Brain death, organ transplantation and autopsy from the point of view of world religions. Part 2: Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Taoism, discussion, conclusion

Basic questions of brain death, organ and tissue transplantation and autopsy concern various medical disciplines and are of particular importance in forensic medicine. In the broadest sense, however, these topics may be relevant for each individual person, when discussed against the background of religious perceptions. Knowledge of the various positions may contribute to a better understanding between physicians and the relatives of deceased persons. In a two-part publication, the different views of the various world religions on the assessment of brain death, organ transplantation and autopsy are presented. In the second part, the Hindu, Buddhist, Shintoist and Taoist perspectives are analyzed, especially from the theological point of view. In addition to the historical origins, the dissemination and foundations of the particular religion, the religious guidelines and attitudes on the topics of brain death, organ donation and autopsy are explained on the basis of the "official" standards set by the religious communities and the literature. In an overall view, the discussion and the conclusion regarding the (forensic) medical and legal practice take both parts of the publication into account.