Life of Pi

Pi is the 16th letter of the Greek alphabet. In mathematical terms, pi is a real transcendental (and thus irrational) number. That is, it is not algebraic and cannot be expressed as a fraction for two integers. This is significant in the context of Pi’s character, as he symbolizes both transcendence and chaos. As an observant Hindu, Muslim, and Christian, Pi transcends boundaries through his religious syncretism while thinking outside the bounds of human reason. He relegates religious dogma and ritual to secondary importance in favor of interior truth and love. As a student of religion and zoology, he does not consider religion and science to be in conflict. Conversely, he views the study of the natural world and metaphysics as complementary, thus rejecting the strict secular binary between the sacred and the profane. His penchant for immanence manifests in Pi’s character regularly and is a crucial prism through which to view his spiritual development. Pi’s study of the cosmogonical theories of Jewish Kabbalist, Isaac Luria, embodies his pantheistic and perennialist (belief that all religions point to a universal truth) tendencies. Pi’s astonishing perseverance and will to live is the result of his spiritual commitments, pragmatism, and effective harnessing of fate through self-awareness and acceptance of death.