Exploring Buddhism in Texas: The 84000 Doors Oral History Project
Buddhism is one of the most underrepresented religions in Texas. As of 2024, only 1% of the state’s 31 million residents identify as Buddhist, according to the Pew Research Center. Yet within this small percentage lies a rich tapestry of belief, practice, and community life.
In Buddhist philosophy, the concept of “84,000 doors” symbolizes the infinite teachings and methods available to attain enlightenment. It reflects a core idea in Buddhism: there is no single path to spiritual freedom—each person finds their way based on individual needs, experiences, and insights.
The 84000 Doors oral history project brings this concept to life by documenting how Buddhism is practiced and lived across Texas. Through interviews with Texas Buddhists, organized by sangha (established Buddhist communities), the project highlights the diversity of dharma in action. Each sangha has its own structure and traditions, and within those communities, individual stories reveal the deeply personal ways Texans are engaging with Buddhist teachings.
Together, these narratives help paint a more complete and nuanced picture of Buddhism in Texas—one shaped by heritage, adaptation, and the timeless search for liberation.