This is a record of an interview with Lee Kuan Yew, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his newfound understanding of the Buddha's teachings. Recorded by the disciple Haipin on June 26, 2018.
Lee Kuan Yew speaks:
". I am Lee Kuan Yew. Singapore is a place where land is scarce and the population is dense. In order to maintain social stability, my management strategies often mirrored the strict, rigorous rules of emperors from the past. There were many regulations, and consequently, the people were perhaps not as free as they might have wished. Policy is often a double-edged sword; it carries both benefits and drawbacks. Because of differing perspectives and conflicting interests, the reactions from the public were often quite varied. It was inevitable that there would be negative emotional backlash at times, and the negative energy accumulated from these reactions was, in truth, quite powerful. This was certainly not a positive thing for the health of our society. I often had to rely on briefing sessions and public dialogues to soothe the emotional reactions of the people."
The Weight of Governance and the Accumulation of Negative Energy
"Now, from my vantage point here in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, I look back at my life. I realise that the anger and frustration I accumulated over the years caused my cells to deteriorate, bit by bit. Over time, this accumulation became the primary cause of my illnesses. In the past, I never understood this principle. I was entirely unaware of how the state of one's heart directly impacts the physical body.
I am now in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, where I listen to Practitioner Su deliver lectures on the Buddha's teachings every day. I have come to understand the importance of purity and goodness—the significance of having a kind heart and virtuous thoughts. When the heart is pure, the external environment naturally transforms in accordance with one's state of mind. This may seem like a simple concept, but the impact it has is truly immense, especially when applied to the promotion of education and strategy by those in positions of leadership."
The Physical Toll of a Lifetime of Anger
"I have seen clearly how my own internal state affected the nation I sought to build. If I had understood the Law of Cause and Effect earlier, I might have approached the governance of Singapore with even greater wisdom. The negative energy I carried was a burden not only to myself but to the collective atmosphere of the country. It is a profound lesson to realise that the most effective way to lead is not through rigid control, but through the cultivation of a virtuous heart.
Here in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, everything is so natural. There is no need for the heavy-handed management I once thought was essential. The environment here is a reflection of the Great Compassionate Namo Amituofo, and it is a world where there is no suffering, only ultimate . It is a stark contrast to the world I left behind, and it has given me a new perspective on what it truly means to serve the people."
Buddha's Teachings: Education, Not Religion
"My son, Hsien Loong, I have written to you several times, hoping that you might find the time to visit the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia to see your father. I want to tell you about the beauty of the Buddha's teachings. In the past, we were both raised with a Western education, and we never had the opportunity to truly understand the depth of the Buddha's wisdom. Although there are many Buddhist groups in our country, it was only through meeting my saviour, Practitioner Su, and listening to her lectures that I finally understood: the Buddha's teachings are a grand form of education, not a religion.
We have always hoped that our nation's roots would be deep and firm. If we start from the education of our children, teaching people the Five and the Ten Good Deeds, and introducing the wisdom of the Buddha's teachings, the atmosphere of society will change. It will shift from one of complying with strict regulations to one of spontaneous, self-motivated goodness. Everything will become so much more beautiful."
A Father's Message to My Son
"I urge you to come to the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia to learn about the true Pure Land Gate. It is education, not religion; it does not conflict with our existing beliefs or traditions. It is a path to true peace and harmony. Your father is here, waiting for you to make this journey. Namo Amituofo."
IN THIS COLLECTION
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