I'm of the opinion that there are ancient religious practises in China (the cult of Shang Ti et. al.) that pre-date Buddhism and Confucianism. Even Confucius said he could not fathom the origin and meaning of the sacrificial ritual of the 'border sacrifice' to Shang Ti, but he believed it must be continued and conserved. A very unusual position for Confucius to maintain. This worship of Shang Ti (with the sacrifice of a bull once a year with the Emperor acting as high priest of the nation) has fascinated me for a long time, and I have wondered about what other religious remnants might be found in China and the Far East.
Also, because a kind of structure or practice is found in Lamaistic Buddhism, that doesn't me it originated with Buddhism. Forms of Buddhism were successful precisely because there were some opportunities for creative syncretism IMO as it expanded.
Thanks for the insight! Always something new to learn. =)