What does it mean to protect 'the sanctity of life?' This is the question
that for Hindus, as for those in other religious traditions, lies at the
heart of debate on whether embryonic stem (ES) cell research is ethical.
It could be argued that embryos in the early process of fertilisation
have only a 30 per cent chance of becoming a full human being, so why not
use them for the potential benefit of existing human beings, for 14 days,
and then destroy them? After all, it is not thought that in these early
stages cells are sufficiently developed to feel any sensation or anything
that could be called 'pain.'
Furthermore, we are told, the benefits of stem cell research could be
radical. Each ES cell has properties of a regenerative nature, which can
transform itself into any cell required, meaning it is pluripotent. Thus
these cells could potentially be used to treat illnesses that we currently
do not have a cure for. It is a compelling argument; when scientists tell us
that in embracing this technique we could reduce the hideous effects of
motor neurone disease, stroke, heart disease, multiple sclerosis and cancers
of various sorts, who would dare be 'inhuman' enough to suggest this end
does not justify the means?
And, as we are quite used to using animals for scientific research,
where is the harm in extending that use to human life, especially human life
at a primordial stage?
On the face of it, such an argument would be quite wrong. The Hindu
Vedas dictate that all life is sacred, including animal and plant life. It
is this precept that lies at the heart of the Hindu doctrine of non-violence
or ahimsa. We believe that respect for life is a prerequisite; by showing
love to all creatures, all living things, we likewise show our love towards
God, who is in all things. All things are God's creation and therefore we
must respect all of it, as we love all of God.
However, there is a paradox in this view. The law of nature rules that
we must kill in order to survive. Human beings only live and continue to
breathe by consuming the plant and, in most cases, the animal life around
us. All of Creation works by taking one life for the survival of another.
The ancient Rishis, or divine sages, resolved this paradox by referring
to the various stages of evolution of consciousness that we share. They
believed plants were at the lowest level of consciousness. Animals then
followed, and finally humans were placed at the top of the evolutionary
tree. In creating this hierarchy, the Rishis ensured life itself was
protected, but within the laws of creation. So, what really matters is that
we protect the highest level of consciousness even if we have to kill the
lower levels in order to do so.
In Hinduism the soul passes through many species - one ancient scripture
suggests as many as 8.4 million species - until it finally evolves to the
highest level consciousness, in the form of a human being. It is this human
birth that can then bring about salvation from the cycle of rebirth and
finally end up with God.
So, to be born human is to achieve the highest value within the process
of reincarnation. The human life we experience, the only life which offers
us the chance to achieve ultimate and final union with God, is of an even
greater value. Recognising this value, Hinduism developed the ancient
systems of Yoga and Ayurveda to alleviate illnesses and prolong healthy
life.
Modern science works on the same quest. Medical research aims to help a
person's longevity. In Hinduism all human life is evolving towards God,
regardless of belief or non-belief, and that makes it much more valuable
than the embryonic cell at a primordial stage, where it has no sensation.
The difference is in the degree of consciousness. Further, if there is no
shortage of reproducing such cells then surely we must be prepared to
sacrifice a few for the greater good of helping the existing life, in itself
a noble value for all our salvation?
- By Anil Bhanot, General Secretary, The Hindu Council
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