I am a shoot from the blessed tree. The three previous generations of Asanga men, including my father, were born with signs that portended greatness. Times like 7 a.m. on the 7th day of the 7th month. Devas and other creatures of the heavenly realm flitted and flirted about to celebrate their entrance into this world. Yet, unlike my forefathers, I, John Yogacara Asanga, had an inauspicious birth.