Tibetan spiritual leader honored for audiobook blending meditation teachings with Hindustani classical music; China condemns recognition as political manipulation
His Holiness the Dalai Lama achieved a historic milestone at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, winning his first Grammy on February 1, 2026, in the Best Audiobook, Narration, and Storytelling Recording category. The 90-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader received the honor for “Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” Phayul a spoken-word album combining mindfulness teachings with musical compositions.
The award-winning project features collaborations with renowned sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and his sons Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash Phayul, alongside international artists including Andra Day, Maggie Rogers, and Rufus Wainwright. Producer Kabir Sehgal crafted the album to blend Hindustani classical traditions with the Dalai Lama’s teachings on compassion and universal responsibility.
Singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright accepted the award on behalf of the spiritual leader during the pre-telecast ceremony at Los Angeles’s Crypto.com Arena. The Dalai Lama responded with characteristic humility, stating he viewed the recognition as acknowledgment of shared human values rather than personal achievement.
China’s foreign ministry criticized the award, with spokesperson Lin Jian describing it as anti-China political manipulation, reflecting ongoing tensions over Tibetan autonomy.
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