In this 'Wisdom Talk' John Barter has us reflect on the following question.
"If I only had a short time to live how would I want to spend my time?"
He has us understand that such a question teaches us about living consciously - 1) being mindful, 2) being wise and 3) living with joy

WT 2 - Reflecting On Death

In this episode of Wisdom Talks John Barter explains “The Three Ways to Wisdom” and why our planet needs wiser people.

WT 5 - The 3 Ways To Wisdom

In this episode of Wisdom Talks John Barter provides us with an appreciation of ‘The 4 Sources of Stress and Suffering’ in the context of ‘The 4 Noble Truths’, the central teaching of the Buddha

WT 7 - The 4 Sources Of Stress And Suffering

In this episode of Wisdom Talks John Barter reflects on the Buddha’s great teaching of the “The 4 Foundations of Mindfulness”- One way that leads to the ending of stress and suffering.

WT 8 - The 4 Foundations Of Mindfulness

In this episode of Wisdom Talks John Barter expands on the Buddha’s numerical teachings with “The 4 Right Efforts”.  The quintessential behavioural and spiritual practice that is simple and practical.

WT 9 - The 4 Right Efforts

In this episode of Wisdom Talks John Barter continues the collected teachings of the Buddha, with ‘The 4 Spiritual Emotions’ (Brahmavihara).  It’s a way of interfacing life, both internal and external with kindness and ‘care’ - caring and careful.

WT 10 - The 4 Spiritual Emotions

In this episode of Wisdom Talks John Barter looks into the ‘4 Dhammaduta’ spoken about by the Buddha - translated as ‘The 4 Messengers’. That can free us from the unsettling and distressing nature associated with aging, illness and death.

WT 11 - The 4 Messengers

In this episode of Wisdom Talks John Barter reflects on the 4 Paccaya.  Translated as the four supports or conditions on which Buddhist monastics depend on for sustenance of life.  It is not only an important reflection for Buddhist monastic’s but for anybody and everybody.

WT 12 - The 4 Paccaya

In this episode of Wisdom Talks John Barter reflects on ‘The 4 Elements’ that make up our body and physical existence – Earth, Water, Fire and Air.

WT 13 - The 4 Elements

Are you wasting a lot of time, energy and relationships by not aligning with what’s important to you? 
In this episode of Wisdom Talks John Barter shares a teaching called “The 4 V’s”.  This teaching is important in make sure our doing aligns with our being and our sense of self.


WT 14 - The 4 V's

At no other time in the history of humanity are we exposed to so much information around the world, causing overload for the mind. There is so much thought happening and getting in the way of experience and connecting to life and each other.
In this episode of Wisdom Talks John Barter reflects on why reducing and pausing thoughts and the right use of thoughts are so important for us.

WT 15 – The 4 Miracles

In this episode of Wisdom Talks John Barter explains how the world runs on and is fuelled by 8 conditions, namely:  Gain and Loss, Happiness and Misery, Praise and Blame, Fame and Non Fame

WT 16 – The 4 Pairs Of The Ways Of The World

In this episode of Wisdom Talks John Barter continues reflecting upon the sets of 4 teachings or practices of the Buddha by looking into ‘The 4 Ultimate Buddhist Concepts”.

WT 17 - The 4 Ultimate Buddhist Concepts

In this episode of Wisdom Talks John Barter reflects on the ‘The 4 Stages of Enlightenment” as categorised in Theravada Buddhism. They relate to psychological factors that hold the mind back or hinder the mind from being completely free from stress, distress, angst, unease and suffering

WT 18 - The 4 Stages Of Enlightenment

In this episode of Wisdom Talks John Barter reflects on a teaching of the Buddha called “The 5 Bala”-translated as The 5 Powers (or Strengths). In particular the first power or strength called Saddha, translated as Trust or Faith

WT 19 - The Power Of Trust (Saddha)

In this episode of Wisdom Talks John Barter discusses the “The 4 Jhana” - translated as The 4 States of Meditation in Theravada Buddhism. To encourage and inspire the possibility of refinement of consciousness and deeper states of mind; and appreciate that there is great joy and peace beyond just worldly pursuits.

WT 20 - The 4 Jhana (deeper meditative states)

WISDOM TALKS is a weekly podcast where John Barter provides reflections and teachings on applying practical wisdom to daily living. These reflections and insights often come from John’s understanding of the Buddha’s teachings, his own experience of Buddhist Monastic life and his work as a mindful and wisdom based psychologist.

WISDOM TALKS with John Barter

Popular tracks