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By UMA V. MYSOREKAR, MD, FACOG
President of the Hindu Temple Society of North America
 How does Hinduism view organ, eye and tissue donation? The most direct answer is that we are never prohibited from any form of charity, including the donation of one’s body. The idea of compassion and charity form the two main tenets of Hinduism and therefore a Hindu should do whatever possible to eradicate the sorrow of others.
Hinduism is a way of life with a strong belief in life after death and the laws of Karma, good and bad actions. The soul, unlike the body, is eternal. Hinduism is also called Sanatana Dharma or Eternal Religion: We are obliged to live a life of Dharma or virtuous living. Any form of charity is a part of Hinduism. As it states in the nine beliefs that dictate our way of life, all life is sacred, to be loved and revered.
In this context, the concept of organ donation is not entirely new. Since time immemorial, the verses of the Vedas from our sages have reinforced the concept of donating our bodies. If a sage was passing by, he would have thought, “I have two legs … this person doesn’t have any legs … let me give him one mine.” It was that simple.
A well-established story tells us about Emperor Chaivy who did not mind giving anything that he possessed including any part of his body. In the 21st century, we call this modification a “transplant.” Thousands of years ago, they called it charity.
A minority of Hindus are concerned that donation can affect Karma. In my opinion, God knows whatever Karma we have done. For our part, the goal after death is that the soul must merge with the Lord Supreme. This is the ultimate peace and enlightenment.
Another perceived obstacle may be that cremation must be carried out fairly soon after death. In these cases, opposition to donation is not so much to do with the Karmic aspect; it is only because there is not much time for families to think when death is unexpected.
This is why Hindus must be educated about donation in advance.
The Hindu religion says one should not feel sorrow at the time of death. Death is a part of the living because the soul never dies. Life and death are equal. We should therefore make our lives useful. Since one of the main tenets is charity for any human life, we can make the best of it even after death. If Hinduism is a way of life, we can give a portion of ourselves to others. When we give charity by way of our bodies, it is an act that serves not the individual, but humanity at large.
The Hindu Temple Society of North America is located in Flushing, NY. Dr. Mysorekar, who is also an obstetrician and gynecologist, is the only Hindu leader invited by Presidents Clinton and Bush to participate in meetings aimed at promoting religious tolerance and diversity.
This article is reproduced with permission from the New York Organ Donor Network. It first appeared in the Donor Network publication, On the Beat, fall 2007.
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