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John Safran vs God – Episode 2 (2004)

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clip Zen Buddhism

Original classification rating: M. This clip chosen to be PG

Clip description

John Safran road tests Zen Buddhism at a Japanese monastery that belongs to the Rinzai school. This sequence shows his third attempt to ask a philosophical riddle, or koan, that the Roshi master has set him.

Curator’s notes

These religious road tests are the defining feature of John Safran vs God. Safran’s approach combines irreverence with apparently genuine curiosity, allowing the show to be both funny and informative. In a time-honoured comic tradition, Safran uses his role as comedian to ask questions and make observations that would normally be inappropriate. Religion is particularly sensitive territory and it is sometimes uncomfortable watching his subjects expose their beliefs to Safran. In this case the monks respond in a good humoured, if bemused, manner – though they do also give him the occasional beating.

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australianscreen is produced by the National Film and Sound Archive. By using the website you agree to comply with the terms and conditions described elsewhere on this site. The NFSA may amend the 'Conditions of Use’ from time to time without notice.

All materials on the site, including but not limited to text, video clips, audio clips, designs, logos, illustrations and still images, are protected by the Copyright Laws of Australia and international conventions.

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  • The National Film and Sound Archive’s permission must be sought to amend any information in the materials, unless otherwise stated in notices throughout the Site.

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