I've been thinking about spirituality lately (duh), and I've realized that if there is one word that people don't (or won't) associate with spirituality, it's sexy. But why? Why can't spirituality be sexy? Well, my dear readers, as far as I'm concerned, it can. And so, I bring to you, in no particular order, the Top Five Sexiest Spiritual Icons.
1. Barack Obama
Look, if you want to argue with me that Barack is not exactly a "spiritual icon," I'll call you a liar. The man is pretty much a modern-day messiah. I mean, have you seen the O-Face? But on top of that (no pun intended) politics is always sexy. And somehow the man manages to bring more innuendo to the words "change" and "hope" than Ron Jeremy and Jenna Jameson in an Anaïs Nin read-through. The audacity, Senator!
2. Madonna / Demi / [Insert Hot Kabbalistic Celeb Here]
OK, so while these spiritual icons may be somewhat controversial, they're undeniably H-O-T. First off, anybody who gets people talking about spirituality is alright in my books, and secondly, the fact that they are so public with it gives them an A for Effort. Heck, I can't even get people to talk about spirituality when I ply them with alcohol. So call them spiritual icons, brand ambassadors, or even straight-up posers, they're still doing some good. I mean, Madonna even adopted a baby. When was the last time you adopted a baby? Yeah, I thought so.
3. Hindu Goddesses
Not only are there a bunch of them (the more the merrier!), but they're all beautiful. Maya, pictured, is the goddess of illusion. It is Maya that allows Cosmic Consciousness to become Individual Consciousness. Talk about a super power! And with those flowing tresses and hour-glass figure, no wonder she's a goddess! While we're on the topic, check out Saraswati, as well.
4. Sister Wendy
There is no argument on this one. Intelligence is always sexy. She knows how to wax eloquently on the finer points of art, and is remarkably articulate for someone who has taken a vow of silence. Also, she's my spiritual guide, and she's managed to form her own opinions even while being a firm devotee to the Catholic Church. Bravo! That woman has more inner (and outer) beauty radiating from her than Gisele Bundchen cuddling an endangered baby polar bear. And lastly, have you seen her talk about religious ecstasy?
5. Tied - The Dalai Lama and Buddha
There is nothing sexier than a smile and a sense of humor, and when you combine that with divine consciousness and eternal happiness, boy, do you have a winner. These two good boys just put such a big smile on my face that I had to include them. Heck, since we're talking sexy, let's just say I might even give up sex for whatever these two have got going on. Bold statement, I know. But The Dalai Lama and Buddha sure do know how to look on the bright side of things, and in times like these, that's worth it's weight in gold. Also, Buddha looks like he'd know his way around a kitchen. Just sayin'.
So, do you agree or disagree? Are there any other spiritual icons out there that get you all hot and bothered? We're all friends here - tell us your thoughts below!
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Mods, you working this weekend?
The only sexy spiritual icon was The Flying Nun.
Everything else is a sham! A crying sham!
I can't believe you left out Al Gore. He's founded the most popular cult on the planet. He's not worth a mention?
Verena,
I can see why you came up with your list, but I think sexiness is different from a male perspective. We have been programmed through evolution to see women aged 18 to 25 as the most sexy. I have to admire Madonna, but no matter how hard she works on it, at her current age she just can't be as sexy as someone entering the fertile age group. That is just the facts of life.
Jim, that's sad. Males only have a seven year age range during which women can be found "sexy"? This continuous talk of "male genetic programming" leads me to ask why haven't your brains evolved? This may have been valid when there were few people and most died before the age of 30, but that isn't the world of today. You mean to tell me that you can't overcome some primordial biological directive? Its just futile so why even bother to consider the possibilities?
I'm not even talking about Madonna with her new giant cheek implants, thinned nose, and whatever else she's had done, I'm just thinking of the vast number of intelligent, beautiful women over 25 in the world going unappreciated. Such a waste.
NSN,
You are right that women beyond the 7 year range can be sexy, but I was only addressing the issue of sexiest. You may also be right about it being sad, but it is still biology and has been programmed by evolution. Beautiful women over 25 are appreciated, I think everyone will agree with that, they just might not be quite as sexy as someone a little bit younger. That biology thing also has to be appreciated. When looking for a mate, a male not only is programmed to look for someone fertile, but also someone who will remain fertile for a longer span of years. And lets not try to make this discussion too personal. I am not speaking for myself here, just for maleness in general.
Hey Jim, not a problem. There are other more important qualities than fertility especially now that there are so many people. Just that I remember a particular saying from way back when that was applied to women,"Biology is NOT destiny." If males are programmed solely for passing on their genes, then we'll just blame Nature. I've never understood anyone's desire to reproduce, though, so maybe I'm in the majority. Its always seemed to me that it is entirely ego-driven. I also remember the Zero Population Growth (ZPG) movement of the '70s and still think its appropriate. The planet can only sustain a limited population. Think food shortages, depleted soil, lack of arable land, water shortages. I haven't heard anything about trying to desalinate ocean water, but maybe that's still being considered or even accomplished (?).
Nothing personal. Some things just irritate the hell out of me.
Patti Smith is sexy and spiritual!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zA4T6LzZtU
Isn't saying someone is sexiest and spiritual an oxymoron....
Um, no.
Innocence - a return to purity, a detoxification of the chakra's, a detachement from worldly obsessions about money, looks, possesions and especially from the myriad of intoxicants - that may not be sexy, but it's what has been lost and is what we really want.
Substitute "sexy" for inner happiness, peace, genuine unconditional love, and you have an irresistable magnatism that people want to be near.
Call that sexy if you want. I prefer the zen term - SATORI - the experience of awakening, enlightenment.
Even as an athiest, I'm disturbed by this post. I'd hate to think how I'd feel if I were a "spiritual" person. And this is probably one of the better posts from this blogger, too!
Help us, Jeebus!
Yeah I agree.. I am an atheist as well, and find this DEEPLY dusturbing on many levels. First of all, why the f&*k is religion and sexuality put together, And second I want to know why they picked these people. This whole article is just wrong.... I think Im going to be sick...
I too am an athiest and think this is nauseating and wrong.
Nobody mentioned Pastor Melissa Scott?
Sure, she's a fundy nutjob, but come on.
The way that you libs seem to deify Obama is very creepy. He's a man, a politiican and probaly a future president. He's not a mesiah and you guys need some real help.
Care to explain the love affair with Ronald Reagan, than?
Spirituality and sex hand in hand. The paradox that isn't a paradox.
watch out for perfect messiahs.....you may find out they are only human.
Sister Wendy??? She look like the heroine of that tv show........Ugly Betty!!!
Think of George Harrison. He's a spiritual icon. Now, by comparison, think of Madonna. Who the hell associates Madonna with spiritualism???
OttoM, thanks for bringing up George.
Madonna = sex, materialism, self-promotion, grasping, ambition, flitting from one idea or philosophy to another with no solid core. That's only the impression of someone who never sought out any news or information about her. She's been hard to avoid over the years.
Doing a simple search about her history, one finds tales of her using a series of men (sex) to claw her was to success, stepping or stomping on anyone who get in her way , typical stories of ego driven people without any empathy or concern for others.
Spiritual icon? Hardly. Nothing could be sillier. Dumb idea for a dumb article.
I really miss George. "All Things Must Pass" is truly an uplifting album, lyrically & musically. All of his albums are great, but ATMP is my favorite. I can't think of any other contemporary musician with his grace.
Since Brainwashed was done after his death, the re-release of ATMP might be his final work. He might be the one person among us who actually WAS on a "spiritual journey". And on that cd we have him starting and ending his journey on the same song, my sweet lord. The new version of the song has an ending that always gets to me. He sings and the song ends, and then it momentarily starts again without him, just people on instruments. He is gone, but the song is still here.
Jim, "Brainwashed" is very good as well. The short video I purchased with the CD shows George walking in his garden, working on the music, playing his uke, and talking about the process. It is very poignant as are the scenes of Dhani and Jeff Lynne discussing how they put the finishing touches on George's final work after he was gone. One quote I can totally relate to, from George while standing in his garden, "Sometimes I just feel I'm actually on the wrong planet. I feel great when I'm in my garden, but when I go out the gate I think 'What the hell am I doing here?'"
For ATMP to have been released in those turbulent, hedonistic times (1970) when he was only 27 was rather amazing. I have my original vinyl version of ATMP as well as the remastered CD and all of his other albums on CD. . However, I can't listen to them without feeling an overwhelming sense of loss.
I agree. Have you heard "Brainwashed"? It was his final, posthumously released album, and I think it's his most consistent set of songs. It's a great listen all the way through -- and contains a lot of spiritual lyrics, too, BTW -- and the title track should be played loudly everywhere throughout this election cycle. There's also an instrumental track that is the most beautiful thing he's ever done.
OttoMann, agreed "Marwa Blues". incredibly delicate and beautiful.
Did he do that instrumental? That cd came from some of his pre-release recordings produced by his son and Jeff Beck with them adding instruments. It was a spiritual collection, spiritually produced as a final tribute, and that instrumental was great. A man with terminal brain cancer gives us "Brainwashed"; his timing was perfect.
Fluff
Pathetic, you all consider Madonna and oBAMA spiritual leaders?
Also... "you all" who? Do you think a committee wrote this blog? Do you always attribute the actions of one to an entire group, or only when it's convenient for you?
Not too bright.
Icons. Not leaders. I don't care who she says is an "spiritual" icon (or leader) mind you. But the two words have little to do with each other in this context.
.....uh, organized religion has been trying to convince the masses that true ectasy can only be found in conjunction with the worship of a god(s) since -- well, since the beginning of organized religion.
Religion is the champion of using sex as a sales technique.
HEY WAIT 2 OF THEM ARE MUTTS AND SHOULD BE DISQUALIFIED... AND I DONT MEAN THE SISTER. rofl
#1- Jimmy Swaggart
#2- The lady with the big wig on Trinity Broacasting
#3- That Iraqi cleric who controls the Sadr Army.
#4- That Rev. who's backing McCain and hates Catholics.
#5- The Archbishop of Canterbury
Thanks for injecting a litttle light-heartedness into the world! Anybody whoe is not the Grinch (at the beginning of the story) should find something to at least chuckle at.
So a spirit for all purposes is basically a ghost right?
Reaching for new heights in meaningless allusions. Good job Von Pfetten.
Posted April 9, 2008 | 08:02 AM (EST)