This paper discusses the relationship between body discourse and lamrim (stages of practice) in Tibetan Buddhism. Through various transformative training exercises to change our normal view of the physical body, body discourse comprises profound, multiple views of the body in Tibetan Buddhism, proving that the body actually plays a very important role on the path of enlightenment.The exploration of body discourse in lamrim reveals the gradual path of Tibetan Buddhism and clarifies some misunderstandings that assume Tibetan Buddhism merely adopted Tantric practices. From a detailed discussion of Tibetan lamrim, it is shown that Tantric practices are in fact based on Mahayana teachings, especially the core doctrines of compassion, Bodhicitta (the enlightened mind), and Shunyata (emptiness). Together they build up a view of the spiritual body as precious and sacred.In addition, body discourse can be found in some important teachings, such as the Dzogchen and Bardo teachings in the Nyingma tradition. This also shows some rare ways of viewing the body in Tibetan Buddhism.
