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Interview with late former PM in Singapore: Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew

“Buddhism is an Education”

Spiritual Message received by Practitioner Hai Pin

26th June, 2018

Original Piece: https://amtbpureland.cc/wVh5P

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Singapore is a small and densely populated country. To maintain social order, I often had to adopt strict policies—sometimes even harsher than those of ancient rulers. These rules helped stability, but they also limited personal freedom. Every policy has two sides: some people benefit, others feel restricted. Over time, this created emotional tension and negative energy in society. I had to hold public dialogues to calm people’s reactions.

Now, looking back from the Western Pure Land, I realise that my own anger and stress slowly damaged my body, cell by cell. Sadly, I never understood this truth while I was alive.

Here in the West, I listen to Practitioner Su’s talks on Pure Land Buddhism daily. I’ve come to understand the power of purity, kindness, and wholesome thoughts. When the mind is pure, the outer world naturally changes. These teachings may sound simple, but they have a profound impact—especially for leaders shaping education and policy.

To my son, Hsien Loong:

I’ve written to you many times, hoping you’ll visit me at Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. I want to share with you the beauty of Pure Land Buddhism. In the past, we were educated in Western systems and never had the chance to truly understand Buddhism. Though there were Buddhist groups in Singapore, it wasn’t until I met Practitioner Su—my lifesaving teacher—that I realised: Buddhism is not a religion. It is a great education!

We always hoped to build a strong foundation for society. That begins with educating children in the Five Precepts and Ten Virtues. If we bring Pure Land Buddhism into education, people will act with kindness and self-awareness—not just follow rules out of fear. Society will become more harmonious.

Please come visit the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. Learn about the true Pure Land path. It is an education, not a religion. It does not conflict with our beliefs—it uplifts them!

Your father is waiting for you here.