The Dalai Lama’s recently released debut album, 'Inner World', hit the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s New Age album chart with sales of 2,000 units in just its first week. The record also scored No. 8 spot on the World Albums chart, and No. 98 at Album Sales chart. 'Inner World' pairs the Tibetan spiritual leader’s mantras and chants alongside ethereal, new age music composed by New Zealand artists Junelle and Abraham Kunin, and music by Anuscha Shankar.

The Dalai Lama has announced 'Inner World', an album of teachings and mantras set to music by the famous sitar player Anoushka Shankar. The 11-track album arrives July 6, which is also the Dalai Lama’s 85th birthday. The spiritual leader told Associated Press music can help people in a way that he can’t - "it can transcend differences and return us to our true nature and our good-heartedness”. Proceeds from 'Inner World' will benefit the Mind & Life Institute as well as Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning.