Introduction
Hinduism is an ancient religion, it is also called Sanadhana Dharma or the eternal truth. It believes in karma and re-birth (or the cause and effect). Hindus believe that the soul is eternal and it is imperishable and indestructible (Gita), whereas the body, which is the composition of the five great elements –earth, ether, air, water and wind, is perishable.

Reasons for Birth
Merciful God takes pity on the soul and makes it to be born as a human being. The reason for human birth is to exhaust its previous karma and reach the divine feet of the Lord, through devotion, acts of kindness and service to humanity. Whereas man the limited being, forgets the very reason for which he is born and accumulates more and more Karmas by his Ego-centric and selfish activities. His miseries and sufferings are of his own doing, either in the previous life or in this birth.

Suffering
Hindus believe that to be born as a human being, is a gift of God and even that being born without any physical deformities is yet a greater gift of God. Hindu sastras declare that though human life is one hundred years, half of which is spent in sleep; another fifteen years is spent as an innocent child and the remaining years are spent in old age, sickness, infirmity and suffering. The Hindu scriptures require us to show kindness and extend a helping hand to the needy and the suffering. Suffering, though it is a Karmic effect yet as human beings we must endeavour to eliminate its ill effects.

(Love and Shiva are not two. Only the ignorant say so. Love is Shiva. When that realization dawns, they remain in love of Shiva.)

Acts of Love
Based on this philosophy of love, great Hindu saints have done noble acts of charity, for us to emulate.

Burial and Cremation
When a person dies, the soul departs and goes to hell or heaven, in accordance with its Karma. The body becomes motionless and decays. We are to help it to dissolve into its original elements either by burial or cremation. Cremation is preferred, for fire or Agni is considered as the universal purifier; of course there are certain ceremonies to be performed.

Organ Donations
Lover, compassion and charity are the practical aspects of Hinduism. The prayers of Hindus end with, “Loka Samastha Sukino Bhavathu”. (Let all the living beings be happy in the world.) Therefore, a Hindu should do whatever is in his means, to eradicate sorrow and sufferings of others. To this end he may donate anything, including his organs, while living or at the time of death. If he can save the life of a patient by donating one of his organs, he may do so. If an unfortunate man meets an accident and medically there is no chance of his survival, he may donate his heart, liver, kidneys, eyes or any other organs which can be successfully used to save the life of another human being. Such noble acts of charity are not against the teachings of Hinduism, as we have seen above.

Conclusion
From the Hindu religious point of view there are no restrictions or constraints for organ donations by Hindus but people are prohibited by taboos and beliefs. These taboos, in the minds of man must be removed. They must be educated in religion and ethics. They must be made to realise their moral and ethical responsibilities to their fellow human beings. Religious understanding and cultural sentiments differ from person to person, therefore it is absolutely necessary to seek the consent of the next of kin or any near relative.

HARI AUM TAT SAT.
References

1. Thirumanthiram with Commentaries
   by Dr B. Natarajan, Sri Ramakrishna Math madras (1991)
2. Thirukkuraal Translations by:
   Rev. W.H. Drev & Rev. John Lazarus
   Asian Educational Services, New Delhi (1991)