Baha'i Faith/Symbolism/Tree Trunk

In the Baha'i faith, a trunk is most often used in relation to branches. Today's tree trunks could be tomorrows branches. For example, if a student finds themselves choosing from a number of different classes, those classes are like branches. But, after the classes have been chosen and completed, they become like tree trunks. They are established credentials which serve a prerequisite for something else.

Relation to Other Symbols
The tree trunk is related to all of the other symbols of the tree by way of fruit. That's because the whole point of the tree is to bear fruit. But, the relationship between the branch and the tree is quite unique. That's because the same thing could be a branch in some situations and a tree trunk in others. For example, Baha'u'llah is described as a tree trunk in some documents. But, he is described as a branch in others.

Abdu'l-Baha
Abdu'l-Baha made two key points pertaining to tree trunks. First, he pointed out that Baha'u'llah was like a mighty tree trunk. In this analogy, we should strive to be a branch of that tree trunk. We should be willing to make the same sacrifices that Baha'u'llah made. Second, Adbu'l-Baha pointed out that the whole point of a tree trunk is to bear fruit. That is to say that the whole point of the Baha'i faith is to bear fruit. This truth can not be denied by those interested in idle fancy.

Universal House of Justice
The Universal House of Justice often uses tree trunks to organize classes into a sequence. In some cases, the Ruhi institute serves as the tree trunk. Then, other core activities can branch off from the original Ruhi sequence. These branch courses could take the form of deepenings. Or, they could be more directed toward things like health care. The health care material may not be specifically covered by the Baha'i faith. But, there are examples of the successful integration of theology and academia in the area of healthcare.