Todays’ guests included Rodney Sonoda who is a local resident and a specialist in ‘Discus fish.’ These fish are unique in their disc-shape, extraordinary colors, refinement, intelligence and long-life. Rodney previously installed the large tanks housing the discus fish at the Aadheenam.
With Rodney is his friend Buffy Sainte-Marie who now also lives on Kauai.
They were both taken for a tour of the Iraivan Temple and pose in front of the sanctum sanctorum.
Buffy is a world renowned folk singer and song writer.
Originally born on a Cree Reservation in Saskatchewan, lived for many years in Maine and Massachusetts where she obtained degrees in Oriental Philosophy and Teaching at the University of Massachusetts. Multi-talented, Buffy is a well-known song writer. Her songs have been rendered by many other artists including Barbara Steisand, Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond, Janis Joplin, Chet Atkins, Robert Flack, the Boston Pops Orchestra and many other artists.
Buffy has been a strong advocate for the rights and welfare of the indigenous American tribes and has used her success as an international activist pop star to help raise worldwide awareness about issues facing Native Americans. Throughout her career she has served tirelessly to help with the education of Native Americans through her Nihewan Foundation. Blacklisted in the 1970’s for her outspoken critiques of the treatment of native Americans, she resurfaced years later to continue her work. As she matured over the years she has served as a leader and UNESCO spokeswoman in the field of aboriginal education in Canada.
You can find out more about her life, art and life-long service to her people at
Before their departure Paramacharya Ceyonswami invited Buffy and Rodney into the Monastery to see the very beautiful discus fish and to view some of the sacred art displayed there.
Wow. There are so many beautiful Native American vibes around Kauai Adheenam. The Andara stone gifted by Lady Nellie of the Choctaw Nation. The Techqua Ikachi newsletter. It will be nice when all Nations experience the complete reconstruction of their cultures, languages, and religions in this renaissance.
Aum
“Those who live with Siva attend close to His mystery.”
Gurudeva
Aloha Friends, I just left Wilcox Hospital. Our friend Rodney Sonoda crossed over today. He so enjoyed his visits to your Temple, caring for your fish, and spending time with you. I thought you would like to know of his passing. I know you’ll add your prayers to ours, wishing him on. Sending good energy.
Buffy Sainte-Marie
March 23rd, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Wow. There are so many beautiful Native American vibes around Kauai Adheenam. The Andara stone gifted by Lady Nellie of the Choctaw Nation. The Techqua Ikachi newsletter. It will be nice when all Nations experience the complete reconstruction of their cultures, languages, and religions in this renaissance.
Aum
“Those who live with Siva attend close to His mystery.”
Gurudeva
July 10th, 2023 at 4:50 pm
Aloha Friends, I just left Wilcox Hospital. Our friend Rodney Sonoda crossed over today. He so enjoyed his visits to your Temple, caring for your fish, and spending time with you. I thought you would like to know of his passing. I know you’ll add your prayers to ours, wishing him on. Sending good energy.
Buffy Sainte-Marie