Dalai Lama Wins First Grammy for Meditation Album at 68th Awards

The 14th Dalai Lama has made history by winning his first Grammy Award at the 68th annual Grammy Awards, held on February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles. He received the accolade in the Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording category for his spoken-word album Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This recognition places him among other notable first-time Grammy winners, including filmmaker Steven Spielberg and the K-pop group Demon Hunters.

The Dalai Lama, known for his teachings on compassion and mindfulness, surprised many by being acknowledged at a music award ceremony. His album, which artfully combines spiritual insights with elements of Hindustani classical music, features reflections recorded over several years. These tracks explore vital themes such as mindfulness, harmony, health, and compassion.

Significant Themes and Reflections

During the awards ceremony, the Dalai Lama emerged victorious against a competitive field that included Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli, Ketanji Brown Jackson, U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Trevor Noah, the Grammy host, and actress Kathy Garver. This win marks his first Grammy, although he has previously received nominations.

One notable track from the album, titled Water, features the Dalai Lama’s reflections on environmental issues, specifically climate change and conservation. He poignantly remarks, “Within my lifetime in the Taktser area, winter on this mountain, annually more snow, then year by year, less and less.” This statement emphasizes his commitment to preserving water as a crucial natural resource.

In another track, called Peace, he highlights the universal importance of compassion, stating, “A compassionate mind is very happy. Usually people consider compassion [a] religious subject. No, compassion is for our own survival.” Such insights reveal the depth of his wisdom and the relevance of his messages in today’s world.

A Night of Firsts

Alongside the Dalai Lama’s achievement, Steven Spielberg achieved a significant milestone by winning a Grammy in the Best Music Film category for Music by John Williams, a documentary celebrating his long-time collaborator. This win completed Spielberg’s EGOT status, as he now holds an Emmy, Grammy, Tony, and Oscar.

Additionally, the K-pop group Demon Hunters celebrated their own victory with the track Golden, which won Best Song Written for Visual Media. The song is performed by the fictional girl group HUNTR/X, featuring vocals by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami. The award was presented to songwriters including EJAE, Park Hong Jun (also known as Teddy), and others, marking a significant moment for K-pop creators on the global stage.

The 68th Grammy Awards ceremony aired live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+, while viewers in India had the opportunity to watch it on February 2, 2026, starting at 6:30 am IST. The event not only showcased musical talents but also highlighted the diversity of voices that are now finding recognition in the industry.

The Dalai Lama’s Grammy win is a testament to the evolving landscape of music and storytelling, demonstrating that profound teachings can resonate beyond traditional boundaries and reach a global audience.