Life of Pi

Religion is a set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader. It is an illusion of freedom. Most are born into a religion and one must stick with it because of family aspects. Aspects and rules you have to follow. There is no freedom unless one would escape, which is very difficult. Religion plays a significant part in Pi's life. Having to choose between the three would take time. He would have to decide what would be the best for his life. One would think that religion is trusting, allowing him to be a part of all three. Pi is somewhat of a religion collector, and became a practicing Hindu, Islam, and Christian.

Hinduism is a different body of religion, philosophy, and cultural practice native to and important in India. Characterized by a belief in reincarnation and a supreme being of many forms and natures. The view that opposing theories are aspects of one eternal truth, and by a desire for liberation from evil. Faith, the one word that relates Pi to Hinduism. "It's my heart that commands me so. I feel at home in Hindu temple." (pg.52) Safety and comfort is very important in religion, withier you feel safe or in harms way, would effect ones feeling. Pi has the knowledge of each religion and parts of him fit into all three. He knows about Brahman, the world soul, the sustaining frame upon which is woven, wrap and weft, the clothe of being, with all its decorative elements of space and time. To Pi "Brahman expressed not only in gods but in humans, animals, trees, in a handful of earth, for everything has a trace of the divine in it." (pg.53) everything is here for a reason.

Islam is based on having a complete knowledge of Allah Almighty supporting "His Oneness" as the Lord of the universe. Supporting "His Oneness" as the only One to be worshiped. This belief is the foundation on which the Muslim's Faith is built in addition to the five Pillars of Islam. Pi would go to the Muslim quarter, which wasn't far from the zoo. Viewing the great mosque, he was careful to stay outside. Islam had a reputation worse than Christianity's "fewer gods, greater violence, and I [Pi] had never heard anyone say good things about Muslims." (pg. 64) The building was empty, white and clean with long straw mats covering the floor everywhere. Curiosity brought Pi into the building. He enjoys being apart of