Buddhability An Experiment to Prove Them Wrong
Feb 6, 2026
Wayne Thomas Jr., an architect and artist from Los Angeles who practices SGI Nichiren Buddhism, shares his story of proving doubters wrong. He talks about using chanting as an experiment to boost creativity and academics. He describes building a portfolio from scratch, navigating being often the only person of color, and designing community-centered spaces that empower others.
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Turn Creativity Into Study Tools
- Wayne used chanting and experimentation to convert creativity into academic strategies.
- He adapted creative memory techniques to improve study habits and exam performance.
Rejected Then Accepted
- Wayne was told by his high-school guidance counselor that architecture "wasn't in the cards" for him.
- He chanted, built a self-made portfolio from shoeboxes, and earned admission to Pratt with scholarships.
Failing Forward At Pratt
- Wayne failed his first semester at Pratt with a 1.8 GPA and almost dropped out.
- Encouraged by a professor and his Buddhist community, he turned his grades around and won awards and internships.
