Obviously, Buddhist music encourages people to absorb Buddhism's tenets and to communicate with the divine. The simplest Buddhist instruments are the bell and the bamboo tocsin. In big ceremonies, depending on local traditions, the monks may also use single or double-ended drums and cymbals. One of the key Buddhist ceremonies is the Mong Son Thi Thuc ceremony, which involves an impressive performance of solemn music and ritual dance. The monks chant prayer texts in chorus, while drums and bells sound in the background, this combination evoking both the hardness and softness of Buddhism.



Christian music must also be examined. Some priest's claim that sung blessings is twice as powerful as spoken ones. The composition and teaching of hymns are considered crucial tasks, performed according to strict guidelines. Learning these hymns is a basic duty for pious Christians and each church has a well-trained choir. At first, the human voice was the sole instrument. Later, musical instruments like the organ were added. Today, some wealthy churches feature orchestras. Over time, European church music even influenced secular music.

While major, organized religions like Buddhism, Christianity and Islam have established core principles, many folk religions lack clear dogmas, having arisen from folk tales. Some of these beliefs are specific to very small communities or areas. What the world's big and small religions seem to have in common is their use of music to win supporters.

Among the music associated with Vietnam's indigenous religions, Hat Chau van (singing incantations) is the most popular. This artistic music is performed by adherents of the Four Palaces folk belief, who worship the Holy Mother. Unlike major religions, Four Palaces has no dogma, tenets, or prayers. The religion's entire contents are expressed through songs.

It could even be suggested that the music is what actually attracts crowds to Holy Mother Temples. There are numerous anecdotes about young girls running away from home to follow talented musicians who play at religious trance ceremonies and spending their whole lives volunteering in Holy Mother Temples. Wherever it spreads, religious music adapts to suit local tastes. Looking at Vietnam's Buddhist music, one finds distinct styles in the northern, central and southern regions. Each style has been strongly influenced by regional folk music. This is also true for Christian music. In northern Bac Ninh province, church music bears similarities to local Quan Ho folk duets. Even Hat Chau Van varies between the North and the South. What remains the same, in Vietnam and around the world, is people's love of music and a yearning for spiritual fulfillment.