In the contingent world there are many collective centers
which are conducive to association and unity between the children of men. For
example, patriotism is a collective center; nationalism is a collective center;
identity of interests is a collective center; political alliance is a
collective center; the union of ideals is a collective center, and the
prosperity of the world of humanity is dependent upon the organization and
promotion of the collective centers. Nevertheless, all the above institutions
are, in reality, the matter and not the substance, accidental and not
eternal—temporary and not everlasting. With the appearance of great revolutions
and upheavals, all these collective centers are swept away. But the Collective
Center of the Kingdom, embodying the institutions and divine teachings, is the
eternal Collective Center. It establishes relationship between the East and the
West, organizes the oneness of the world of humanity, and destroys the
foundation of differences. It overcomes and includes all the other collective
centers. Like unto the ray of the sun, it dispels entirely the darkness
encompassing all the regions, bestows ideal life, and causes the effulgence of
divine illumination. Through the breaths of the Holy Spirit it performs
miracles; the Orient and the Occident embrace each other, the North and South
become intimates and associates, conflicting and contending opinions disappear,
antagonistic aims are brushed aside, the law of the struggle for existence is
abrogated, and the canopy of the oneness of the world of humanity is raised on
the apex of the globe, casting its shade over all the races of men.
Consequently, the real Collective Center is the body of the divine teachings,
which include all the degrees and embrace all the universal relations and
necessary laws of humanity.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (‘Tablets of the Divine Plan’)
