Expert: Alex Wilding - 5/27/2011

Question
Hello Alex,
I am currently doing research of Buddhism and organ donations (including Xenotransplantation).

1. I have found some research in which it states that Tibetan Buddhism believes that consciousness remains in the body for some time after the death of a person, is this correct? And also if this true does the removal of the organs so quickly after death affect the consciousness of the donor and therefore hinder the cycle of rebirth?

2. Is it also true that Buddhist don't accept xenotransplantation as it is proper ethical conduct to relieve the suffering of both animals and humans, and by removing an animals organs would increase their suffering?

Thank you for your time
from Brigitte.

Answer
Hi Brigitte,
Buddhism is not immune to ethical dilemmas!

1. This is indeed said. Some people indeed do want their bodies to be left alone for several days if possible after they have died. Others feel that, as the number one rule is compassion, somehow it will be OK. After all, quite a lot of people do not die with an intact body at all.

2. It certainly casts a shadow over it, although it is rather hypocritical unless the objector is more or less vegetarian. Fundamentally your point does weight against xenotransplantation.

All the best
Alex W