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Principle 1: The Oneness of Mankind

                                        

All men are the leaves and fruits of one same tree.....

( 'Abdu'l-Bahá , Paris Talks, p.129)

Of this unique and wonderful Tree,
Bahá'u'lláh is the Ancient Root
from which has sprung the Primal Branch or Greatest Branch;
that is His appointed Successor and the Center of His Covenant,
'Abdu'l-Bahá "a Branch" that hath been so uplifted as to
encompass the whole of creation"
and the "Most Mighty Branch of God."
The Guardians of the Faith who have been endowed
with the same interpretive authority as had been vested in 'Abdu'l-Bahá, in accordance with the explicit provisions of the
Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, may be regarded
(and, in fact, are so designated by 'Abdu'l-Bahá)
as the youthful branches or twigs which are the offshoots
of the Primal Branch while the mass of faithful believers
are the leaves and fruits of this glorious Tree.

(Joel B. Marangella, Tree of the Covenant)

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