We are delighted to announce the launch of the 84,000 Doors Oral History Project, a new digital initiative dedicated to documenting, preserving, and sharing the lived experiences of Buddhist practitioners across Texas.
At its heart, the project is an invitation to listen.
The 84,000 Doors Oral History Project features interviews with diverse practitioners who belong to Texas sanghas, creating a growing archive of voices that reflect the breadth and richness of Buddhist life in the state. Through personal stories, practitioners share how they came to Buddhism, what sustains their practice, and how sangha, lineage, culture, and service shape their lives. Together, these interviews offer an intimate portrait of Buddhism as it is lived in Texas communities today.
The name “84,000 Doors” reflects a Buddhist teaching that there are many paths to awakening. In that spirit, this project honors the many ways people encounter, practice, and embody Buddhist teachings—across traditions, backgrounds, and communities.
We hope this archive will continue to grow, and we invite your participation. If you would like to recommend yourself or someone else for an oral history interview, please visit the contact page at 84000doors.com/contact. We welcome recommendations from across Texas and are especially interested in hearing from practitioners whose stories help illuminate the diversity of Buddhist experience in the state.
We also encourage visitors to explore the Buddhism Resources page on the website, a curated collection designed to support learning and practice. If you have books, organizations, websites, or other materials you believe would benefit the community, we invite you to share additional recommendations through the contact page.
This project was made possible through a fellowship with the Institute for Diversity and Civic Life, based in Austin, whose support helped bring this vision to life.
We invite you to further explore the project at 84000doors.com and help us preserve the living history of Buddhism in Texas.
