Readers' Forum
Organ donation debate
Zarathushtra lived in the hoary past when there was no such concept as organ donation, so naturally there is no reference to it in the Gathas. According to Zoroastrianism, we live in an imperfect world where there is much suffering. Zarathushtra taught us that, as hamkars (helpers) of Ahura Mazda, it is our duty to work ceaselessly to spread happiness by overcoming all forms of evil. In the very first sentence of the Ushtavaiti Gatha, the Prophet exhorts: "Happiness comes to him who brings happiness to others.” What better way to bring happiness to others, than through service? There are also other references in the Gathas emphasizing service to humanity from which we can safely infer that organ donation to the suffering is a noble act of service.
Scholars and religious leaders from other traditions have also opined on organ donation. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of Art of Living, states: "Do not worry about the soul. You’ll certainly not be born blind in your next life if you pledge your eyes after death this time.” He further states that organ donation is a "sacred offering, a noble gesture. People are often misled by ‘beliefs’ (read superstitions) that have no space in any religion… If religion contradicts science, go with science…”
In Islam, organ donation is believed to be sadqa jariyah, that is, continuous charity. Organ donation signifies living with the spirit of compassion, say Islamic scholars.
The Catholic Church teaches that organ transplants are in conformity with moral law. Pledging one’s organs to be donated after death is a noble and meritorious act and should be encouraged. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI said: "Organ donation is a special form of witness to love... In a period like ours, often marked by various forms of selfishness, it is ever more urgent to understand how the logic of free giving is vital to a correct conception of life... As Jesus taught us, only whoever gives one’s own life can save it (Luke 9:24).”
Rabbis and scholars across the spectrum of Jewish life have upgraded their views and organ donation from a cadaver is seen as an act of saving life, pikkuah nefesh. One of the most compelling arguments for organ donation is the love, mercy and compassion it entails.
Dr Meenal Katarnikar, well-known Jain scholar, writes: "In ancient Jain texts, there is no clear or hidden reference for organ transplant or organ donation…In contemporary society, the Jain community is not averse to getting the benefits of organ transplants. They go for kidney transplants, blood transfusions, etc and even Jain doctors are not hesitant about it.”
Since organ donation is a relatively recent phenomenon, it would not find mention in the ancient scriptures of various religions. And yet a large number of religious leaders support it globally, keeping in step with changing times, making their religious beliefs relevant even today. This is a lesson Zoroastrians ought to learn.
Scholars and religious leaders from other traditions have also opined on organ donation. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of Art of Living, states: "Do not worry about the soul. You’ll certainly not be born blind in your next life if you pledge your eyes after death this time.” He further states that organ donation is a "sacred offering, a noble gesture. People are often misled by ‘beliefs’ (read superstitions) that have no space in any religion… If religion contradicts science, go with science…”
In Islam, organ donation is believed to be sadqa jariyah, that is, continuous charity. Organ donation signifies living with the spirit of compassion, say Islamic scholars.
The Catholic Church teaches that organ transplants are in conformity with moral law. Pledging one’s organs to be donated after death is a noble and meritorious act and should be encouraged. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI said: "Organ donation is a special form of witness to love... In a period like ours, often marked by various forms of selfishness, it is ever more urgent to understand how the logic of free giving is vital to a correct conception of life... As Jesus taught us, only whoever gives one’s own life can save it (Luke 9:24).”Rabbis and scholars across the spectrum of Jewish life have upgraded their views and organ donation from a cadaver is seen as an act of saving life, pikkuah nefesh. One of the most compelling arguments for organ donation is the love, mercy and compassion it entails.
Dr Meenal Katarnikar, well-known Jain scholar, writes: "In ancient Jain texts, there is no clear or hidden reference for organ transplant or organ donation…In contemporary society, the Jain community is not averse to getting the benefits of organ transplants. They go for kidney transplants, blood transfusions, etc and even Jain doctors are not hesitant about it.”
Since organ donation is a relatively recent phenomenon, it would not find mention in the ancient scriptures of various religions. And yet a large number of religious leaders support it globally, keeping in step with changing times, making their religious beliefs relevant even today. This is a lesson Zoroastrians ought to learn.
DR HOMI DHALLA
wzcf@bom8.vsnl.net.in
wzcf@bom8.vsnl.net.in
Why is a fear psychosis sought to be created regarding organ donation? As a community, we have discarded many traditions and adapted to changes as dictated by circumstances. There are many things that are not mentioned in the Gathas such as the muktads. Also, how many priests, leave alone behdins, perform baj and nirang after cutting their hair, shaving, cutting nails, or using the toilet?
The naysayers claim that a number of texts have perished or been burnt by invaders which could have carried references regarding the matter. Should we rely on such assumptions and presumptions?
Dastur Khurshed Dastoor recommended organ donations by Parsis as it can save lives and improve the quality of life for the afflicted. His suggestion has prompted a certain self righteous priest to challenge this in the print media and on social networking sites. No other priest has endorsed the "opinion” that organ donation is sinful.
Under the auspices of the Jiyo Parsi project there is talk of using assisted reproductive technologies to enhance the birth rate. Fertility programs like In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) are not mentioned in any scriptures, extant or destroyed. So will these persons oppose these advances in medical science? Sister communities are amazed at the spectacle created by obscurantist elements and by the fact that we harbor such regressive minded members despite Parsis being a predominantly literate lot.
The naysayers claim that a number of texts have perished or been burnt by invaders which could have carried references regarding the matter. Should we rely on such assumptions and presumptions?
Dastur Khurshed Dastoor recommended organ donations by Parsis as it can save lives and improve the quality of life for the afflicted. His suggestion has prompted a certain self righteous priest to challenge this in the print media and on social networking sites. No other priest has endorsed the "opinion” that organ donation is sinful.
Under the auspices of the Jiyo Parsi project there is talk of using assisted reproductive technologies to enhance the birth rate. Fertility programs like In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) are not mentioned in any scriptures, extant or destroyed. So will these persons oppose these advances in medical science? Sister communities are amazed at the spectacle created by obscurantist elements and by the fact that we harbor such regressive minded members despite Parsis being a predominantly literate lot.
HOMI DALAL
homeedalal@gmail.com
homeedalal@gmail.com
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