The Oneness of Humanity and the Path to Bliss

This is a record of an interview with the late Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account is the tenth in a series of letters, reflecting upon his transition from the world of politics to the spiritual realm. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on July 27, 2017.

Lee Kuan Yew speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. Today, I, Lee Kuan Yew, wish to speak with you all about the concept of 'Oneness.' This is a serious topic, yet it is a reality that every single person must eventually face and acknowledge. The problems we see in today's society stem entirely from the act of 'discriminations'—the constant division of 'you,' 'me,' and 'him.' We obsess over what is yours, what is mine, and what is his. We calculate our own benefits, our own losses, and whether something will cause us harm. We think, 'If he does this, then I will do that.' We consistently place our own interests above all else, weighing the gains and losses between ourselves and others before deciding how to view or express an opinion on any given matter.

Because of this mindset, society inevitably leans toward a cycle of conflict and competition. People will stop at nothing to secure their own interests, fighting tooth and nail until one side falls. It is precisely because of this human tendency that national laws and restrictions become a necessity; they are the only way to protect the rights and well-being of the majority. This is a universal problem plaguing every nation on Earth today, permeating politics, international relations, every industry, and the way individuals interact with one another."

The Vision of Oneness

"Let us discuss the perspective of 'Oneness.' If we could relate to everyone and everything outside of ourselves with tolerance and harmony—if we could stop drawing lines between 'you' and 'me' and instead choose to understand and assist one another—society would see a dramatic reduction in disputes and arguments. However, achieving this requires a certain capacity of heart, a level of cultivation, and the support of the entire environment. When you thrive, I thrive; when everyone benefits, I also benefit. The concepts of 'gain' and 'loss' only exist because we are constantly comparing and analysing. In such a world, we must constantly purify our hearts and minds, engaging in 'spiritual environmental protection' to maintain the stability and balance of our society and our nation.

In practical terms, applying the concept of 'Oneness' to our current reality might seem like a fantasy—something akin to the legendary utopia of the Peach Blossom Spring. Yet, why is it that those who truly practise the Buddha’s teachings are so deeply respected and revered by society? It is because 'Oneness' is the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice. To encounter a true spiritual friend who embodies this 'Oneness' is a tremendous blessing and a magnificent Dharma affinity! These practitioners have let go of the 'self.' They dedicate themselves entirely to the continuation and transmission of the Buddha’s teachings, selflessly offering their time, their energy, and even their wealth. Their greatest joy is simply knowing that others are doing their part to keep the Dharma lineage alive."

A Debt of Gratitude to Practitioner Su

"Within the lineage of Namo Amituofo, we are fortunate to have individuals like Practitioner Su, who has been quietly and diligently working for thirty years. She has spent decades learning within the Pure Land and then saving suffering spirits. It is truly worthy of our deepest admiration! Today, I, along with many other prominent figures and political leaders—as well as countless spirits, both known and unknown, from past and present lives—have walked the same path. Like me, they once lived in this world, only to have their bodies fail and their lives come to an end. Yet, their spirits remained trapped in suffering, helpless, or still caught in the agonies of their past lives.

These countless souls have been saved through the Chao Du performed by Practitioner Su and the Venerables and lay practitioners of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. Through the Thrice Yearning Ceremonies or the morning kinhin, they have been guided to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This is something I have witnessed with my own eyes, and I have been a participant in it myself. The scenes I witnessed were beyond anything this world could ever offer. I was moved, deeply stirred, and profoundly touched. I realised then that the peace of this world is maintained and protected by such a group of admirable, virtuous Venerables and lay practitioners. Now, they are working to spread the Dharma voice of Namo Amituofo throughout the world, letting people know that there is a Western Pure Land waiting for them. What a joyful and comforting thing this is! I am one of the primary beneficiaries of this work. I hope you will all believe in this truth. You will absolutely not suffer a loss by doing so!"

A Father's Message to His Son

"The Western Land of Ultimate Bliss is a place of cool, refreshing ease, where every need is fulfilled. It is a world of freedom beyond your wildest imagination. No one interferes with anyone else; there are no rigid laws or regulations, yet everyone is naturally law-abiding and self-disciplined. It is such a magnificent place, and I hope that everyone knows of it and that everyone can go there. I also hope that while you are still in this world, you can find a true refuge for your future. This will not only give you peace of mind but also an indescribable sense of security.

My son, Hsien Loong, you are in the political arena. So many things are decided with the stroke of a pen, and these decisions affect the well-being of the people. With the Buddha's blessings, I hope that while you are busy looking after the people, you can pause for a moment. No matter how busy you are, there is always time to rest. Please, take some time to plan for your own future destination. Life is full of impermanence. When you are busy, you often do not think about these things, and you may not even want to. You never know when the time will come—perhaps there will be a warning, perhaps not. Sometimes we are caught unprepared, and sometimes we have time to wait. The future may be far off, or it may arrive in the blink of an eye. It all depends on how you manage your heart; everything lies within this heart of yours.

Hsien Loong, take your father's experience as a warning. It is only because of the great blessings of Practitioner Su and the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre that I was able to be reborn in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, and it is only because of this that I can share these feelings with you now. My son, I truly hope that you will come to visit. Come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and you will find your father, who now resides in the West."

Written by Lee Kuan Yew.

The message was recorded by the Buddhist disciple, Venerable HaiZe.