by Cathy Evans
At 90 years old, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has been honoured with a Grammy Award for best audio book, narration, and storytelling recording. The winning work, titled “Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” features the Dalai Lama reflecting on ten significant themes, including harmony and peace.
These reflections, delivered in English, draw on his 75-year tenure as the 14th Dalai Lama and are accompanied by thoughtfully composed background music.
Award ceremony and acceptance
The winners of the Grammy Awards, one of the most significant accolades in the United States music industry, were announced at a ceremony in Los Angeles on 1 February 2026. During the award ceremony, singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright accepted the award on behalf of the Dalai Lama.
The award, regarded as a top honour in the music industry, underscores the international reach and lasting impact of the Dalai Lama’s message and voice.
Significance of the recognition
This Grammy recognition highlights the ongoing influence of the Dalai Lama on international audiences and his expansion into new artistics mediums. The award, regarded as atop honoour in the music industry, underscores the international reach and lasting impact of the Dalai Lama’s message and voice.
Nature of the album
The album is not a traditional music release, and this surprised some music fans. Instead, it mixes the Dalai Lama’s distinctive spoken reflections with Indian music, creating a special listening experience that brings to the listener a selection from his decades of teachings. The music, performed by Indian classicial musician Ayaan Ali Bangash and his brothers on the sarod—a stringed instrument played with the fingernails—complements the Dalai Lama’s message.
Production and musical influences
According to Rolling Stone magazine, Kabir Sehgal, the Atlanta-based producer, explained that while Indian musical elements form the core of the album, the project incorporates global influences to reflect the Dalai Lama’s universal messages.
Sehgal remarked, “His Holiness has lived a very remarkable life, almost a full century at this point. We wanted to take his wisdom, which is all about love, compassion, peace, and kindness — it’s all evergreen, but we need to hear it more now than ever — and set that to music.”
The Dalai Lama’s response to the award
Upon receiving the Grammy, the Dalai Lama expressed his appreciation, stating:
“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”.
If you would like to listen to Meditations here is a full link to the album: https://open.spotify.com/album/53ieadYxDz93hOY3heQFbT