When we think of "spiritual music," we probably think of polyphonic church music from Medieval and Renaissance times, chants from various Buddhist traditions, American Gospel songs and hymns, devotional songs from India, or Sufi Qawwali music. Then there's the music of indigenous African religions, as well as Native American, Australian Aboriginal and a variety of Shamanic traditions. When we hear a shakuhachi flute, a gong, a harpsichord, a kora, a sitar, or a didgeridoo, and we can be pretty sure that we are listening to music that transcends the mundane world.

But what makes "spiritual music" spiritual? Beyond lyrics or a specific style or genre, what defines spiritual music as such, is the musician's intent. Thus, I feel it makes no difference whether a musician chooses