Spiritual Survival

When trying to stay alive, the survivor must not lose themselves through the fight of survival. Their identity and faith is what keeps them sane during difficult situations. Pi is able to survive his ordeal with his faith and connection to the deities of the three religions he practices (Hinduism, Christianity and Islam). His connection to his religions are his identity – without this, Pi would not have been able to keep sane and survive his ordeal.

  

Pi prays to God a minimum of four times a day. In a time of despair and loneliness  Pi feels connected to God as well as his old life, as religion is the only thing he has left for himself after the sinking of the ship. His rituals provide him the motivation and will power needed to press on each day and survive.

“[The Gods] brought me comfort that is certain. But it was hard, oh it was hard. Faith in God is an opening up, a letting go, a deep trust, a free act of love- but sometimes it was so hard to love,” (Martel, 74).

Pi admits it was hard to put his trust in God when it seemed like He wasn’t listening, but he continues praying and practices religious rituals in hopes to survive his ordeal at sea.

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Pi’s spirituality is an integral part of his life. This is seen as he thanks Vishnu (a supreme Hindu god) for giving him a fish to eat. “Thank you, Lord Vishnu, thank you! … Once you saved the world by taking the form of a fish. Now you have saved me by taking the form of a fish.” (Martel, 61)

During the times when Pi was suffering the most, he always remembered the suffering of Jesus Christ which helped him survive while on the lifeboat with Richard Parker.

  

  

When Pi began to look at Richard Parker with anger or fear, he remembered that the 450 pound Bengal tiger was his equal and brother in the eyes of Islam. A brother which Pi continuously says gave him the power to survive.

Although religion and Pi’s spirituality was not at the forefront during the second part of the novel, it still plays a crucial role in Pi’s survival. 

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In 2003, 35-year-old Aron Ralston had gone hiking, alone, near Robbers Roost. While Ralston was climbing down a narrow slot in Blue John Canyon, a boulder became dislodged, crushing Ralston’s right forearm and pinning it against the wall. For five and a half days, he struggled to get free until he was forced to do the unthinkable in order to survive. Likewise, Pi had to do the unthinkable action of going against his religion and hunting fish/animals in order for him to survive his journey on the lifeboat.

Clip from the movie 127 hours, directed by Danny Boyle

The incredible tale of Aron Ralston’s survival came to the big screen courtesy of film-maker Danny Boyle, in his amazing movie, 127 hours.

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Life is a Journey

Life is but a stopping place,
a pause in what's to be,
A resting place along the road,
to sweet eternity.

We all have different journeys,
different paths along the way,
We all were meant to learn some things,
but never meant to stay...

Our destination is a place,
far greater than we know.
For some the journey's quicker,
for some the journey's slow.

And when the journey finally ends,
we'll claim a great reward,
And find an everlasting peace,
together with the Lord

- Anonymous 

This poem exemplifies the spiritual connection between humans and God. The author believes that one day all humans will truly be with God. In Life of Pi, Pi prays daily, displaying his faithful connection to God. Pi believes that without God’s help, he would not have survived his journey.