Can a dead body be donated or does it need to be cremated?

I wanted to know if the dead body has to be cremated or can it be donated to a health institute for research purposes?
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/general-discussion/25226-can-dead-body-donated-does-need.html

What does Sikhi says about this?
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Were there health Institutes for Research Purposes during the times of Gurus?
No.

So I think the real question is "What do you think Sikhi says?"

Sikh Reht Maryada

Article XIX , sub-section (c):


( c ) However young the deceased may be, the body should be cremated. However, where arrangements for cremation cannot be made, there should be no qualm about the body being immersed in flowing water or disposed of in any other manner.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=25226


source: Sikh Reht Maryada, The Definition of Sikh, Sikh Conduct & Conventions, Sikh Religion Living, India

Pretty much sums up the matter.

What about if the person wanted to donate organs or the entire body so the organs or body parts can be used for someone in need? I am just curious to know if certain parts of body can be donated i.e. eyes, heart etc. What does sikhi says about organ donation?

Rani ji,

Guru Fateh.

Sikhi is based on pragmatism, not on any dogmas. I am an organ donor. All my usable organs will be donated, no exception. Our Body is a big organ so for me it would be perfectly fine and at par with Gurmat values to donate one's body.

Rehat Maryada was writtena long time ago. It needs a lot of modifications. In fact I wrote about it in this forum quite sometime ago. You can research it and have my viewpoint.

Regards

Tejwant Singh

Thanks for your veiws Tejwant Ji I agree with you, personally I don't see any problems with donating bodyparts especially if they are for good causes.

GURBANI SAYS...
AN ANIMAL serves ten times even when DEAD....Dass Kaaj Swareh....animal carcass cna be used in various ways....BUT....
a DEAD HUMAN serves NONE - except incur further COSTS....funeral expenses, cremation Grounds, grave stones, ambulances, wood, gas, electricity, and then GURU KA Langgar..saradhs..barsees..etc etc

Be a GOOD SIKH..and DONATE YOUR BODY to SAVE OTHERS. That would be GOOD SIKHI in PRACTICE.: ice:

This is obviously outdated. If the writers had known that bodies can be used in a way that helps mankind, then perhaps htey would have made an exception.
But this just goes to show that Rehit cannot stand that test of time. It must be changed to meet new needs. Why not simply let Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji guide you to answers?? Afterall, I think we can all agree that out of all holy books, only Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji has passed that test.

Speaking about body parts and perhaps something more controversial... what about donating hair so that wigs can be made for patients with no hair or who have lost it? Um cancer patients come to mind immediately (My aunt was one). I mean guys can be OK with with no hair, but girls... its a tough world. Hard to imagine the emotional pain...