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 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.