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Buddhists/organ donation

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Expert: - 5/31/2011


Question
HI I was wondering if you knew of any websites or info on the Buddhist views on organ donation?
Thanks

Answer
Hi Kaan,

Here we go again!

I am receiving similiar questions last few days coming from your location.  However this time you did not ask me the questions.  I don't know any specific site, but generally Buddhists are encouraged to donate their organs.  Sri Lanka with its large Buddhist community is one nation that has the most organ donors.

You may like to read my answers below which I gave to your group.

So long as science can help in the progress of humans without harming others, Buddhism accepts. The danger lies in the evil tendency, wickedness, and utter foolishness, of very intelligent people! To be very clever does not equate to be very wise. Cleverness and wisdom are two different traits. This is the danger in this world.

I encourage people to use this simple acid test to arrive at a reasonable answer. This is like a catch-all solution. We need not have to search through the Buddhist scriptures to find answers. Ask ourselves these 3 questions:

1. Is the action harmful to oneself?
2. Is the action harmful to others?
3. Is the action beneficial?

<<2. Does xenotransplantation or any other transplantation have any affect on karma or the cycle of rebirth?>>
Any good amd wholesome action will have good effect, and vise versa.

Regards,

Justin Choo  

Buddhists

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Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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