Hinduism and organ donation
A guide to organ donation and Hindu beliefs
Organ donation
Organ donation is the gift of an organ to help someone else who needs a transplant. Hundreds of people's lives are saved or improved each year by organ transplants.
Donation is an individual choice and views differ even within the same religious groups.
Why is it important to think about donating organs?
With medical advances it is now possible to use transplanted organs and tissues to enhance the life chances of those suffering from a range of terminal conditions such as renal, liver and heart failure. More people than before now suffer from these conditions and some ethnic groups seem to be more affected than others.
Consent
The consent or permission of those closest to the potential donor is always sought before organs can be donated. This is why it is so important to discuss your wishes with your loved ones should you decide to become a donor. Many families who agree to organ donation have said that it helps to know some good has come from their loss.
When can organ donation take place?
Doctors and their colleagues are committed to doing everything possible to save life. Organs are only removed for transplantation once all attempts to save life have failed and after death has been certified by doctors who are entirely independent of the transplant team.
Care and respect
The removal of organs and tissues is carried out with the greatest care and respect. The family can see the body afterwards and staff can contact a chaplain or local religious leader if the family wishes.
Hindu Dharma and organ donation
There are many references that support the concept of organ donation in Hindu scriptures. Daan is the original word in Sanskrit for donation meaning selfless giving. In the list of the ten Niyamas (virtuous acts) Daan comes third.
"Of all the things that it is possible to donate, to donate your own body is infinitely more worthwhile."
Life after death is a strong belief of Hindus and is an ongoing process of rebirth. The law of Karma decides which way the soul will go in the next life. The Bhagavad Gita describes the mortal body and the immortal soul in a simple way like the relationship of clothes to a body:
"vasamsi jirnani yatha vihaya
navani grhnati naro 'parani
tatha sarirani vihaya jirnany
anyani samyati navandi dehi."
"As a person puts on new garments
giving up the old ones
the soul similarly accepts new material bodies
giving up the old and useless ones."
Scientific and medical treatises (Charaka and Sushruta Samhita) form an important part of the Vedas. Sage Charaka deals with internal medicine while Sage Sushruta includes features of organ and limb transplants.
"Organ donation is in keeping with Hindu beliefs as it can help to save the life of others." The Late Mr Om Parkash Sharma MBE, President, National Council of Hindu Temples
"I always carry my donor card with me. It says that my whole body can be used for organ donation and medical purposes after my death. I would like to encourage as many people as possible to do the same." The Late Dr Bal Mukund Bhala, Co-ordinator Hindu International Medical Mission, Former President Hindu Council UK
"I believe in organ donation. If my body can help someone else live a better quality of life after my soul has vactaed it then it is good Seva."
Mr Arjan Vekaria JP, President Hindu Forum of Britain
Information on Hinduism is available from:
www.bbc.co.uk/religion
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