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  • Music and Spirituality
  • Music and African Spiritual Traditions
  • Music and Buddhism
  • Music and Christianity
  • Music and Islam
  • Music and Hinduism
  • Music and Judaism

Music and Spirituality

Smithsonian Music

Music and spirituality are intricately related, with spirituality often being the inspiration for the creation of music, and music so often creating the desired atmosphere for a spiritual occasion.

While spirituality is not necessarily experienced through religion, many people use religion as a conduit for their everyday spirituality. The objects selected here help demonstrate the relationship between music and many of the world's largest religions.


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A Buddhist procession of three musicians and one dancer

Large temple drum with original stand and drumsticks

Door panel depicting Buddhist apsara playing music

Welcoming Descent of the Buddha of Infinite Light and Twenty-Five Bodhisattvas

Dance from West Java

Musical instrument with sounding box and gut strings

Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) by Nizami (d.1209); recto: illustration: Bahram Gur in the turquoise-blue pavilion on Wednesday; verso: text

Shiva Vinadhara (Holder of the Lute)

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