At 90, Dalai Lama gets Grammy for audiobook ‘Meditations’

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama earned a Grammy in the best audiobook narration category on Sunday. He is 90.

American singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright received the award on his behalf. Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan is among those who composed music for the work titled, “Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama”.


“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 oneness of humanity are essential for collective well-being of all eight billion human beings. I’m grateful that this recognition can help spread these messages more widely,” the Dalai Lama posted on X.

Dalai Lama using Grammy award for political manipulation: China

The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), which is headquartered at McLeod Ganj in Dharamshala, said the award is a profound honour for Tibetan society. Although the Grammy spread cheer in this hill town, celebrations are on hold as the Dalai Lama is in Karnataka.

Predictably, China is incensed. According to Associated Press, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, “It is well known that the 14th Dalai Lama is not merely a religious figure but a political exile engaged in anti-China separatist activities under the guise of religion.” “We oppose the relevant party using the award as a tool for anti-China political manipulation,” he added.

The audio book, with gentle background music, is divided into sections named: “Heart”, “Oneness”, “Harmony”, “Kindness”, “Water”, “Mind”, “Health”, “Peace”, “Essence” and “Journey”. They represent the Dalai Lama’s philosophical view in his own voice. “Heart” starts with the words, “Warm heartedness really brings inner peace.” Kabir Sehgal, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash are the other musicians involved with the project.