Organ donation and Buddhism

I was recently asked to comment on the recent Singapore HOTA Act and Buddhism.

If the person during his lifetime did not register his objection to the removal of the organ from his body after his death:- under the Singapore HUMAN ORGAN TRANSPLANT ACT (CHAPTER 131A), anyone who has died in the hospital may have their organs removed from their body for the purpose of the transplantation of the organ to the body of a living person.

In meditation, originally uploaded by Robin3388.

This is a "compulsory" law and is different from an opt-in (self-consent) method in the west.

The categories exempted under this auto opt-in scheme are as follows:
(a) Person who has during his lifetime registered his objection with the Director to the removal of the organ from his body after his death;

(b) Person who is neither a citizen nor a permanent resident of Singapore;
(c) Person who is below 21 years of age unless the parent or guardian has consented to such removal;
(d) Person who is above 60 years of age;
(e) Person whom the designated officer, after making such inquiries as are reasonable in the circumstances, has reason to believe was not of sound mind, unless the parent or guardian has consented to such removal; or

(f) Person who is a Muslim.

Buddhism has always agreed with the ideal of serving others and being willing to give anything for others' well being, based on compassion, wisdom and loving kindness.

However, there are other considerations for some group of Buddhist practitioners that may lead to a decision not to donate their organs in this manner. I read in the BBC this paragraph:

"Some Buddhists, including those who are followers of Tibetan Buddhism, believe the consciousness may stay in the body for some time after the breath has stopped.

Until the consciousness leaves the body it is important the body remains undisturbed, so Tibetan Buddhists may have some concerns that an operation so soon after death may damage their consciousness and cause harm to their future lives."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/buddhistethics/organdonation.shtml
I would think that this would include highly enlightened practitioners who are practicing Tantrayana (getting enlightenment in this life-time, in order to benefit all living beings). An enlightened beings will benefit countless beings (human, animals etc.), and thus not donating, with this highest goal in mind will benefit more people, and their body should not be disturbed for a period of time (depending on his level of practice) in order for him to perform the final meditation.

I, for one, have signed up for my organ donation under the Human Organ Transplant Act, with right understanding, my intention and level of practice.. and with each baby steps, hopefully I will not be in a situation of unnatural death by accident, but one will never know.