Inspired by the Buddhist concept of “84,000 doors,” which teaches that there are countless paths to enlightenment, the 84000 Doors oral history project explores how Buddhism is lived in Texas today. Through interviews with practitioners across diverse sanghas, the project highlights the individuality of practice, the variety of traditions, and the personal journeys that shape the evolving expression of Buddhism in the Lone Star State.
What is an oral history project?
An oral history project is a method of preserving and sharing firsthand accounts of people’s lived experiences through recorded interviews.
Unlike traditional historical research that relies on written records, oral history centers on the voices and memories of individuals, capturing personal stories, reflections, and perspectives that might otherwise be overlooked. These interviews are typically conducted by researchers, students, or community members and can focus on a wide range of themes.
Oral history projects play a vital role in preserving diverse voices, particularly from underrepresented communities, and offer rich insights into the human dimensions of history. By highlighting personal narratives, oral histories bring context to larger historical events, helping future generations understand how individuals and communities experienced the past in their own words.
About the IDCL
The Institute for Diversity and Civic Life (IDCL) is a nonprofit organization based in Texas dedicated to creating a more inclusive and pluralistic society through storytelling, education, and leadership development. IDCL works to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities, particularly religious, cultural, and racial minorities, by fostering understanding across lines of difference. Through oral history projects, public humanities programs, and training initiatives, the Institute cultivates empathy, civic engagement, and a deeper awareness of the diversity that shapes American life. Its mission is to build a society where all people can belong, participate, and be recognized in our shared civic life. | diversityandciviclife.org