Barry trained as a teacher of Transcendental Meditation in 1977 after graduating with a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford University. He taught TM part-time whilst also working in the furniture industry, both manufacturing and retail, where he was director of operations. Barry enjoys teaching members of the public to meditate but also enjoys working with the NHS, Essex University, local companies and partnering with other institutions in Essex to help people who are at risk. Barry is an expert on the effects of TM on society and has co-authored a book on this subject, An Antidote to Violence: Evaluating the Evidence, which was followed by another book called Healing Social Divisions: The Truth of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. He is currently writing a book on education and meditation.