In A Look at Modern Social Issues, the author addresses the question – “What is the Buddhist position on organ donation?” Venerable Master Hsing Yun writes:
"Organ donation is about reusing available resources to extend life, and that is a manifestation of the oneness and coexistence of all life. In the Buddhist tradition, the body is not considered something that belongs to the self, but rather it is something that results from the illusionary synthesis of the four elements. It is like a hotel room that we rent for a temporary stay….
"There are four key ways in which organ donation is meaningful and useful for society:
- "It extends lifespans….
- "It demonstrates inner generosity….
- "It promotes the renewal of resources….
- "It shows the oneness and coexistence of all life….”
An Internet search will help you identify how you can register as an organ donor in your state. A great place to start is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website: www.organdonor.gov.
— Habib Todd Boerger, Venerable Master Hsing Yun in A Look at Modern Social Issues by Venerable Master Hsing Yun