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Summary of Question:	Re: Donor Cards
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Thursday, 3/20/2003 1:46 PM MDT

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Hi,
I've just read your posting about donor cards and I have to say that I totally disagree with what you had to say.
Surely when we die all that remains is our 'shell' (ie our body). This shell is of no use because our soul has left it. Therefore it seems logical to dispose of this shell, hence as Sikhs we normally have a cremation. So how is it possible for our shell to be drawing our soul away from the Akaal Purkh?
When Guru Nanak left this world, the Muslims wanted to bury Him and the Hindus wanted to cremate Him. If what you are saying is true then surely Guru Nanak would have ignored the Muslims and instead let the Hindus cremate him?!?
Also, if what you say is true then please consider the following:
Is it more commendable to refuse someone a chance to live just so that your soul can have a better chance of reaching sach khand, or is it more commendable to give your consent and help a person live at the expense of 'drawing the soul away from Akaal Purkh'?
These are my personal views - I don't fully know what Sikhi's view on cremation/donor cards is, but this was what I interpreted them to be. Therefore apologies if I some how managed to offend any one.
Gurfateh

Manjinder Singh Tiwana

(REPLY) Sat Nam. Yes, many will agree with you. I personally don't. It is a matter of personal choice. I don't know that there is an "official" position, since the possibility of having your organs continue "living" in someone else after your soul leaves your body did not exist when the Rehit Maryada was formed. Blessings, SP