How has Hanuman touched my life? It would take a poet like Tulsidas to explain. But Hanuman has been my ishta dev since 1986, when Ram Dass first came into my life, years after I first read "Be Here Now," through the grace of a Seva project in Los Angeles. 

Time flew by, and the river kept flowing, and eventually, kneeling next to Ram Dass one day on Maui, I was blessed with a name. "Anjani," he said firmly, his hand resting on my head, "that's who you are." Holding me with his timeless gaze, he said, "You are Hanuman's mother, Anjani, the Mother of Compassion, giving birth to compassion."  

For the past five years, a 3-foot tall, 90-pound Hanuman has stood on the altar at my little house in Oregon. He came through grace and magic, this embodiment of service and devotion, and his presence inspires, comforts, encourages, delights, and overwhelms me. Jai Jai Jai Hanuman!

The temple in Taos where Hanuman has lived is heavenly and singing to him there is grace. But Hanuman is growing! His love and his power are growing, and his family in America is growing. So to welcome all who come to him for shelter, for blessing, and for his grace, he needs a much bigger temple in order to serve.

For this reason, I invite you to dip your cup in the river and pour the water that flows into it into this great bowl. The love in your heart will help build this temple for Hanuman!  Tiny chipmunks and great bears all helped Ram in his epic journey. Love is the key.

Every gift is a miracle of love. Any amount that warms your heart, that shows your love, whether a few rupees or centavos, or a thousand dollars, it is a miracle of love. Every gift, whether tiny or grand,will amplify the beauty and grace that Hanuman brings into our world and mirror the love in your heart.