Expressing joy, the Deputy speaker of Tibetan parliament in-exile Dolma Tsering said that with this Grammy award the Dalai Lama’s message of “universal brotherhood” and compassion will spread all over the world.
In response to the Dalai Lama’s achievement, Deputy speaker of Tibetan parliament in-exile Dolma Tsering told ANI, “It’s historic moment and it’s a matter of great joy, not only for Tibetans but for the whole humanity. So I also want to express my congratulations to his holiness for winning this Grammy award”
“This is certainly a new platform that he has been able to reach to share his message of universal brotherhood and compassion,” added Tsering.
The album got nomination in the category of Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording, for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held on Monday (Local Time). The event took place at Los Angeles.
The competition in this year's spoken word category was notably fierce. The Dalai Lama's meditation album triumphed over several high-profile nominees, including comedian Trevor Noah's "Into The Uncut Grass," Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's memoir "Lovely One," and Fab Morvan's revealing "You Know It's True: The Real Story of Milli Vanilli."
Despite the star-studded lineup, industry observers noted that "Meditations" emerged as the clear favorite due to its profound emotional impact and universal message. The album's ability to transcend cultural and religious boundaries ultimately distinguished it from more conventional audiobook entries.
The Dalai Lama Grammy win represents far more than a personal accolade for the Buddhist monk who has spent decades promoting peace and compassion worldwide. This recognition marks the first time the spiritual leader has received such mainstream acknowledgment in the entertainment industry, proving that messages of inner peace and mindfulness resonate powerfully in today's increasingly fragmented world.
The award-winning album eschews traditional musical elements, instead offering narrated reflections, guided meditations, and philosophical teachings designed to cultivate inner calm and encourage social responsibility. In an era marked by mental health challenges and societal division, the project's success reflects a growing appetite for content that prioritizes emotional wellbeing over entertainment alone.
The award also brings recognition for Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan and his sons, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, who collaborated closely on the project and have performed for the Dalai Lama multiple times over the past two decades.
The album was produced by Atlanta-based Indian-origin bassist-composer Kabir Sehgal, who said they aimed to present messages of love, kindness, and peace in a form that resonates with modern audiences, especially at a time when global tensions feel particularly high.
In response to the award the Dalai Lama’s office posted a message from the Spiritual leader saying, “I receive this recognition with gratitude and humility. I don’t see it as something personal, but as a recognition of our shared universal responsibility. I truly believe that peace, compassion, care for our environment, and an understanding of the oneness of humanity are essential for the collective well-being of all eight billion human beings. I’m grateful that this Grammy recognition can help spread these messages more widely.”
His Holiness the Dalai Lama Receives Grammy Recognition Highlighting Universal Responsibility and Compassion
— Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) February 2, 2026
Grammy Award Best Audiobook Narration - Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
I receive this recognition with gratitude and humility. I don’t see… pic.twitter.com/YhK5zlyhem
Meanwhile, Grammy’s 2026 concluded with Kendrick Lamar and SAZ winning the Record of the Year award while Billie Eilish bagged the Best Song of the year at the prestigious award ceremony.
