Organ transplantation
by Munisha, Clear Vision's education officer, active in the Network of Buddhist Organisations.
In 2004, the UK Network of Buddhist Organisations (NBO) was asked by the UK Transplant Authority to come up with a statement outlining Buddhist attitudes to transplantation. NBO members thought it would be simple. However, it was not to be.
Though many people followed the line of Upeksacitta's piece here, there were dissenting voices. In particular there were concerns from some UK Tibetan Buddhist organisations, which may be summarised as follows:
- The manner in which the departing consciousness leaves the body will affect the rebirth it chooses. Removal of organs is necessarily soon, speedy and invasive and will compromise the tranquillity of the psycho-physical organism around the time of death.
- Consciousness leaving an undisturbed body has a greater chance of a good rebirth - leading to a contented and ethical life, beneficial to other living beings. This is, in the long run, of greater benefit to the world than the short-term benefit to the single recipient of the donated organ. (Contrast this with the view of the Tibetan Buddhist teacher Sogyal Rimpoche, quoted in Upeksacitta's article.)
- There is a danger that the need of the would-be recipient will be put before the need of the dying person.
Click here to see the NBO's final statement.