Michael Franco

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 18: The Bittersweet Beauty of Change

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 the primordial light of Creation.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 17: The Tao of Infinite Wealth

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!"

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 16: To Walk on Earth

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.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 15: Sailing the Ocean of Consciousness

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 close with the Zohar's description of primordial chaos, Tohu VaBohu.

 

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 14: The Secret of Health

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 regarding Judo, we close with the Zohar's explanation of Genesis in light of The Song of Songs.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 13: Judo and the Strength of Weakness

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. We close with the Zohar's ideas about the musical nature of Creation. 

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 12: The Virtue of Noncompetition

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.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 11: Fractal Infinity

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.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 10: Simple Greatness

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. 

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 9: The Treasure-House

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.