Michael Franco

In this episode, we open with the Tao te Ching's concluding verse. We then explore some deeply cryptic koans from the Gateless Gate. Finally, we close with the Zohar's introduction to the second day of Creation.

In this episode, we open with a quote from the Tao te Ching about living simply. We then continue our study of Ryokan's writings, followed by Zen Koans from Zen Flesh, Zen Bones and we introduce the Gateless Gate. After a brief excerpt from Alan Watts, we conclude with the Zohar's description of the role of Tiferet in primordial Creation.

In this episode, we open with a quote from the Tao te Ching and we learn the wisdom of returning injury with kindness. We then explore the poetry and stories of Ryokan Taigu, a Sōtō Zen Buddhist monk who spent most of his life wandering in nature. Next, we continue our study of Alan Watts' lectures on Zen aesthetics. Finally, we close with the Zohar's writings on the balance point formed by Tiferet during creation.

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.

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!"

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.

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.  

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

In this class, we open with quotes from the Tao te Ching and then expand into a wider discussion based on Alan Watts' explanation of field theory and the natural patterns of the Tao. We close with the beginning of the Zohar's brilliant opening to Bereshit.

In this episode, we begin with some quotes from the Buddha and the Tao te Ching. We then take a close look at the philosophy of Zen gardens and architecture. We close with the 14th and final commandment of Bereshit, thus concluding the introduction to the Zohar.

In this episode, we focus on select passages of the Tao te Ching and spark an in-depth discussion regarding what it means to be in line with the Tao. We finish the story of Angulimala from Old Path, White Clouds and we close with the Zohar's 12th and 13th commandments of Bereshit.

In this podcast, we open with some moving and joyful sections of the Tao te Ching. We then explore some Zen stories regarding suicide and the reformation of a murderer. We close with the Zohar's beautiful discussion of the significance of Tefillin, the 10th commandment of Bereshit.

In this class, we open with a Zen story about the value of presence over eloquence. We continue with quotes from the Tao te Ching and discussions of attaining enlightenment. After some words from Jayasara and Thich Nhat Hanh, we end with the Zohar's ninth commandment of Bereshit regarding the importance of generosity and charity.

In this podcast, we begin with some excerpts from the Book of Yonah, noticing, through intertexts and midrash, the philosophical transformation that occurs. We trace this theme within the Tao te Ching and the Buddhist Sutta regarding right speech. We close with the Zohar's eighth commandment of Bereshit.

In this podcast, we open with some excerpts from the Tao te Ching that reflect the balance of masculine and feminine. We continue with a comparison of Pinocchio and Peter Pan in their quests toward adulthood. After some Zen quotes, we close with the Zohar's seventh commandment of Bereshit.

In this podcast, our season premiere, we open with awe of the vastness of Infinity. We continue with explorations of Zen stories and then with an exhibition of the depth psychology of Jung and Neumann in contrast to the psychology of Freud. We close with the Zohar's sixth commandment of Creation.

In this episode, we open with some grounding quotes from an ancient Zen master. We share some parables from the life of the Buddha, a famous story about Ikkyu, and we dabble in some Freudian concepts. We continue with Thich Nhat Hanh's Old Path White Clouds on the life and times of Siddhartha Guatama. We close with the Zohar's fifth commandment of Creation.

In this Passover special, we discover what God was truly seeking from Moshe Rabbenu for him to become the leader that God needs.

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, Knowledge of God.

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 exposition of Abraham Abinu's hospitality.

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.

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.