The Dharma Ship Sets Sail

This is a record of an interview with the spirit of Lee Kuan Yew, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land. This account reflects upon his spiritual journey and his observations from the Western Pure Land. Recorded by the disciple, Lay Practitioner Cao Rudi, on September 23, 2018.

Lee Kuan Yew speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. The Thrice Yearning Ceremony is a moment of profound importance for spiritual deliverance. No matter what, I make sure to participate in the entire process. This is a precious opportunity for me to deliver my karmic creditors and the family members and relatives I have accumulated over countless lifetimes. Furthermore, it allows me to assist in leading the many beings and Bodhisattvas from Singapore and all corners of the world who share a karmic affinity with me. The feeling of helping others in this way is truly, deeply joyful. Although the most crucial aspect is that Namo Amituofo personally leads the ceremony, it also requires the astonishing visualisation capabilities and the power of Practitioner Su to guide these beings so that the entire process can be successfully completed. It is truly a case of 'everyone working together to do good deeds.'

The Weight of Power and the Lightness of Death

I often sigh with regret that during my life, I did not have the good causal conditions to recognise the true Pure Land Dharma Gate. After I passed away, I cried out loudly to the world, yet no one believed me; they ignored me completely. I truly realised that once the breath stops, no matter how high your position or how great your power was in life, your words become as light as a feather after death—they carry absolutely no influence. After all, such a magnificent and supreme Dharma is not something that can be easily believed by those without tremendous blessings.

People often have an excessively high opinion of themselves. They pride themselves on their intelligence, their sharp debating skills, and their stubborn, rigid viewpoints. These traits form a towering stone wall that blocks their path forward, leaving no gaps and no room for flexibility. How could they possibly believe? When I think about it, I find it truly pitiful!

The Stone Wall of Human Intellect

In the world today, there are so many suspicious people. They are overly cautious, terrified of being deceived or taken advantage of. This makes it even harder for them to encounter the good causal conditions necessary to touch the True Teachings. However, I do not believe that there is no way out. 'Saving people is like fighting a fire'—I often heard Practitioner Su mention this. The constant dissemination of these precious interview transcripts online will always allow those who have the affinity and the heart to click, read, and be touched by the message.

I believe that learning Buddhism is much like building a career; persistence and constant, unwavering perseverance are absolutely essential. 'Believing in the Buddha' and, more importantly, believing in your own ability to 'become a Buddha' is a vital conviction. This mindset will support you no matter what challenges or tests you encounter. Because you understand exactly where your final destination is, you will find every possible way to overcome difficulties. Once you walk through those trials, the sky opens up, and the ocean becomes vast and clear.

Buddhism as a Lifelong Career

At every stage of life, there are tests. Give yourself a word of encouragement, and treat these challenges as exams for advancement or as trials for crossing into a new realm. Learning Buddhism at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre is a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity. To encounter Namo Amituofo residing at the temple, and to encounter a true Buddha—Practitioner Su, the Acharya—personally guiding and watching over you, is a blessing beyond measure. You must cherish these good causal conditions. If you turn back now, you may find that by the time you reach the end of your life, it is too late to regret.

From the Western Pure Land, I can see things much more clearly. I urge all of you in the Sahā world: the red dust of this world is but a fleeting cloud that vanishes in the blink of an eye. What remains behind may be the heavy, difficult-to-repay burden of your sins. For the average person, 'becoming a Buddha' sounds like an unreachable term, but here at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, it is being verified one by one—everyone is becoming a Buddha. Do not let this once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity slip through your fingers, or you will be left weeping in the dark, with regrets that can never be undone.

A Final Call to the Living

I am deeply grateful for the good causal conditions that allowed me to meet Practitioner Su and to be saved and led to rebirth in the Western Pure Land. I also wish to address the benefactor who first brought my name forward—Lay Practitioner Liu Mingyu. I am waiting for you in the Western Pure Land to thank you in person. Please do not be discouraged. Keep going! Quickly return to the great ship that is the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. There is still a long, long voyage ahead, and I am waiting for you to join us!

Gratitude to Namo Amituofo! Namo Amituofo!"

The content of this message was recorded by the disciple, Lay Practitioner Cao Rudi.