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.Michael Franco

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 …

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.Michael Franco

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 …

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.Michael Franco

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.Michael Franco

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.Michael Franco

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.Michael Franco

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.Michael Franco

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.Michael Franco

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.Michael Franco

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.Michael Franco

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.Michael Franco

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…

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.Michael Franco

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…

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.Michael Franco

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.Michael Franco

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.Michael Franco

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.Michael Franco

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.Michael Franco

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.Michael Franco

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.Michael Franco

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.Michael Franco

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.Michael Franco

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.Michael Franco

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

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.Michael Franco

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.Michael Franco

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.Michael Franco

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.Michael Franco

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.Michael Franco

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

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.Michael Franco

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.Michael Franco

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."Michael Franco

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.Michael Franco

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

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

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.Michael Franco

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.Michael Franco

In this podcast, we show that the linguistic connections between Moshe and the Blasphemer teach us an important lesson about the balance of identity.Michael Franco

In this podcast, we show how Aharon presents the solution to the double-bind of the ego.Michael Franco

In this final episode of the season, we open with some Zen stories, continue with some wisdom from the Tao te Ching, and close with the Zohar's recounting of the primordial events of Creation. We notice the intentional blurring of the lines between God and Mankind.Michael Franco

In this podcast, we explore the relationship between REM sleep, PTSD, and the events of Pesah.Michael Franco

In this podcast, we dive back into some Zen stories meant to impart an intuitive understanding of Reality. We close with a continuation of the Zohar's discussion of Creation and the mysterious relationship between the upper sefirot.Michael Franco

In this week's podcast, we analyze the phrase haddam hu hannafesh -- the blood is the life force. We expand into a discussion of reductionism and emergence, dualism and monism.Michael Franco

In this podcast, we explore the limits of words, the beauty of partnership, and the mystery of dualism.Michael Franco