Have you ever wonder why an advanced electronic spreadsheet package from
IBM is given a Buddhist name, Lotus 1-2-3?
Lotus is the symbol of Buddhism. The Buddha and the Bodhisattva of Compassion
are frequently portrayed as sitting on a Lotus flower in a Lotus position, and
one of the most important Buddhist scripture is called the Lotus Sutra. So,
what is the connection between a modern computer software package and a 2,500
old religion?
The answer: Mr. Mitchell Kapor, the founder of Lotus Development Corporation
and the "father" of Lotus 1-2-3, is a devoted Buddhist, who is also
a forerunner of computer technology for over 20 years.
Mr. Kapor was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1950 and graduated from Yale College
in 1971 with a B.A. in Cybernetics. As a young College graduate, he sought spirituality
by traveling to various places such as Europe to learn Yoga, but soon disappointed
with Hinduism and returned to the States. Finally, he found refuge with Buddhism.
In the late 70's and early 80's, when personal computer was still in the infancy,
Mr. Kapor joined Personal Software Inc. to help develop the world's first electronic
spreadsheet, the VisiCalc. In 1982, he left VisiCalc to form Lotus Development
Corporation and created Lotus 1-2-3. Almost overnight, the spreadsheet was a
smashing hit and the Company expanded rapidly to over a thousand employees by
in 1985 with sale of $156 million.
After he left Lotus (sold to IBM), he served in various public and private organizations
including the M.I.T. as Adjunct Professor. Presently, he spends his time in
promoting Buddhist philanthropy via his own Mitchell Kapor Foundation and venture
capitalism via his own company Kapor Enterprises Inc.
He helped to contribute idea for the book "Awakening the Buddha Within",
by Lama Surya Das. To read his articles in the Tricycle Magazine - Buddhist
Review, go to his personal website.