Spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has earned his first Grammy nomination for his spoken-word album, Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The album, which highlights his messages of compassion, peace, humanity, and environmental awareness, is nominated in the Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording category at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.
Meditations features collaborations with several prominent Indian musicians, including sarod maestros Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, sitar virtuoso Amjad Ali Khan, and Grammy-winning producer Kabir Sehgal.
According to an official from the Dalai Lama’s office, these artists worked closely with him during his 80th birthday celebrations in New Delhi to bring the album to fruition. The resulting work combines spiritual guidance with rich musical arrangements, creating an immersive experience that blends narration with classical Indian instrumental artistry.
The project reflects the Dalai Lama’s enduring emphasis on universal values. Through the album, he shares contemplations on inner peace, mindfulness, and humanity’s responsibility toward the environment, aiming to inspire listeners worldwide. Each track guides on living a compassionate and ethical life, while the musical accompaniment enhances the meditative quality of the spoken reflections.
Amjad Ali Khan, who contributed to the album, expressed his delight on social media, writing, “As a family, we congratulate His Holiness. This album is close to our hearts.” The nomination marks a historic milestone for the Dalai Lama, showcasing how his spiritual teachings can reach audiences beyond traditional religious and philosophical spheres.
With its Grammy recognition, Meditations demonstrates the growing intersection of music, storytelling, and spiritual guidance, highlighting the global appeal of the Dalai Lama’s message.
The nomination also underscores the importance of collaborative artistry, bringing together Eastern classical musicians and contemporary production to create a work that resonates with both Indian and international audiences. This achievement introduces the Dalai Lama’s reflections to new listeners, emphasizing the relevance of compassion, peace, and mindfulness in today’s world.
