Dalai Lama Earns First Grammy Nomination at 90 for Spoken-Word Meditation Album

The Dalai Lama has received his first-ever Grammy nomination at the age of 90, marking a remarkable milestone for the Nobel Peace Prize laureate. His spoken-word album, Meditation – The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, has been shortlisted in the category of Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, to be held on February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles.

The album brings together the Tibetan spiritual leader’s teachings on compassion, inner peace, and emotional well-being, set to original musical compositions by legendary sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan and his sons, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash. It also features contributions from a diverse group of international artists, including Andra Day, Maggie Rogers, Tony Succar, Ted Nash, Debi Nova, and Rufus Wainwright.
Grammy winner Kabir Sehgal served as the album’s executive producer.

Reacting to the nomination, Amjad Ali Khan said his family was deeply moved to see the Dalai Lama honored in such a significant way. He described the album as a heartfelt collaboration that blends the spiritual leader’s profound wisdom with music designed to evoke reflection and serenity.

In a statement on Facebook, he wrote, “As a family, we congratulate His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his Grammy nomination. Our album Meditation: Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is very close to our hearts. It combines His Holiness’ spoken wisdom with original music that inspires peace, contemplation, and compassion.”

He added that working with the Dalai Lama was a privilege, expressing gratitude to all the artists who contributed their creativity to the project. “Our aim was to create a listening experience that offers comfort, clarity, and connection. This nomination shines a light on His Holiness’ timeless message of compassion,” he wrote.

The Dalai Lama will compete with several prominent nominees, including Cathy Carver (Elvis, Rocky and Me: The Carole Connors Story), Trevor Noah (Into the Uncut Grass), Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson (Lovely One: A Memoir), and Fab Morvan (You Know It’s True: The Real Story of Milli Vanilli).

The nomination represents a meaningful cultural moment, underscoring the enduring global resonance of the Dalai Lama’s message at a time when compassion and peace feel more necessary than ever.

Major Awards Conferred on the Dalai Lama

• Gold Mercury Award for Peace and Stability (2025)
• Nobel Peace Prize (1989)
• U.S. Congressional Gold Medal (2006)
• Templeton Prize for Interfaith Dialogue (2012)
• Liberty Medal for Human Rights (2015)
• Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award (2019)