Spiritual Psychotherapy with Michael Franco, M.D.

In this episode, we open with some therapeutic talking points regarding virtue signaling and the differences between Jesus and Buddha. We continue with some excerpts from Old Path White Clouds and the enlightenment journey of the Buddha. We close with the Zohar's 4th commandment of Genesis and draw connections to the wisdom of Zen.

In this podcast, we open with some talking points about serendipity, the vices of 'self-expression,' and the virtues of 'judgementalism.' We then discuss the differences between Greek notions of truth as opposed to a more experiential approach to truth. After reading an excerpt from Thich Nhat Hanh's Old Path, White Clouds, we close with the Zohar's description of the third commandment of Genesis,...

In this episode, we begin with some talking points regarding modern psychology and some differences with Zen. We then open a discussion of the symbolism of the mishkan and its connections with Genesis, noticing that the mishkan may actually be a blueprint for meditation. We close with the Zohar's exploration of the third commandment in Genesis.

In this episode, we open with a funny story and some Zen talking points. We spend the next large chunk of the class delving into the leveling up of Moshe Rabbenu in Parashat Ki Tissa. After surveying some of these mysterious elements, we close with the Zohar's discussion of the Love of God and its connection to the primordial light revealed to the righteous. 

In this podcast, we open with an exploration of the very cryptic ending of Parashat Mishpatim and the vision of God beheld by the elders of Israel. We continue with some Zen talking points and koans, followed by Alan Watts' discussion on "Democratization of the Esoteric." We close with the Zohar's new reading of Genesis through the lens of awe.

In this episode, we explore various Zen Koans and stories from the life of the Buddha. These stories exemplify how the Buddha's teachings cultivate calmness of mind. We close with the Zohar's fantastic tale of Rabbi Pinhas seeking out Rabbi Shimon bar Yohai. 

In this episode, we open with some miscellaneous talking points, ranging from Jordan Peterson's wisdom to the vision of Isaiah in Chapter 6. We continue with some zen stories and koans, finally closing with the Zohar's discourse on 'meditating upon the forefathers.'

In this episode, we discuss everything from Israeli war heroes to experimentation with rodents that have grave implications for human society. We then explore different schools of Zen such as Soto Zen and Rinzai Zen, closing with our continued study of the Zohar's analysis of Abraham and Sarah.

In this podcast, we open with a quote from the Tao te Ching regarding mastery of self. We then discuss some salient points from Jonathan Haidt's The Coddling of the American Mind. We explore some common Leftist cognitive distortions and some CBT techniques that could be helpful. Next, we discuss Alan Watts' take on Yugen, the Japanese appreciation of change and mystery. We close with the Zohar's e...

In this class, we touch on some key Taoist and Zen concepts, followed by some Hassidic tales. We close with the Zohar's discussion of elevating shekhinah.

In this class, we open with a recent dream, connecting this with the mystical experience. We then continue with our study of the Tao te Ching and the nature of virtuous unfoldment. Next, we present a Zen Koan followed by an interesting set of quotes from Alan Watts regarding the mysterious unknown. Finally, we close with the Zohar's teaching about uniting Shekhinah and Binah.

In this episode, we open with some therapeutic talking points regarding love in the midst of hate. After a discussion from the Tao te Ching, we tell the poignant Hassidic story called The Black Wolf. We close with a continued discussion of Nothingness in the Zohar.

In this podcast, after some opening quotes, we enjoy a guided meditation from Alan Watts, followed by some Zen Koans and excerpts from the Tao te Ching. We then delve into Alan Watts' discussion of "Do you do it, or does it do you?" We close with the Zohar's beautiful expository of humans as partners with God in Creation.

In this podcast, our season premiere, we open with some quotes from the Tao te Ching and some intriguing Zen Koans. We continue with Alan Watts' discussion of Myamoto Musashi and his no-sword philosophy of Zen. We close with the Zohar's discussion about the pitfalls of Cain.

In this episode, after opening with some zen koans, we begin a discussion of the dialectic method of Zen, as well as the Buddhist notion of emptiness. We connect these teachings with the lessons learned by Elijah the prophet in I Kings 19.

In this podcast, we open with a few Zen koans focusing on the practical elements of Zen. We then explore the theme of naturalness as it manifests in Zen and how this relates to the doctrine of dialectical thinking. We close with some insights about Moshe Rabbenu from Parashat Huqqat.

In this podcast, the season finale, we begin with some talking points about "God's plan." After a series of interesting koans, we shift to Alan Watts' discussion of Zen culture and Zen as a cure for being "too civilized." We finish off with some uplifting quotes by Rav Kook.

In this class, we begin with some psychotherapeutic talking points relevant to world events today. After a Zen Koan, we then delve into a discussion of the word Te, virtue, in the Tao Te Ching. We close by finally finishing the story from Rabbi Nachman, The Lost Princess.

In this podcast, we open with some important psychology for modern times. Next, we move to some Zen Koans and the wisdom of Alan Watts. After a beautiful quote from Rav Kook, we close with the penultimate portion of The Lost Princess.

In this podcast, we open with some quotes from Alan Watts regarding the No-Sword School and the Controlled Accident. After some more Zen Koans, we finish with our continued study of The Lost Princess.

In this class, we open with some beautiful quotes from the Tao te Ching. We discuss the applicability to the political situation the world faces today and how we can remain in a state of peace all the while. After some Zen Koans, we continue our quest of The Lost Princess.

In this podcast, we open with a quote from the Tao te Ching regarding the formless perfection of the Tao. We continue with a discussion of Zekhut Abot, the merit of our forefathers. We transition to Alan Watts' discussion of pain and the Buddha's teachings on deliverance from suffering. We end with a the continued story of The Lost Princess and the limits of the intellectual mind.

In this podcast, we open with the words of Alan Watts, cautioning the audience against spiritual addictions. We continue with various talking points and then we close with the next episodes within The Lost Princess.

In this episode, we open with a quote from the Tao te Ching, then continue our discussion on working with anger. We segue into Alan Watts' eulogy of Carl Jung and Carl Jung's penetrating words on the shadow element. After a couple of Zen Koans, we close with our continued quest of Rabbi Nachman's The Lost Princess. 

In this episode, we open with some talking points about Zen. We then move into a discussion of skillful handling of anger, drawing from the teachings of Ram Dass. Next, we explore a quote from the Bhagavad Gita to understand how even a war can be fought with compassion and wisdom. We close with further discussions regarding Rabbi Nachman's The Lost Princess.