Donation of organs

Is it proper for Zoroastrians to donate organs after death? This is a controversial issue which requires insight after deep religious study. There are some Zoroastrians who believe that donating organs or the entire body after death as a form of charity is irreparably harmful to the soul (ravan) in its progress toward heaven. They argue that one can donate anything only if it belongs to oneself. Since the body is the property of Ahura Mazda, nobody has the right to donate organs during life or after death. According to them the ravan must return to the court of Ahura Mazda with its complete physical shell which can be used again during reincarnation for life in the next birth.

Let us review this in the light of the teachings of the religion. A major principle of Zoroastrianism is to make others happy since bringing relief to others brings joy to us. In our inspiring prayer Yatha it is clearly stated that those who care for and help the needy in the name of Ahura Mazda will be rewarded with vohu mano (wisdom). Sympathy for others and bringing relief to them is the real significance of manashni and gavashni, the main pillars of the Zoroastrian creed. In the word charity, "charos” means love, concern, sympathy, care and sharing with the needy. The chief aim of the after-death ceremonies is sacrifice, offerings and charity. It is khaitvadath, one of the nine commandments of our religion. Dedication in donation is part of the Zoroastrian spirit.

The body and its organs are gifted by Ahura Mazda to us as a vehicle for the progress of our soul and they indeed belong to us, according to the divine plan. So we have every right to donate any organ after death for the welfare of others, as a benevolent act. During life, the donation of blood, kidneys, corneas, bone marrow and the transplanting of organs can bring new life to the afflicted. This is true humanitarianism. For medical research donation of the dead body can play a major role in finding cures for diseases. Taking advantage of things which are of no use to us for the benefit of others is not against the tenets of Zoroastrianism.

Has the spiritual ravan any attachment and concern for its material, physical shell? Not at all. The geh sarna ritual cuts off the worldly attachments and relation of the physical body with the spiritual soul. Are the organs of the dead body necessary for the progress and upliftment of the ravan? No. Naso has to be discarded. The soul’s heavenly journey is benefited by the fravashi (divine spirit) and invisible spiritual bodies like Keherp, Tevishi, Baodhang and Utsana. The soul, in the form of a flame, without form, color or creed, greets the glow of Paramatma.

The final judgment (ristakhiz) of the soul is only according to the Ashavahista (karmic law). Zoroastrianism does not object to the donation of organs or the dead body for the welfare of other needy persons, as this supports the Zoroastrian spirit.

NOSHIR DABOO

Ahmedabad