The Dalai Lama has expressed gratitude after winning his first Grammy Award, taking home the prize for best audiobook, narration and storytelling.
The 90-year-old Buddhist leader, who has lived in exile in India for decades, was announced as the winner at Monday’s Grammy ceremony in Los Angeles for his book “Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”
Reacting to the honour on social media, he said: “I receive this recognition with gratitude and humility.”
“I don’t see it as something personal, but as a recognition of our shared universal responsibility.”
Widely respected across the globe for his advocacy for peace and for greater autonomy for Tibet, the Dalai Lama cut an unlikely figure among the music industry’s biggest stars. Known for his maroon robes, simple sandals and gentle humour, he has nonetheless become a global icon.
He used the moment to restate his long-held beliefs, saying: “I truly believe 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.”
The audiobook project features contributions from musicians including Rufus Wainwright and Maggie Rogers. Wainwright accepted the award on behalf of the Dalai Lama during the ceremony.
The spiritual leader fled Tibet at the age of 23 after Chinese forces crushed a 1959 uprising in Lhasa. He has not returned since. Beijing continues to regard him as a separatist and has repeatedly criticised his international recognition.
China also condemned the Grammy award, describing it as politically motivated.
“We firmly oppose relevant parties using art awards as a tool for anti-China political manipulation, and this position is consistent and clear,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a press briefing.
A Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the Dalai Lama has said he expects to live for many more years, even as Tibetans quietly prepare for a future without him. Tibetan Buddhists believe he is the 14th reincarnation of a spiritual figure whose lineage dates back to 1391.
China, which officially identifies as atheist, said last year it must approve any future successor. The Dalai Lama, however, maintains that only his office in India has the authority to determine who follows him.
