Dalai Lama expresses ‘gratitude and humility’ at first Grammy win

The Dalai Lama, the 90-year-old Buddhist spiritual leader living in exile in India, has received a Grammy Award for his audiobook, Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The award, presented at the Grammy ceremony in Los Angeles on Monday, February 1, 2026, recognizes the audiobook’s achievement in the category of narration and storytelling.

A Historic Win

The Dalai Lama expressed his gratitude, stating he received the recognition “with gratitude and humility.” He added that he does not view the award as a personal achievement, but rather “as a recognition of our shared universal responsibility.” Rufus Wainwright and Maggie Rogers were featured artists on the audiobook and Wainwright accepted the award on behalf of the spiritual leader.

Did You Know? The Dalai Lama fled Lhasa, the Tibetan capital, in 1959, at the age of 23, fearing for his life after Chinese troops suppressed an uprising.

Geopolitical Context

The Dalai Lama has long campaigned for greater autonomy for Tibet, a region that China considers an integral part of its territory. He believes that “peace, compassion, care for our environment, and an understanding of the oneness of humanity are essential for the collective well-being of all eight billion human beings.”

Expert Insight: This Grammy win arrives at a sensitive time, as Tibetans prepare for a future without the Dalai Lama, who, despite believing he has many years left, is nearing the end of his life. The question of his successor is a significant point of contention with China.

Communist China has condemned the Dalai Lama as a separatist rebel and asserted its intention to approve his eventual successor. The Dalai Lama, however, maintains that only his India-based office has the authority to determine his successor. Tibetan Buddhists believe he is the 14th reincarnation of a spiritual leader whose lineage began in 1391.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the Dalai Lama flee Tibet?

The Dalai Lama fled the Tibetan capital, Lhasa, in 1959 at the age of 23, fearing for his life after Chinese troops crushed an uprising.

What did the Dalai Lama say about receiving the Grammy?

He said he received the recognition “with gratitude and humility” and that he doesn’t see it as something personal, but as a recognition of “our shared universal responsibility.”

What is China’s position on the Dalai Lama’s successor?

Communist China has stated that it must approve his eventual successor.

As the Dalai Lama continues his work advocating for peace and compassion, what impact might this Grammy win have on the global conversation surrounding Tibet and its future?

Dalai Lama expresses ‘gratitude and humility’ at first Grammy win | Dalai Lama