Development of modern medicine and issues in ethics and morality has received a lot of attention and stirred discussion from various groups of people. Here are some of the Buddhist points of view:
1. On human organ donation: For most people died of natural causes, their consciousnesses remained with their bodies and hence the bodies can still perceive physical sensations. From a Buddhist point of view, those had been pronounced dead medically were not necessarily dead for real. If one stated in one's will to donate his/her organs ahead of time clearly out of his/her wish to save people's lives, then there shall not be any problem for altruistic Bodhisattvas to undergo organ transplants. However, if organs are transplanted without consents of the deceased when they were alive, then their family members or monastics shall be explained next to the ears of the deceased so that they would not be attached to their bodies out of greed and attachment. Afterward, it shall be fine to perform organ transplant because this is a manifestation of compassion and also an opportunity to sow the seeds of blessings.
2. On organs transplanted from other species: Modern biotechnology has been able to cultivate human organs from some genetically engineered pigs and then transplant into human beings. Even though the intention is to save more people, respect all lives is the unchanged principle in Buddhism. Regardless higher or lower animals all beings are equal, it is not right to save humans by manipulating lives or involuntarily.
3. Cloning human beings: From a Buddhist point of view, is creating human organs or cloning any human being with the intention to help human beings, then this is fine. However, if one does it out of commercial intensives or curiosity, then it shall not be approved. The prerequisite from a Buddhist standpoint is to minimize possible side effects and take ethics and morality into consideration. Therefore, an international law shall be drafted and implemented effectively.
4. On euthanasia From a humanistic standpoint, no one can deprive another human being’s life, not even the family members can decide the life of anyone in the vegetative state. Religious speaking, all religions are against killing or leaving anyone to die without any medical treatment or care. If the family could not afford the medical bill, then the society shall pick up the expense. From a scientific standpoint, if one could not perceive anything and relies on machines to breathe and intake food, then one lives in a tranquilized sleep without fear nor death and had lost the humane dignity. Therefore, if one can set up a will while one is healthy to express one's wish not wanting to stay alive relying on the machines and will accept natural death by unplugging all machines, then this kind of euthanasia is acceptable.
