Leh: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has earned his first-ever Grammy nomination, marking a historic cultural moment for the Tibetan spiritual leader and millions of his followers worldwide.
The 90-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate has been shortlisted in the category Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording for his spoken-word album Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, which blends his teachings on compassion, peace, and emotional well-being with original musical compositions.
The album is the result of a special collaboration between the Dalai Lama and renowned sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, along with his sons Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash. Produced by multi-Grammy-winner Kabir Sehgal, the project also brings together an ensemble of celebrated global artists, including Andra Day, Maggie Rogers, Debi Nova, Tony Succar, Ted Nash, and Rufus Wainwright, all of whom contributed to shaping its serene and meditative soundscape.
The nomination is being widely viewed as a recognition of the Dalai Lama’s enduring influence at a time when the world continues to grapple with conflict, division, and uncertainty. Supporters and artists associated with the project described the honour as a celebration of universal values, and a reminder of the power of compassion in healing and connecting humanity. Amjad Ali Khan called the collaboration a deeply moving experience, saying the album invites listeners into a space of stillness, reflection, and hope.
The Dalai Lama’s earlier musical project Inner World in 2020 had also drawn global attention, but this year’s nomination marks the first time his voice and teachings have been acknowledged by the Recording Academy. The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will be held on 1 February 2026 in Los Angeles, where the winner of the category will be announced. For many across the world, the nomination itself stands as a symbolic moment where spirituality, art, and global culture intersect on one of the biggest stages in international music.
