This interview was recorded on August 9, 2018, with the late Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew. Having sought at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia, he now resides in the . This account, transcribed by the chief writer Shi Facie, captures his profound reflections on the nature of power, the transition into the afterlife, and a final, urgent message to his son regarding the ultimate choice between darkness and light.
Lee Kuan Yew speaks:
". I am Lee Kuan Yew. In every single day, every hour, every minute, and every second, there are countless beings experiencing the cycle of death and rebirth. Life is, in truth, incredibly brief. For some, a lifetime lasts only a few hours; for others, it spans decades or perhaps a century. Throughout my time in the human realm, I viewed the management and development of Singapore as the singular goal of my existence. I poured every ounce of my heart, my intellect, and my energy into meticulously nurturing its growth.
Whenever I encountered any obstacle, or if I perceived even the slightest anomaly in people or events, I would focus my attention upon it with absolute intensity. I would use thunderous methods to eliminate or destroy anything that stood in the way, clearing every barrier to our progress. Watching that nation grow from a position of weakness to one of strength and prosperity gave me a sense of satisfaction that words cannot fully describe. Yet, as that life drew to a close, I used my remaining strength to open my eyes one last time to look upon 'Singapore'—the child I had raised with my own hands. I felt an indescribable attachment and an infinite sense of melancholy."
The Illusion of Worldly Power
"From the moment I closed my eyes, darkness descended. To be alone, facing such profound silence and absolute darkness—to say I was not panicked or afraid would be a lie. When human beings face the unknown, they naturally harbour a sense of fear, and I was certainly no exception. Fortunately, that state did not last long, and I was eventually saved and brought to this place. Here, by listening to the sutras and hearing the , and by participating in the Chao Du ceremonies, I finally understood that everything I had worked so hard to build could not be taken with me. It was all, in the end, an illusion.
No matter how much I had sacrificed, the moment the lamp of my life was extinguished, everything became ephemeral. All external criticisms, material possessions, sensory experiences, and emotional attachments no longer held any significance. What remained was only the spirit; beyond that, there was nothing else. Think about it—when the physical body is gone, all worldly power is merely empty talk."
A Message to My Son
"Hsien Loong, I have already missed the opportunity to master the power of self-determination. Without a physical body, everything is beyond one's control. However, the Causal Conditions you have now are truly magnificent. As long as you are willing to try, you have the opportunity to master your own autonomy at the very moment your life ends. You need not face the darkness and the panic; your heart can be at peace, and you can clearly understand your own objective.
This is a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity, and it depends entirely on how you choose to grasp it. As your father, I can only provide you with a goal. The final decision, however, remains entirely in your own hands. There are two paths before you: one of darkness and one of light. It all depends on which direction you ultimately decide to take. If you have any changes in your perspective or if you have any thoughts you wish to explore, you may come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia to speak with me. I am here to help you resolve the doubts within your heart. Let us conclude our conversation for today. Namo Amituofo."
IN THIS COLLECTION
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