Dalai Lama Wins First Grammy for Meditation Album with Sarod Maestro Amjad Ali Khan

The Dalai Lama has won his first Grammy Award for the spoken-word album "Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama," earning recognition in the Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording category at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles on Monday.

The album is a collaboration with sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan and his sons Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, blending spoken words with music to celebrate peace, compassion, and hope.

The spiritual leader's office shared his message following the win. "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," the Dalai Lama stated.

"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," he added.

The Tibetan community in Dharamshala expressed elation at the historic achievement. Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Dolma Tsering called it a moment of joy for all humanity.

"This is certainly a new platform that he has been able to reach to share his message of universal brotherhood and compassion," Tsering told ANI, extending congratulations on behalf of the community.

The album represents a unique fusion of the Dalai Lama's spiritual reflections with Indian classical music, featuring the Khan family's sarod performances. The collaboration bridges Eastern spiritual traditions with musical artistry.

Meanwhile, the 2026 Grammys saw Kendrick Lamar and SAZ win Record of the Year, while Billie Eilish took home Best Song of the Year.