Tina Turner. The name itself conjures images of explosive energy, iconic legs, and a voice that could shake the rafters. For decades, she reigned as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, captivating audiences worldwide. Many know her for anthems of resilience and raw emotion, none more famous than “What’s Love Got To Do With It.” But beyond the chart-topping hits and electrifying performances, there was a deeper, more spiritual dimension to Tina Turner, a journey that led her to explore the very essence of love – a love far removed from the complexities of romantic entanglements.
Her first glimpse into the public consciousness for many in the English-speaking world might well have been as Aunty Entity in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. This wasn’t just a musical icon; it was a force of nature. But what fueled this incredible power, this enduring spirit? The answer lies, in part, in her decades-long embrace of Buddhism, a practice she turned to amidst personal turmoil and that ultimately shaped her understanding of life, love, and inner peace.
For Tina Turner, “What’s Love Got To Do With It” might have been a question posed in a song, but her life’s journey, deeply intertwined with her spiritual practice, became an exploration of the answer. It was a quest to discover a love that transcended the fleeting and often painful experiences of romantic relationships, a quest for true love rooted in self-discovery and inner harmony.
From Rock Legend to Spiritual Seeker: Tina Turner’s Transformative Path
Tina Turner’s impact on music is undeniable. Her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence set her apart, earning her a place as one of the most influential artists of all time. From early hits with Ike Turner to her phenomenal solo comeback in the 1980s, she consistently broke barriers and redefined what it meant to be a rock star. Her role in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome further cemented her status as a global icon, showcasing her versatility and commanding presence beyond the music stage.
Tina Turner with her collaborators on the CD <em>Beyond</em>, Dechen Shak-Dagsay (left) and Regula Curti (center). Photo by Alberto Venzago.
Tina Turner, alongside Dechen Shak-Dagsay and Regula Curti, highlights the collaborative spirit of their album ‘Beyond’.
However, behind the dazzling performances and public persona, Tina Turner navigated profound personal challenges. Her tumultuous relationship with Ike Turner was widely known, marked by abuse and pain. It was during this difficult period in the 1970s that she discovered Nichiren Buddhism and the Soka Gakkai tradition, a turning point that would profoundly alter the course of her life.
Finding Solace and Strength in Buddhist Practice
Buddhism, for Tina Turner, wasn’t just a religion; it was a lifeline. The Soka Gakkai tradition, focusing on the Lotus Sutra and the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, offered her a path to navigate her inner turmoil and find a sense of empowerment. This practice, central to her spiritual life, became a source of strength and resilience, helping her to break free from the cycle of abuse and rebuild her life on her own terms.
The chant, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, is more than just words; it’s a sound, a rhythm, a song in itself. Tina Turner described it as something that “touches a place inside you,” a connection to the subconscious mind, “the highest place” where one can receive guidance and clarity. This spiritual practice became deeply interwoven with her identity, influencing her perspective on life and love.
“What’s Love Got To Do With It?” Reconsidered: Tina Turner’s Evolving Understanding of Love
The irony isn’t lost: Tina Turner, the voice behind the iconic question “What’s Love Got To Do With It?”, became a profound advocate for love in its truest form. While the song itself explores a more cynical, perhaps world-weary view of romantic love, her personal journey and spiritual awakening led her to a much broader and deeper understanding of love.
In interviews, Tina Turner spoke eloquently about love, distinguishing between the often-misunderstood concept of romantic love and the true, unconditional love that permeates all aspects of existence. She reflected on how some are fortunate to be born into loving environments, while others must actively seek and learn about love. For Tina, nature became a sanctuary, a place to discover the inherent love and harmony of the universe.
Her experiences taught her that true love isn’t merely a passionate feeling between individuals; it’s a fundamental aspect of existence, found in nature, within oneself, and in a deep connection to the spiritual realm. It’s a love that transcends judgment and embraces acceptance, a love that “goes beyond” the limitations of the ego and the material world.
Singing as a Spiritual Expression: Beyond the Stage
Tina Turner’s spirituality extended beyond personal practice; it permeated her artistry. Her album Beyond, a collaboration with Dechen Shak-Dagsay and Regula Curti, beautifully wove together Buddhist and Christian prayers, highlighting the unifying power of spirituality across different traditions. The Dalai Lama himself praised the album for “stirring thoughts of deeper respect and peace.”
For Tina, singing itself was a spiritual practice. Whether chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo or belting out rock anthems on stage, music was a conduit for spiritual expression and connection. She spoke of the “song of the soul,” an inner hum that each person possesses, capable of bringing peace and harmony. This inner song, she believed, was a pathway to “beyond,” to a deeper understanding of oneself and the universe.
A Lifetime of Spiritual Evolution and Inner Peace
Tina Turner’s Buddhist practice wasn’t a static dogma; it was a dynamic, evolving journey. She emphasized the importance of personalizing one’s practice, adapting it to individual needs and circumstances. While deeply committed to Buddhist principles, she also acknowledged the common ground shared by different spiritual paths, recognizing that “prayer is prayer,” regardless of the specific words or rituals.
Through decades of practice, Tina Turner attained a profound sense of inner peace and happiness that transcended external circumstances. She described it as an “inner nature that’s happy,” a state of being that was not dependent on material possessions or fleeting emotions. This inner peace, cultivated through her spiritual practice, became the bedrock of her resilience and enduring spirit.
In the end, Tina Turner’s legacy extends far beyond her musical achievements. She was a testament to the power of resilience, self-transformation, and the enduring quest for inner peace and true love. While “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” remains an iconic question, Tina Turner’s life became a profound and inspiring answer – a journey of discovering love that truly transcends the superficial and touches the very depths of the human spirit.
