This level links practice and theory in the same way as levels 1 and 2, so that you gain the knowledge and understanding of the experiences that unfold as you build your meditation practice. Everything taught at the Lifeflow Centre is based on the direct experience of meditation and so is readily accessible and immediately applicable to your life. All of the classes are student centred and so involve interaction, discussion and practice. They also include exercises adapted from yoga which enhance and sustain your meditation practice.
The knowledge and the structure of our inner experience are derived from the rich and deep Eastern tradition, particularly the Buddhist traditions of Burma and Tibet. In this level you will be introduced to the ideas, the maps of the human mind and emotions, and the structures of this tradition, and the practical experiences upon which these are all based. Although this is based in the Eastern tradition, you will also discover how these ideas can be linked with our own culture and be introduced to the Western philosophical and psychological ideas which form our own experience.
The modules which are explored in each term are based on the four streams of the Buddhist tradition. These are:
The point at which all meditation begins, developing Calm and Concentration
The awareness, mindfulness and insight which grow from this
The values, ideas and the emotions which effect how we act
The tradition of yoga-tantra which provides the tools for integrating all of these.
The course is taught in self contained modules, each one being 1 term in length. The entire course is comprised of 8 modules which are taught sequentially over 2 years. You may start in any term and continue for 2 years to cover the entire program.
In addition, it is recommended that students complete at least one weekend retreat each year whilst attending Level 3. Refer to our section on Lifeflow Retreats to find out what is scheduled.
These modules begin by showing how the three C technique outlined in Level 1 is the structure on which the whole meditation tradition is built and how it is related to the four streams.
We know we have a physical body, however Tantra is based on the idea of us having three bodies. The other two relate to our emotions and our minds, but they are called bodies for a good reason and you can learn why, as well as how they relate to each other, and how they can be maintained, nourished and kept in good health. How to become aware of mental habits is explored along with the relationship between body language, breath, thoughts and emotions.
Yoga Tantra introduces you to the mind as a sense organ, and exercises for training the mind. It also explores the world of visualizations, how these are built and how they affect your body and your emotions.
An introduction to the structure on which all tantric exercises are based is given with the opportunity to practice the basic yoga-tantra exercises. Tantra means 'thread' or 'weaving' and so gives the resources for linking together all the streams of meditation and all the parts of your life.
Topics covered include:
The concept of the energy body and the central channel and how they operate.
The currents and winds of the energy body.
Opening the heart centre and moving the mind consciously from the head to the heart.
Moving the mind from the navel centre to the heart and linking the whole range of our emotions and energies from the head to the navel.
Centring the energy of the body at the heart and experiencing the ground of ecstasy.
Learning to focus the breath in the central channel and experience joy and bliss.
Studying and experiencing the energy centres of your body and the variations between different systems.
Recognising the luminous nature of the mind and consciousness.
All meditation exercises begin by focusing on an object and in level 2 you were introduced to the deepening levels of meditation - the absorptions. This module explores these deeper levels in detail, and shows how the absorptions move from focusing on an object to levels of consciousness which are infinite.
These states of consciousness are what Western mystics experienced and attempted to describe. The Buddhist tradition, however, describes these states precisely and in detail, not as mystical ideas but as experiences which anyone who is prepared to practice can open up to. They lead to an understanding of consciousness completely different from the way we generally think of it, and some Western philosophers are just beginning to explore these ideas.
At the same time it is useful to look at what gets in the way of living a balanced life, and so this module helps you become aware of how you get 'stuck' in certain emotions and thoughts and how to free yourself from them. It shows you how to recognise healthy and unhealthy states of mind and how these relate to all the everyday psychological disturbances and stresses which are part of modern life.
Topics covered include:
Maps of the mind, or psyche, from Jung, with its focus on the individual, to the Buddhist model which goes beyond the personal.
Understanding and using Mandala as a tool for perception and transformation.
The difference between emotions (agitated mental states) and feelings (sensations).
Meditations on colour and how they affect the mind and emotions.
The experience of peace and the ability to still the mind when you choose.
Having the resources to maintain a calm state in difficult circumstances and keep yourself happy and mentally healthy.
The insight stream of the meditation tradition is a unique way of training yourself to understand how we perceive the world around us. It gives you the tools to distinguish between your inner and outer life so that you can relate clearly and openly with the people with whom you share your life and the world in which you live. So often our emotions, and what we think is happening, get in the way of seeing and hearing the people we are talking to.
This module illustrates the difference between mindfulness and awareness and builds on the knowledge and experience of Level 2. In order to know how your emotions and mind work you start with the body. So simple exercises for becoming aware of how you relate to your body, your feelings, your states of mind and your thoughts give you the opportunity to notice the things in your life which catch you unawares and 'just watch' them.
Topics covered include:
Introduction to the nature of our minds and how to go beyond thought to experience the open, spacious foundation of consciousness.
Explanation of the six different emotional roots of behaviour.
Exploration of the ideas of transience, conflict and transparency in relation to all of our experiences
Introduction of meditation as a resource for experiencing and perceiving directly, without the stories and memories which usually accompany all our experience.
In the stream of Ethics you have the chance to ask what ethics are all about. You can explore how our values, either conscious or unconscious, determine the kinds of decisions we make and the way we live our lives. As children, we have all incorporated the values of our families and our culture, either as assumptions or as rules. In this module you have the opportunity to look at how our values affect us and how to develop values which enable you to act skillfully, effectively and kindly in a world which only seems to have two options of treating values as an intellectual exercise, as rigid and small-minded, or attempting to be 'value-free'.
The understanding and experience you gain through the practice of meditation gives a whole new perspective to ethics, for you can experience first-hand how your emotions and states of mind effect your actions. Rather than seeing values as rules which are given, or based on thought, you have the opportunity to experience for yourself the basis of all values which is the relationship which we have with our bodies and how we move our bodies through the world.
Topics covered include:
Ideas and meditations for valuing our lives and bodies.
Guidelines for living including earning a living to support your life and not the other way round.
Principles for dealing skillfully with current and everyday situations.
The different aspects of love, both Western and Eastern.
Essential qualities for living a happy life.
Decisions and actions, where they begin and the effects they have.
Deepen your understanding of Lifeflow Meditation theory.
The regular class format makes it easier to link your meditation experiences and understanding back to what is happening in the rest of your life. Learn how the two can affect each other and how meditation practice can be skillfully applied to life situations.
All courses are led by highly qualified teachers - each teacher has at least 10 years personal meditation practice.
Who is it for - prerequisites
This course is for students who have completed all three modules of the Level 2 course. We also recommend that you have completed at least one weekend retreat.
Level 3 is designed for students who have started or are just starting their own meditation practice. To get the most benefit from the classes it is recommended that you are practising meditation daily.
Lifeflow membership is recommended for students in Level 3. This gives you access to additional retreat opportunities, borrowing rights to our library plus access to additional members-only classes.
Time Commitment
The course is taught in self contained modules, each one being 1 term in length. The entire course is comprised of 8 modules which are taught sequentially over 2 years. You may start in any term and continue for 2 years to cover the entire program. It is only a requirement to complete all 8 modules if you wish to progress to Level 4.
Each module runs for 7 classes of 1 1/2 hours' duration each.
Introduce a friend to Level 1 (Learn to meditate) and save!
If you introduce a new friend to one of our Level 1 Meditation courses (ie someone who hasn't previously done the Level 1 course), then both of you receive a 10% discount. To be eligible for this discount the two of you must book and pay at the same time. Not valid with other discounts.
Members received a 10% discount on this course and all other retreats and courses per year of membership. Refer to our Membership page for full details. Not valid with other discounts.
Full Time Students under the age of 26 - email us or call on 8363 1318 to check on special student rates. Not valid with other discounts.
Enrolments by phone or in person
Phone us on (08) 8353 0000 between 9 am and 5 pm to enrol by credit card over the phone.
Download a pdf brochure about our courses or retreats:
Relax – practical meditation training to restore yourself
Includes details on Free Talks, Levels 1 and 2.
Updated each half year.
Refresh – nurture and restore yourself with a Lifeflow meditation retreat at Tara Hills
Find out more about our weekend and week long retreats.
Updated each half year.
You can now train to guide short meditations in your work setting... MORE Meditate easily with our Lifeflow starter kit book and CD combination – 4-CD boxed set of Lifeflow meditations and our new book ... MORE
meditation courses
This level links practice and theory in the same way as levels 1 and 2, so that you gain the knowledge and understanding of the experiences that unfold as you build your meditation practice. Everything taught at the Lifeflow Centre is based on the direct experience of meditation and so is readily accessible and immediately applicable to your life. All of the classes are student centred and so involve interaction, discussion and practice. They also include exercises adapted from yoga which enhance and sustain your meditation practice.
Relax – practical meditation training to restore yourself 
Refresh – nurture and restore yourself with a Lifeflow meditation retreat at Tara Hills 
