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Who is Sri Ramakrishna (pictured above)? Is this an apt comparison for Pi?
Use a search engine and answer this question for me: What were some of the biggest issues that the Indian people had with Mrs. Gandhi?
Is there any merit to Pi's parents' side of the issue at hand?
Why do you think that -- when all was said and done -- Pi's parents supported his religious potpourri?
8 comments:
Ramakrishna was a famous 19th-century Indian mystic who was an important figure in the Bengali Resistance and the Hindu renaissance. One very notable aspect of his philosophies was that he experimented with other religions (including Islam and Christianity), claiming that they all led to the same God. This is a very accurate comparison to Pi, who actively practices Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity in the story in order to become closer to God.
One major issue the Indians had with Mrs. Gandhi was Operation Blue Star in June 1984. This military operation was an attempt to stop Sikh separatists who wanted their own country from amassing weapons in a major temple. This resulted in 83 deaths in the Indian army, at least 492 civilian casualties, and the apprehension of 1,592 civilian/Sikhs (this is according to the official papers- individual claims are much higher). From the military’s standpoint, the raid was successful; however, the public was infuriated at the government’s justification for the use of tanks, artillery, helicopters, and armored vehicles and the poor timing of the attack that resulted in the massacre of so many civilians. This event led to much more bloodshed, causing riots against the Sikhs and revolts by the Sikhs. This eventually led to Mrs. Gandhi’s assassination in October 1984.
I think Pi’s parents find him so exasperating in chapter 26 because they don’t understand why he wants to practice so many religions at once. His father does not identify with any religion so it doesn’t seem like he understands Pi’s need to “love God” at all. His mother is more confused as to how Pi could practice all three religions at once and why Pi won’t pick just one.
I liked Pi’s comparison of having more than one religion to having more than one passport. It proves his point when he quotes Gandhi in chapter 23 when he says, “All religions are true” (87). The way Pi sees religion; all of them are valid in the eyes of God so it should be possible for him to follow all the religions he wants without any problems. To him, it does not matter in what way he loves God or how many religions he follows to do it because in the end it all brings everyone to the same place, or “the same nation in the sky.”
I think Pi’s parents finally just accepted Pi’s religious interests because they couldn’t stop him from practicing. Even if they don’t understand Pi’s actions or don’t agree with them, they realize the only thing they can do is support him and try to get used to the idea that he will practice as he pleases.
Sri Ramakrishma was a preacher who inspired everyone. He did not preach to any specific religion, he only preached about the love of God, which inspired all religions. He compares to Pi because he did not have a set religion. he only believed in the love of God and experimented with different religions, like Pi.I think Pi's parents supported his religion because they saw that he was happy. Like most parents, they want the best for their son. They decided that they cannot tell him what to believe in.
Sri Ramakrishna is a very good comparison to Pi. He taught the love and goodness of god, versus a specific religion. He also experimented with other religions much like Pi does.
Pi's parents are astounded specifically in chapter 26 because he asks to be baptized and for a prayer rug. Overall his parents aren't sure what to do with him and don't understand why he wants to practice more than one religion. Eventually Pi's parents support him practicing multiple religions. I think this is because they just want to help Pi in whatever he decides to do, even if it is not something they completely understand or agree with.
Sri Ramakrishna was a preacher, but only preached the love of God. This is a good comparison to Pi because Pi simply loved God and he liked being a part of multiple religions. Pi’s parents find him exasperating because he decides he wants to be baptized and he asks for a prayer rug. His parents aren’t sure what is the right thing to do in this situation, but his parents support him. Even though they may not agree or maybe even understand what Pi is doing, they still give him their support in practicing the religions.
Pi's parents find him so exasperating in Chapter 26 because they do not see the point in religion, especially not wanting to be a part of three at once. Pi loves God and is using three religions to deepen his knowledge of God.
Sri Ramakrishna was a Christian, Hindu and Muslim in his life. Like Pi, he used these three religions to become closer to God and did not see the fault in it.
I think Pi's parents decided to support his religous habits because they believe them to be a phase. They believe Pi's interests in religion to be the same as Ravi's of cricket, movies and music; things that will soon pass.
Pi’s parents found him so exasperating in Chapter 26 because he wanted to be able to study and identify with three different religions. His parents weren’t religious so they were confused as to why he all of a sudden was so interested in religion.
Sri Ramakrishna was a 19th-century Indian mystic who experimented with different religions and claimed that they were all linked to the same God. Sri Ramakrishna is a good comparison for Pi because Pi also wants to study and be a part of multiple different religions.
One of the biggest issues that the people of India had with Mrs. Gandhi was the invasion of the Golden Temple, which was the most religious place for the Sikh people. She led an army into the temple to kill Bhindranwala, a Sikh leader who wanted equal rights for the Sikh people in India. The government attacked on a religious day so over 1000 innocent people were killed, which caused an outrage among the Sikh community.
The end.
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