In 2004, Dzongsar Institute, a center for higher Buddhist philosophical study founded by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, moved to Chauntra, Himachal Pradesh, India, and was renamed Chökyi Lödro College of Dialectics. The old facilities in the nearby village, Bir, were left empty.

Khyentse Rinpoche renamed the old school Deer Park Institute, in remembrance of the Buddhaís first teachings at the historical Deer Park (Mriga Dava) in Sarnath, where the Buddha displayed a spirit of open inquiry into the nature of mind, existence and suffering, without any bias.

In March 2006, Khyentse Rinpoche inaugurated Deer Park with a simple ceremony in the Indian tradition, accompanied by sacred chants in Sanskrit by Vidya Rao and Raji Ramannan, and conducted its first teaching on 'Recollection of the Three Jewels', with the idea that a school for non-monastic people to study and practice Buddha Dharma may be established here, and especially a space for Indians to study and explore Buddhism and other Indian philosophical traditions.

Following the ecumenical tradition, known as Rime in Tibetan, upon which the original Dzongsar Institute was founded, these teachings will be lead by masters not just from the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism but from all traditions of Buddhism, including the Zen and Shravakayana traditions of Japan, Thailand, Burma and elsewhere, as well as other classical Indian philosophy. In particular, Deer Park draws its inspiration from the spirit of Nalanda, a great university of ancient India in which all traditions of Buddhism were studied and practiced, alongside other schools of classical Indian thought, arts and sciences.

Rinpoche had this to say about the idea behind Deer Park and the Rime tradition:

"Buddha said that at the core of Buddhist practice, three things one should avoid - desire, anger, and ignorance. Rime liberates one from these. The spirit of Rime should not be understood as a sort of new age movement where everything is collected under one roof. Dissolving sectarianism is the quintessence of Rime. Historically, human beings have suffered because of their attachment to their countries, concepts, and especially religions. They become attached even within their particular sect of that religion. This attachment can be expressed as anger towards others or at least a sort of disinterest in the activities of others."

"At least between Buddhist sects there has been no bloodshed, only the loss of many great teachings. Buddha's teaching is like a lion's roar, simhanada. The only danger to a lion is decay from within. And to prevent this it is essential for the authentic teachings of the Buddha to be studied and practiced with a vast attitude."

Therefore Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche wishes for Deer Park to grow into:

• A modern day Nalanda, in a small yet beautiful way, which preserves the significance of this land - India - of being an eternal spring of offering of philosophies for all mankind.
  
• A centre for study and practice of classical Buddhist traditions, infused with both spirit of the ancient Nalanda and the freshness of contemporary expression.
  
• A valuable space for individuals and organizations from India and the world over, to study and explore the Buddhist philosophy, which has been preserved in Pali and Sanskrit traditions. A space that accepts everyone, and makes these unique traditions accessible without cultural or historical trappings.
  
• An institute that preserves and propagates the classical philosophical traditions of India, and makes these very unique traditions and inner sciences accessible to people from all walks of life and denomination, so their richness may benefit and enrich the lives of all.
  
• A place which nurtures a spirit, in thought and activity, of non-sectarianism in Buddhist and other philosophical traditions.
  
• An institute which offers short and long courses on various philosophical texts, commentaries and other essential teachings. Alongside there will also be study of classical languages, culture, aesthetics, literature, history and poetry.