Description
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 & wisdom based psychologist
To listen to a podcast episode, mouse over the ‘view’ for the individual episode below and click.
You can also listen and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Wisdom Talks 20 – The 4 Jhana (deeper meditative states)
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.
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Wisdom Talks 19 – The Power of Trust (Saddha)
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
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Wisdom Talks 18 – The 4 Stages of Enlightenment
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.
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Wisdom Talks 17 – The 4 Ultimate Buddhist Concepts
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”.
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Wisdom Talks 16 – The 4 Pairs of the Ways of the World
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. These 4 pairs of worldly conditions are termed by the Buddha as the Loka-Dhamma.
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Wisdom Talks 14 – The 4 V’s
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.
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Wisdom Talks 13 – The 4 Elements
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.
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Wisdom Talks 12 – The 4 Paccaya
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.
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Wisdom Talks 11 – The 4 Messengers
In this episode of Wisdom Talks John Barter looks into the ‘4 Dhammaduta’ spoken about by the Buddha - translated as ‘The 4 Messengers’. They can free us from the unsettling and distressing nature associated with aging, illness and death.
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Wisdom Talks 10 – The 4 Spiritual Emotions
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.
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Wisdom Talks 9 – The 4 Right Efforts
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.
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Wisdom Talks 8 – The 4 Foundations of Mindfulness
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.
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Wisdom Talks 7 – The 4 Sources of Stress and Suffering
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. John has retranslated and re-ordered this wisdom teaching of the Buddha.
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Wisdom Talks 6 – The 4 Noble Truths
In this episode of Wisdom Talks John Barter explains the power and potential in “The 4 Noble Truths” espoused by the Buddha. This skilful template if applied to life can reduce stress and suffering. The truths that if engaged and realised lead to deep peace and joy.
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Wisdom Talks 5 – The 3 Ways to Wisdom
In this episode of Wisdom Talks John Barter explains “The Three Ways to Wisdom” and why our planet needs wiser people.
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Wisdom Talks 4 – The 3 Life Provisions of Mindfulness
In this episode of Wisdom Talks John Barter outlines ‘The Three Life Provisions of Mindfulness”. He explains why it is helpful as a way of appreciating, engaging and practicing mindfulness.
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Wisdom Talks 3 – The Buddhist Trinities
In this episode of ‘Wisdom Talks’ John Barter helps us understand the beauty of the Buddha’s 2,500 year old teachings and its continued application and importance. He does this whilst discussing the fundamental Buddhist Trinities.
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Wisdom Talks 2 – Reflecting on Death
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?"
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Wisdom Talks 1 – Turning Down and Turning off Self
In this 'Wisdom Talk' John Barter provides some reflections and teachings on the importance of inner stillness and silence. Turning down and turning off self for a time to see what else is going on.
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