The Illusion of Fame and Achievement
An Interview with the Spirit of Lee Kuan Yew
Reflections from the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss
This interview was recorded on June 2, 2018. Former Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, sought deliverance after his passing and now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. In this testimony, he reflects on the futility of his lifelong pursuit of fame and power, offering a profound perspective on the truth of human existence.
Lee Kuan Yew speaks:
"What is the true meaning behind achieving a perfect score of one hundred? It is the relentless race to reach that mark, the countless nights spent burning the midnight oil, and the gradual cultivation of a competitive nature—a habit of wanting to win at all costs. Eventually, you lose the ability to be indifferent to anything; it seems that every single matter becomes a source of deep concern. I do not know when it began, but I started to care deeply about the gaze of others. A look of praise would fill me with pride, while a look of disdain would leave me disappointed, or even wounded.
The Burden of a Public Persona
Possessing great ability, I was lauded for my survival skills in society and eventually attained high positions of achievement. Yet, in doing so, I found myself wearing layer upon layer of protective film. Issues of 'face' and the constant need for self-preservation created a cycle of emotional highs and lows that left me with almost no peace of mind for a single day. Life is just like that; for the most part, it is incredibly exhausting. It is a tiring life, and when you finally throw up your hands at the end, you cannot take a single thing with you. The fame and accolades I pursued for an entire lifetime are now things that no one will ever remember.
The Truth of Human Existence
So, as someone who has already walked the path, I ask all of you: what exactly are we seeking all of this for? 'Nothingness'—the realisation that everything is ultimately empty—is the truth of human life. In my past life, I never once lived a relaxed, carefree, or truly happy existence. After my tense life came to an end, I reported to the hells. It was only through great fortune that I was able to arrive here, in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and finally understand that the things the world cares so much about are entirely unnecessary.
The Path to Ultimate Bliss
A life of indifference toward fame and fortune, accompanied by the recitation of 'Namo Amituofo' within the heart, and paired with a pure and kind heart—only this can allow one to arrive at the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss just as I have, and become a citizen of this place. Here, amidst the singing birds and fragrant flowers, there is no contention; this is the greatest beauty of all. What I call upon all of humanity and the entire universe to do is to come to this beautiful world of infinite life. The only thing you need to rely on is this single phrase: Namo Amituofo."
This message was recorded by the disciple of the Buddha, Shi Faxin.
More from Interviews with Lee Kuan Yew (S'pore ex-PM)
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About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library