In The Life of Pi by Yan Martel, the main character discovers that in life there are many different types of religions and within each religion, there are unique sets of values and traditions. Throughout the book, we the readers, grow with Pi as he learns to appreciate each religion in a different way. Influenced by his own thoughts and by the thoughts possessed by those around him, Pi comes to find that there are three different types of religion that are appealing to him and have great significance in his life. .
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Pi finds three religions intriguing. There are different aspects of Christianity. Islam and Hindu are religions that have great significance to him. He enjoys that with the Hindu religion, his five senses are sparked and how it makes the connection with God feel more real. Feeling closer to God on an Islam praying rug, Pi puts his head to the ground. Still, Christianity puzzles Pi. He finds it strange that there is so much killing and pain and yet it all comes back to love. .
Pi was born a Hindu yet only finds certain aspects of the religion useful. When Pi was born his mom took him to a Hindu temple and he was introduced to the Hindu gods. The Hindu religion focuses on the 5 senses. This intrigues Pi's senses by the "smell of incense, some play of light and shadow, some flame, some burst of color. Something of the sultriness and mystery of the place must have stayed with [him]" (Martel 57). This is why he is still practicing and interested in this religion.
At ease on the rug in the Islam temple, Pi finds peace. He finds serenity in this small white temple. He talks to the leader of this temple. He finds "it is about the beloved" (Martel 67). Pi said "I knelt a mortal; I rose an immortal" (Martel 69). He feels blissful with his head face down on the praying mat and at one with the Muslim religion. .
Pi finds Christianity very fascinating yet peculiar. What Pi finds interesting about Christianity is that it only has one God.
