Spiritual Psychotherapy with Michael Franco, M.D.

In this episode, our celebratory season finale, we open with a song by S.E. Rogie called Recipe for Truth and Lasting Happiness. We continue with some talking points and standup comedy. Next, we explore Alan Watts' words on the myths that keep humans trapped in incomplete narratives. We close with the Zohar's explanation of the harmony underlying the discord of Creation.

In this episode, we begin with the opening verses of the Tao te Ching. After some rich discussion, we run through some intriguing Zen Koans from the Gateless Gate. We close with the Zohar's comparison of the argument of Korah and Moses with that of Hillel and Shammai.

In this episode, we open with the Tao te Ching's concluding verse. We then explore some deeply cryptic koans from the Gateless Gate. Finally, we close with the Zohar's introduction to the second day of Creation.

In this episode, we open with a quote from the Tao te Ching about living simply. We then continue our study of Ryokan's writings, followed by Zen Koans from Zen Flesh, Zen Bones and we introduce the Gateless Gate. After a brief excerpt from Alan Watts, we conclude with the Zohar's description of the role of Tiferet in primordial Creation.

In this episode, we open with a quote from the Tao te Ching and we learn the wisdom of returning injury with kindness. We then explore the poetry and stories of Ryokan Taigu, a Sōtō Zen Buddhist monk who spent most of his life wandering in nature. Next, we continue our study of Alan Watts' lectures on Zen aesthetics. Finally, we close with the Zohar's writings on the balance point formed by Tifere...

In this episode, we open with the Tao te Ching's teachings about the wisdom of being like water, Wu Wei. We continue with some talking points about the Zen view of reincarnation, dispelling misconceptions from the Western mind. We then transition to Alan Watts' study of Zen feelings that capture the spirit of the beauty of change, flow, mystery, and loneliness. We close with the Zohar's study of t...

In this class, we weave through quotes from the Tao te Ching, the Buddha, and The Discourse on the Middle Way. We gain insight about right view and right speech, while understanding the connections to Maimonides' Golden Mean. We close with the Zohar's teachings on the 3rd verse of Genesis: "Let there be light!"

In this episode, we open with a quote from Linji and connect this with the philosophy of the Tanak"h regarding Moshe, Eliyahu, and Iyyob. After a quote from the Tao te Ching, we explore Alan Watts' ideas on the Taoist philosophy of trusting one's own nature. We close with the Zohar's ideas on Tohu vaBohu.

In this episode, we open with the Tao te Ching's wisdom and then connect this with the Torah's description of the vision held by the elders of Israel on Mount Sinai (Correction: the Torah balances the name of Moses and the word Alah, not Har, in the two halves). We then continue with a teaching from Old Path, White Clouds regarding the 3 seals of the dharma. After some words from Alan Watts, we cl...

In this podcast, we open with a quote from the Tao te Ching regarding being "sick of sickness." We also explore the concept of the "therapy" that happened for Bene Yisrael at the Red Sea. We continue with a story from Thich Nhat Hanh's Old Path, White Clouds about the Budhha's refusal to answer questions outside of the direct path to experiential knowledge. After concluding remarks from Alan Watts...

In this episode, we open with the Tao te Ching's advice regarding how to act without losing the spirit of the Tao. We continue with a discussion of the name of God and the similarities between Enlightenment and the Grace of God. Next, we analyze the wisdom of Sri Ramana Maharshi regarding the path of the ego into the heart. We then begin our study of Alan Watts' discussion of Judo, The Gentle Way....

In this episode, we open with the Tao te Ching's description of the attributes to be cultivated through the Tao. We continue with some talking points on Fractals, Cymatics, and Nothingness. Next, we read a passage from Old Path, White Clouds on the Buddha's teaching regarding how to "flow all the way to the sea." We close with the Zohar's teaching on the first passuq of the Torah.

In this episode, we open with the Tao te Ching's description of the humility of the sage. We then discuss the concept of fractals and the implications this has for infinity. We close with the Zohar's description of the first three words of Creation.

In this episode, we hold a discussion on the Tao te Ching's advice on practicing nonaction and achieving greatness through simplicity. We then analyze a story from Old Path White Clouds regarding the Buddha's advice on avoiding overarching theories of reality. We close with the Zohar's words on the early stages of Bereshit. 

In this episode, we open with the Tao te Ching's remedy for evil. We then engage in a discussion about OCD, Jacob, and the shadow element. Next, we examine Alan Watts' eloquent words regarding how the ego finally gives up. We close with our continued study of the Zohar's explanation of Bereshit. 

In this class, we open with quotes from the Tao te Ching and then expand into a wider discussion based on Alan Watts' explanation of field theory and the natural patterns of the Tao. We close with the beginning of the Zohar's brilliant opening to Bereshit.

In this episode, we begin with some quotes from the Buddha and the Tao te Ching. We then take a close look at the philosophy of Zen gardens and architecture. We close with the 14th and final commandment of Bereshit, thus concluding the introduction to the Zohar.

In this episode, we focus on select passages of the Tao te Ching and spark an in-depth discussion regarding what it means to be in line with the Tao. We finish the story of Angulimala from Old Path, White Clouds and we close with the Zohar's 12th and 13th commandments of Bereshit.

In this podcast, we open with some moving and joyful sections of the Tao te Ching. We then explore some Zen stories regarding suicide and the reformation of a murderer. We close with the Zohar's beautiful discussion of the significance of Tefillin, the 10th commandment of Bereshit.

In this class, we open with a Zen story about the value of presence over eloquence. We continue with quotes from the Tao te Ching and discussions of attaining enlightenment. After some words from Jayasara and Thich Nhat Hanh, we end with the Zohar's ninth commandment of Bereshit regarding the importance of generosity and charity.

In this podcast, we begin with some excerpts from the Book of Yonah, noticing, through intertexts and midrash, the philosophical transformation that occurs. We trace this theme within the Tao te Ching and the Buddhist Sutta regarding right speech. We close with the Zohar's eighth commandment of Bereshit.

In this podcast, we open with some excerpts from the Tao te Ching that reflect the balance of masculine and feminine. We continue with a comparison of Pinocchio and Peter Pan in their quests toward adulthood. After some Zen quotes, we close with the Zohar's seventh commandment of Bereshit.

In this podcast, our season premiere, we open with awe of the vastness of Infinity. We continue with explorations of Zen stories and then with an exhibition of the depth psychology of Jung and Neumann in contrast to the psychology of Freud. We close with the Zohar's sixth commandment of Creation.

In this episode, we open with some grounding quotes from an ancient Zen master. We share some parables from the life of the Buddha, a famous story about Ikkyu, and we dabble in some Freudian concepts. We continue with Thich Nhat Hanh's Old Path White Clouds on the life and times of Siddhartha Guatama. We close with the Zohar's fifth commandment of Creation.

In this Passover special, we discover what God was truly seeking from Moshe Rabbenu for him to become the leader that God needs.