The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, at the age of 90, earned his first Grammy Award for his Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama which blends wisdom with music in the Best Audiobook, Narration & Storytelling Recording category. He combined his views on compassion, wisdom, and humanity, which finally earned him this cultural milestone.
“I receive this recognition with gratitude…” – Dalai Lama Response
In the Dalai Lama’s absence, the award was accepted by singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, who praised the project’s deep message and described how great he feels to be a part of an album that features a vast range of artists and musicians, including the Dalai Lama and, other than him, Trevor Noah and Ketanji Brown Jackson. Dalai responded to the win with an Instagram post where he said he didn’t watch the show for his recognition but as a recognition of universal responsibility and compassion. He said, “I receive this recognition with gratitude and humility… 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.”
Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness
The album was released in August 2025 and blends his words with music to reach a global audience; other artists with a Hindustani classical influence were also included. The project was launched to recognise the spiritual thoughts on the global level that are traditionally overlooked by mainstream music. Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, the legendary sarod maestro, along with his sons Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, achieved a Grammy Award for their mastery of Indian classical music and were recognised for their contributions to the music world on a global stage.
Global Responses and Controversy
While people celebrated Dalai’s achievement for his lifelong message of peace and reflection, the win also drew criticism from the Chinese government, as Beijing’s Foreign Ministry described the moment as “a tool for anti-China political manipulation” rather than a genuine appreciation showing the geopolitical tension around Dalai’s exile and Tibetan autonomy. Despite all the scenarios around Dalai, the Chief Minister of Sikkim congratulated him and called the win a source of pride and acknowledge of Dalai’s long-standing influence.
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