Response to Prof S. K. Ramachandra Rao

Abstract

Professor S. K. Ramachandra Rao's thesis ("Chos: The Unique Dharma of Tibet," Bangalore: JOURNAL OF DHARMA, Vol. I, Nos. 1 & 2, July, 1975, pp. 137-151) is that the Buddhism of Tibet, or chos in Tibetan, is not really Buddhism at all but a shamanism with Buddhist trappings. Our critique of his article shall be twofold: In the first place, we should like to ask Professor Rao what is this thing he calls "Buddhism" which chos is not; in the second place, we shall point out some historical inconsistencies and misrepresentations and call into question some dubious etymologies and renderings from the Tibetan.