When Tina Turner, often dubbed the “Queen of Rock ‘N’ Roll,” died at her home in Küsnacht, Switzerland, on May 24, 2023, what many did not know is that Ms. Turner had practiced Soka Gakkai International Nichiren Buddhism for the last 50 years.

Nichiren taught that chanting the title of this scripture in the form of the mantralike phrase “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo” was the way for all people to reveal their inherent potential for awakening and attain buddhahood.

Turner explained: “As I began studying Buddhist teachings and chanting more, it led me to take responsibility for my life and to base my choices on wisdom, courage, and compassion. Not long after I started chanting, I began to see that the power I needed to change my life was already within me.”

Russell had proposed titling this episode “Big Wheel Keeps on Turnin’ with Dr. Ralph Craig” but this title works better as our guest today is the the eminent author of a new spiritual biography of Tina Turner.

So it is with great humility and delight that we sat down and discussed all things yoga, growing up Louisiana, and Mick Jagger’s appropriation of Ms. Turner’s Dance Moves.

“Moves like Tina Turner” should have been the damn song, but alas, yet again our African American progenitors miss out on their due.

But not today, Lord!

We’re talking Ashtanga yoga, philosophy, and the importance of discipline in attaining true wisdom from your spiritual practice.

This is basically a class in history, philosophy, Sanskrit and culture all wrapped up into one delicious conversation that we know will enrich your lives!

Our guest, Dr. Ralph H. Craig III received his BA in Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University, where his studies included comparative theology and Yoga Studies. He received his Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Stanford University, where he specialized in Buddhist Studies and in American Religions. His dissertation explored medieval representations of Buddhist preachers across South Asian Buddhist literature. He is also the author of Dancing In My Dreams: A Spiritual Biography of Tina Turner, which will be released in November 7, 2023 by Eerdmans Press in the Library of Religious Biography Series.

Other interests include philosophy, metaphysical religion, religious experience, African American religious history, and religion and popular culture.

Be sure to order your copy of Dancing in My Dreams!

LEARN MORE ABOUT RALPH CRAIG III

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The Finding Harmony Podcast is hosted, edited and produced by Harmony Slater and co-hosted by Russell Case.

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Opening and closing music compliments of my dear friend teaching Ashtanga yoga in Eindhoven, Nick Evans, with his band “dawnSong” from the album “for Morgan.” Listen to the entire album on Spotify - Click Here.
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