The Path of Practice: A Reflection from Lee Kuan Yew

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 Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his political life and his current spiritual journey. Recorded by the disciple Haipin on July 4, 2018.

Lee Kuan Yew speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Lee Kuan Yew. During my time in the human world, the constant turbulence within my heart and the persistent lack of a pure mind often clouded my judgment and made it exceptionally difficult to maintain a state of true clarity. When I was in office, navigating the complex responsibilities of statecraft, I felt this burden deeply. That profound, unshakable sense of peace at the very bottom of one's heart is the ultimate goal that most people spend their entire lives searching for, yet so few ever truly attain.

Looking back at my past, I stood at the centre of the political stage, constantly navigating the shifting winds and storms of governance. While it appeared to the public that everyone accepted my leadership with a calm and composed exterior, I was never unaware of the surging waves of emotion and hidden agendas churning beneath the surface. I constantly told myself that in this world, few things are ever one hundred percent perfect; everyone has their own position and perspective. I would try to convince myself with such rationalisations, hoping to regain that inner peace. While I could restore a temporary sense of calm, it never lasted for very long, as the demands of the world always pulled me back into the fray.

The Realisation of the Buddha's Teachings

Now that I have learned the Buddha's teachings, I have come to understand that the trials and tribulations of the mundane world are merely tests that provide us with the precious opportunity to become a Buddha. As for whether one has the blessings to encounter the Buddha's teachings while in a human body and to embark on the path of practice, that requires excellent Causal Conditions. It is truly not an easy thing to achieve. I must count myself fortunate to have had such great blessings, allowing me to attain rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.

The path of practice is not merely about intellectual understanding; it is about the refinement of one's heart and the cultivation of genuine skills. I realise now that my previous life was a long journey of learning, but it was only through the grace of the Buddha that I could finally find the true path. The transition from the political arena to the serenity of the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss has been a profound transformation, one that has allowed me to see the limitations of my past efforts and the infinite potential of the Dharma.

The Reality of Dharma in Singapore

The spreading of the Buddha's teachings has been ongoing in Singapore for many years, and there has been no lack of effort in performing rituals for Chao Du. However, when I see the sincere faces of the people, I cannot help but feel a cold sweat. They do not realise that the ancestors or family members they are praying for have not necessarily received any genuine benefit from these ceremonies. In fact, the participants themselves often end up suffering from spiritual attachment during these events, which is a tragedy that stems from a lack of true understanding of the Dharma.

It is my observation that many people are performing these rituals without the necessary foundation of pure practice. They are seeking results without planting the proper good cause. This is why I feel such a strong urge to speak out. The sincerity is there, but the direction is often misguided, leading to more confusion rather than the liberation that the Buddha intended for all sentient beings.

A Call for Authentic Deliverance

If Practitioner Su could have the right Causal Conditions to come to Singapore to spread the Dharma and benefit sentient beings, it would be a great blessing for our people. I sincerely hope that there will be true Dharma protectors who can allow the profound practice and skills of Practitioner Su to be widely promoted in Singapore. These are my heartfelt words. If this were to come to pass, it would be the good fortune of the Singaporean people, and there would be no need to worry about the efficacy of Chao Du ceremonies ever again.

I pray for the Buddha's blessings. I support Practitioner Su one hundred percent in coming to Singapore to expound the Pure Land Dharma and to benefit all beings. If the Buddhist Lodge could help facilitate this connection, it would be a merit of immeasurable proportions. I have seen the truth, and I wish for my fellow citizens to experience the same liberation and peace that I have finally found. Namo Amituofo!"