Michael Franco

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 13: Tao is Now

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.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 12: Water and Ice

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.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 11: Emptiness

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.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 10: The Perfected Mind

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.

Spiritual Psychotherapy: Season 2 Episode 9: Unlocking Hidden Power

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.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2: Episode 8: Crossing the River

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. 

Parashat Vayiggash 2023: From Dreamer to Dream Interpreter

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

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 7: Where the River Meets the Sea

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. 

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 6: The Secret Teaching

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.

Parashat Vayishlah 2023: The Shadow Element

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.