Spiritual Psychotherapy with Michael Franco, M.D.

In this podcast, we open with some beautiful quotes from Kabir and Rumi. We continue with some more stories from Maharajji, the guru of Ram Dass, then with a few Zen Koans. We dedicate part 2 of the class to a story from Rabbi Nachman called The Lost Princess.

In this class, we begin with some insights about the glowing face of Moses. We continue with some stories and quotes from Ram Dass and his guru Maharajji, followed by some Zen Koans. We end with the Zohar's exposition of the legendary staff of Moses.

In this episode, we open with the wise words of the late great Indian guru Nisargadatta. We continue with a series of Zen stories from Zen Flesh, Zen Bones. We close with the Zohar's discussion of the Divine communion that takes place whenever we engage in study of Torah.

In this podcast, we open with the words of H. W. L. Poonja: You are Peace. We continue with some more Zen Stories from Zen Flesh Zen Bones and we close with the Zohar's warnings about sexual misconduct.

In this class, we open with a series of Zen stories that impart a direct seeing into our own nature. We continue with Alan Watts' Wisdom of the Ridiculous and we end with R' Shimon bar Yohai's mystical vision on the eve of Shabuot.

In this class, we begin with the wisdom of a teacher of the Dalai Lama, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. We continue with Thoreau and Alan Watts, finishing with the Zohar's further teachings on Genesis.

In this podcast, we begin with the story of the great Hui-Neng and his teachings on emptiness. We continue with The Mirror of Essential Points by Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche and some words from Alan Watts. We close with the outstanding mystical experiences of R Elazar, R Abba, and R Shimon bar Yohai.

In this class, we discuss the Hsin Hsin Ming, an early Chinese text expressing the mindset of Taoism. We continue with Alan Watts' Wisdom of the Fool. We finish with a cliffhanger about the rabbis of the Zohar having a paranormal experience.

In this podcast, we begin with the epic of Hanuman and derive the lessons that this story implies about the ego's journey. We end with the Zohar's closing remarks from the Arab Caravaner enlightening the sages R' Abba and R' Elazar.

In this episode, we read some sections from Herman Hesse's Siddhartha, reflecting on their significance toward the 'attainment' of enlightenment. We close with the Zohar's discussion of the flow of emanation and Shekhinah's persistence in the face of judgement. 

In this podcast, we focus on the character arc of Yoseph and his transformation during the last few parshiyyot.

In this episode, we run through a variety of musings, from quotes of Khalil Gibran to Pinocchio. We close with the Zohar's continued discussion between the rabbis and their alleged Arab Taya'a or caravaner. 

In this episode, we open with a collection of Zen stories and koans. We finish with the continuation of the Zohar's meditation about Shabbat.

In this podcast, we explore the mystery of who this mysterious "man" was, with whom Yaaqob struggled. We connect this with the timeless advice of Carl Jung.

In this class, we open with some Zen wisdom regarding that which can never be verbalized. We close with the Zohar's discussion of Shabbat and the representation of Shekhinah as a single point within the geometric overlay of the Universe.

In this episode, we open with a quote from Kabir, continuing then with further study and practice of Zen. We end with the Zohar's readings of the days of Creation leading up to Shabbat.

In this week's podcast, we discuss the importance of physical might for the sake of preserving spiritual goals.

In this podcast, we open with some excerpts from the Upanishads. We connect some of this wisdom with the Zohar's discussion of spiritual competition with angels.

In this podcast, we explain the importance of a sense of belonging to one's land for the sake of mental health. We show how the Parasha emphasizes Abraham's dedication to the land of Israel belonging to his descendants through Yishaq.

In this fun episode, we recap the moving vision of Rabbi Hiyya. We continue with some haiku and Zen sayings that express some profound ideas and serve as the proverbial "finger pointing at the moon."

In the season premiere of Spiritual Psychotherapy, we begin by setting our sights on our spiritual goals for this season. We dedicate part 2 of the class to the Zohar's depiction of the vision of Rabbi Hiyya in the heavenly academy of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai.

In this year's Noah podcast, we focus on the game-changers while we drown in the chaos of Hamas.

A tribute to Ariel Eliyahu A"H and all the heroes who have lost their lives Al Kiddush Hashem, glorifying the name of God.

In this year's Rosh Hashanah, we aim our sights on the Akeda and the symbolism of the shofar, drawing inspiration from the shofar that survived Auschwitz.

In this class, we explore the stories from Masekhet Hagigah 14b, which shed light on the 4 rabbis who entered paradise, each with a separate fate.