Spiritual Significance
It’s important not to become to rigid in your interpretation of the a trees trunk as it relates to the branches. In some documents the Baha’i faith is described as a trunk. But, in other cases it is described as a branch. It’s important to understand that every aspect of the tree analogy is really just a teaching tool. Don’t get to caught up in the way that branches and trunks literally behave. [text] [text]
Practical Application
The symbol of the trunk is a practical way to organize branches. If the branches are a subcategory, the trunk is the category. But, remember today’s branches can be tomorrows trunk. For example, when you begin your education, you may be able to choose your area of specialty. At that point, it helps to view those specialties as branches. But, after you graduate, yesterdays branches will likely be viewed as today’s trunk. That’s because you will already have a specialized degree in something. [text]
Relation to the Sun
The trunks relation to the Sun is simple. The trunk serves to bear fruit. But, the trunk can not bear fruit without the rest of the tree. The tree can not bear fruit without the Sun. So, that’s it. Each and every person should start by accounting for the tree trunks in their life. Those are the things that are extremely difficult to change. Next, build your strategy around the Sun of truth. Proceed with the objective of bearing fruit. [text]
Related Quotes
"In communities where the materials of the Ruhi Institute have been adopted as the main sequence of the courses, training institutes are beginning to supplement these courses with others that are tailored to the specific needs of the populations they seek to serve. These other courses are generally offered after the completion of one or another course in the main sequence, which, in this case, can be thought of as a trunk of a tree with branches extending out from it. " - Baha'i Universal House of Justice
"Wherefore doth it befit thyself, an offshoot of the Holy Tree of God, branched out from that mighty Trunk—and it behooveth ourselves as well—so to burn, through the sustaining grace of the Ancient Beauty—may my life be offered up for His Most Holy Shrine " - Abdu’l-Baha
"If there be no renewal of fruit from the tree, of what avail is the reformation of bark, blossom, branch and trunk? " - Abdu'l Baha
Related Symbols