SONG OF THE SOUL: THE SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MUSIC

Abstract

This study delves into the profound connection between music and spirituality, aiming to elucidate the transformative impact of music on the human soul across diverse religious contexts. This ethnographic study navigates through various faith traditions, including African traditional religion, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, to construct a comprehensive understanding of the spiritual significance of music. Grounded in the socio-cultural theory of symbolic interactionism and informed by the transcendent experience theory, this study reveals that music transcends linguistic and cultural barriers, serving as a universal medium for individuals to commune with the divine. The major finding of this research lies in the discovery that music, regardless of religious affiliation, has the capacity to facilitate profound spiritual experiences, acting as a conduit for transcendence and fostering a deeper connection with the sacred. Consequently, this study advocates for the integration of music as an essential component in spiritual practices across religious traditions, emphasizing its potential to nurture a more inclusive and harmonious global spiritual landscape.