• What is the core vision of Deer Park Institute?

Deer Park Institute (DPI) is a center for the study of Classical Indian wisdom traditions, including all traditions of Buddhism, Classical Indian philosophies and arts. It was established in March 2006 on the campus of a former Buddhist Monastic Institute (Dzongsar Monastery which is now in Chaunta, H.P). It is a project under Siddhartha’s Intent Society.

The core vision of the Institute is to re-create the spirit of Nalanda, the great university of ancient India.

• Who runs this center?

Siddhartha’s Intent Society is a charitable, non for profit organization under the auspices of its founder Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche.

• Who can stay and how can one reserve accommodation at Deer Park?

Accommodation in Deer Park is prioritized for students who enroll in any course/programs. Accommodation is also available for those committed to doing a self-guided meditation retreat (4-5 Hrs silent meditation/study in the library/day)

Prior registration by email is required info@deerpark.in

• Can one stay at Deer Park for 1-2 nights only?

No, a minimum of 3-5 nights is required. A stay is maximum of 30 days, subject to course attendance and subject to space. 

• What courses/activities do you offer at Deer Park?

We run programs and events to encompass the disciplines of listening, contemplation and meditation. The programs include Buddhist teachings, classical Indian philosophies, meditation, Art, Yoga, music, dance etc. We are actively involved in environmental issues, recycling, and waste management.

For the upcoming programs/schedule, please visit our website www.deerpark.in

Prior registration is required, preferably by emailing info@deerpark.in

Courses/programs vary in length from 3 days to 1 month.

Full attendance is required in the courses.

• Can non-residents attend courses at Deer Park?

Generally, yes but depends on the course requirements.  prior registration is required.

• What facilities do you offer at Deer Park?

There is a well-stocked library on site for self-study and lending of books. The Buddha Hall main temple is available for personal meditation from 5 am to 9 pm. We have a shop, an organic kitchen garden, a movie hall, an amphitheater, a kids’ play zone, and an art room.   Various accommodations are available.

3 vegetarian meals a day are served. Advance booking is required.

• Do you run drop-in Yoga, Meditation, and healing classes?

These are only run when the teachers are available.

• What are the charges for the courses/programs?

All courses at DPI are free of charge but we request participants to make a donation to help support the teachers and the costs associated with running this institute.

• What is the suggested donation for food and accommodation?

Please contact the office.

• Why is this place called Deer Park?

In remembrance of the Buddha’s 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.

The founder of Deer Park Institute H.E. Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, named the Institute-Deer Park.

• Can one volunteer at Deer Park Institute?

Generally, no but occasionally we take volunteers for specific projects. (Community/Ecology)

• Can one teach here at Deer Park?

A proposal must be submitted to the DPI program committee for consideration.

info@deerpark.in

• Can you suggest any other spiritual centers similar to Deer Park?

DPI branch ‘Buddha Pada Institute’ in Kalimpong, West Bengal.

FPMT centers- Tushita Meditation Center Dharamshala and Root Institute, Bodhgaya.

Thosamling Nunnery, Dharamshala.

• Does Deer Park provide activities for children as well?

Yes, please contact the office.

• Can foreign nationals stay at Deer Park without Protected Area Permit (PAP)?

PAP is required to stay here. These are obtained online (the process takes 2-3 months) or in person from the DC office in Dharamshala ( takes a few hours).

• How to get updates for Deer Park activities/courses?

Please subscribe to the Deer Park Event WhatsApp Group or check our website regularly.  www.deerpark.in