Jain Perspective

Leading the way forward on organ donation in the Jain and Hindu communities in England.

The NHS Blood and Transplant is committed to working with faith leaders and representatives of the various beliefs systems in the UK. Here, we are campaigning on behalf of the Jain and Hindu community.

Jains believe that karma decides which way the soul will go in the next life and that the soul and the body are two separate entities.

It is thought that the greatest thing one can do in this life is making the gift of life to help another person live a better life.

Jains believe in the importance of life and helping others to live. Hence, in this context, we can pass on our organs so that others can live.

Jains believe that the soul (Atma) and the body are two separate entities. Death means that the soul has severed all its bonds with the body (and organs).

Organs are carefully removed after the donor has died and this has no effect on the soul or the new body in becomes in the next birth.

Jain scriptures indicate that the donation of organs is in line with the fundamental Jain principles of Ahimsa (Non-violence), Jeev-Daya (compassion) and Abhay-Dhaan (eliminating the threat to life).

It is very noble to donate the organs of your body. It helps the survival of another human who will cherish his or her life. For Jains, after death, the soul departs, and the body is of no use to anyone and therefore donating organs of your body to other human life will mean doing a great deed on your part.

Nilesh Bhagwanji Shah

Hon. President, OAUK

We shall while alive, decide to make beneficial use of our body parts that our soul will leave behind. This can be done by donating our organs.

“Organ donation fits perfectly well with the Jain principles of Ahimsa (non-Violence/saving lives) and Daya, Karuna, Anukampa (compassion).

“Let us pledge, ‘Give a gift, give an organ’.

Manhar Mehta

Chairman, Vanik Council UK

The Jain faith is centred around the belief in ‘Ahimsa’, which translates into a non-violent, compassionate attitude to all life. We firmly believe in reincarnation, and that the soul with us migrates to another body upon death. As Jains, we believe that if through organ donation we can give others a better, more meaningful life, especially after our death, then we should both wholeheartedly embrace this and also encourage others to do it.