved was bought with a heavy accumulation of heartache and exhaustion. Surviving in the political arena left me utterly drained; there were times when I had to force myself to carry on, suppressing my own physical and mental fatigue solely for the sake of the nation's future and its economic progress."
The Mask of Authority
"For the most part, my face remained devoid of a smile. I grew accustomed to using that same stern, disciplined approach when raising my own children. I was a product of my family and the society that shaped me, and in the process of my own growth, I never once heard the word ''. Because I did not understand the true meaning of compassion, the bond between my son and me was never as close as it could have been. Yet, let there be no doubt—the love I held for my children in my heart was immense, even if I lacked the ability to express it."
"My wife was the only person who truly understood my heart. She could read the meaning behind every expression and every gesture I made. Sometimes, when I reflect on it all, it feels truly tragic. Why could I not have lived with more ease and authenticity? Why did society demand that I become a certain type of person, and why did I feel compelled to conform to those expectations? It was not fair to my own soul. All those past events are like clouds drifting by; no matter how much I wish to call them back, they are gone forever. How can a soul that has been so deeply stained ever find its way back to purity?"
The Light of Infinite Compassion
"My son, listen to me! Your father has now encountered the most compassionate leader in all the universe—Namo Amituofo. Every single lesson the Buddha has taught me is rooted in compassion. Only compassion can navigate the paths of this world, accomplish the great works of the world, and save the people of the world. I, who no longer exist as a human being in Singapore, have now become a spirit, and I have been saved by my benefactor, Practitioner Su, at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. The energy field of Singapore will continue to improve, but that alone is not enough."
A Father's Final Request
"My son, I hope that you can grasp this compassion for yourself. Hold fast to the name of Namo Amituofo. By chanting this Buddha-name, you can be saved in ways that are beyond your wildest imagination. Today, this sacred Buddha-name has reached the stars and constellations of the universe, saving beings in worlds far beyond our own. This is not a fantasy, nor is it an empty tale; it is something I witness with my own eyes every single day."
"I share this with you so that you may know your father has been helped by the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. One day, I hope you can help me repay this great debt of gratitude for the deliverance from the cycle of rebirth. Namo Amituofo."
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
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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