We lost a legend last week. Tina Turner was not just the Queen of Rock & Roll in my book. She was the queen of all things. I found her inspiring on every level. I have loved her music since I was a kid. When I was older and learned her story, I admired her strength to overcome some real shit. Then, as an adult, I felt a strong connection with her because we shared the same faith.
For those of you who don’t know, Tina was Buddhist. She was introduced to the practice during one of the most difficult times in her life, facing the horrific abuse of her then-husband, Ike. The faith resonated with her and she began chanting nam-myoho-renge-kyo. It changed her life. It has changed mine as well.
Faith is a very personal thing. I can be somewhat guarded with mine. I’m very proud of my practice, but it is not always met in a positive manner. To be clear, I respect others’ faith and do not judge. I just ask for that same respect. People need to be allowed to do what works for them. Buddhism works for me and has for more than 26 years.
Buddhism worked for Tina, too. It worked brilliantly. The lotus flower is a symbol of the Buddhist faith. This is because even in the murkiest and darkest of waters, the flower manages to bloom into something beautiful. Tina survived a very difficult childhood and an even scarier and more turbulent marriage. However, she had the heart of a lion and once given a tool that worked for her, she chanted her ass off, changed her karma, and overcame her obstacles.
This is what I chant for every day. I chant for those around me and their happiness. I also chant for world peace, which is the cornerstone of the faith. When possible (and I’m feeling brave), I try to introduce others to the practice because I know it works.
Tina wrote a book in 2020 entitled Happiness Becomes You. It is about her faith and practice. It is a beautiful book, no matter what your beliefs. It is practical and inspirational. It was a gift for me to read as a Buddhist, as someone who struggles at times, and as a human. I cannot recommend the book enough. It was also really exciting to have someone like Tina Turner talking openly about our faith.
Like any religion, there are many different types of Buddhism. I’m an SGI (Soka Gakkai International) Buddhist. This practice originates from Japan, which is where I began practicing when I lived there in the 90s. Tina learned of this practice from a group of practitioners in California. More than 11 million people in 192 countries and territories practice the humanistic philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism, centered on respect for the dignity of life. It is a beautiful thing.
Only days before Tina’s passing, I listened to her on the HomePod while cooking dinner. I danced, I sang, and I thanked the universe for her fierceness. Then AppleMusic surprised me and played a recording of her chanting. I stopped and just cried. If you ever happen to encounter anyone who chants, they will all tell you how powerful of an experience hearing it is—especially for the first time. All chanting is amazing, but Tina Turner’s chanting is not of this world. That powerful voice she uses for singing is next level when she chants. If you’re curious, Google it.
I’m very sad Tina is gone. As the world reports on her musical legacy, I hope they also mention her faith. I believe her faith only strengthened her talent. And in her passing, if one person can learn of this faith and connect with it, Tina will continue to create happiness and fulfill her mission.
Angela Traver
What is this blog about? Well, it's a general blog, but it is also a very specific blog. If you get that reference, you get a gold star! I have been a public relations professional and writer of press releases for more than 20 years—primarily in the booze biz. I decided to do some writing for fun and embrace the humor that gets me through most days. Hopefully it will make you chuckle—or at least smile. I’m a certified crazy magnet, and more than a little nutty myself, so buckle up. Also, I have two vices—profanity and red wine/whiskey. You’ve been warned. It should also be noted, that I’m a HUGE Bob & Sheri fan. I’ve been a listener for more than 20 years. This opportunity is a dream come true and it may have made me cry. That being said, I cry at everything. If you are into booze, dogs, food and/or knitting, hit me up on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (although I’m terrible at Twitter and it scares me) @kyspiritsgal. You can also find all my previous blog posts at www.kyspiritsgal.com.
