“I would like to give a brief explanation on the origins of our terminology and nomenclature. For as long as we can recall, our country has been classified as Bod in Tibetan language. We are known to the Indians as Bho-ta, for no substantial reason other than in ancient orthography both Bo and d were pronounced individually and hence the linguistic forms such as Bo-d, Bho-d, Bho-ta (all implying Tibet) developed. Yet certain religious texts refer to our country as Kha-ba'i ljongs (Himalaya) and Gang-can (Himavat). Both these literary usages are more accurately applicable to a chain of mountains in south Tibet only, but gradually came to be applied for the entire country.”
Chophel, Gendun, and Samten Norboo.
The White Annals: Deb-Ther Dkar-Po.
Pg.22
Library of Tibetan Works a. Archives, LTWA, 1978.
