Spiritual leader Dalai Lama. (file photo)
Digital Desk, New Delhi. At the age of 90, the Dalai Lama has added another spectacular achievement to his lifetime of honours. He won his first Grammy Award at the 68th edition of the annual awards ceremony in Los Angeles.
The Tibetan spiritual leader won the award in the Best Audio Book, Narration or Storytelling Recording category for his spoken-word album Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Wainwright received Dalai Lama Award
Musician Rufus Wainwright received this award on his behalf. He worked with the Dalai Lama on this project. Wainwright said it has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of this work.
Meditations blends the Dalai Lama's thoughts on compassion, peace, mindfulness and the interconnectedness of humanity with musical elements, featuring contributions from multiple artists and rooted in Hindustani classical music.
What did the Dalai Lama say?
In a statement issued from his office, the Dalai Lama said that he considers the Grammy Award not as a personal victory, but as a recognition of shared universal responsibility.
He said, "I accept this recognition with gratitude and humility... I truly believe that peace, kindness, care for our environment, and an understanding of the oneness of humanity are essential to the collective well-being of all eight billion human beings. I am grateful that this GRAMMY recognition can help further spread these messages."
Although this is the Dalai Lama's first Grammy win, it is not his first major honor. Over the past several decades, the 14th Dalai Lama has been honored with numerous prestigious awards for his advocacy of peace, non-violence and understanding of different cultures.
Which honors did you receive?
He received the most special award early in his career, when in 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for the independence of Tibet and his efforts to promote peace and human values around the world.
In addition to the Nobel Prize, his list of honors also includes the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion in 2012, which recognizes his contributions to spiritual understanding and human well-being.
The Dalai Lama has also received academic degrees, such as Doctor Honoris Causa, from institutions around the world, reflecting his influence on global education and inter-religious dialogue.
Other awards include the Liberty Medal from the National Constitution Center in the United States and the Syedna Qutbuddin Harmony Prize in India.
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