At our September 25, 2026, Dialogues in Dharma session, we focused on Ajooni Singh’s favorite Shabad – Seva Karat Hoi Nihkaami! This Shabad was written by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, and appears on Ang 286 of the Siri Guru Granth Sahib.
Ajooni Singh shared his reflections on the concept of SEVA (selfless service) and his favorite Shabad from Sukhmani Sahib. He spoke about his life journey, his service to the Sikh
community, and the importance of love and service in his life. He shared personal stories about cooking for Yogi Bhajan and his experiences in India, emphasizing that true service is done without expectation of recognition. Participants shared their own experiences and gratitude and participated in a discussion on the spiritual significance of service and the Shabad.
Ajooni Singh shared why he chose to discuss this Shabad:
The Shabad I have chosen is Seva Karat Hoi Nihkaami, in Raag Gauri, near Ang 286 of the Siri Guru Granth Sahib. It is Ashtapadi 18 of Sukhmani Sahib.
I love this Shabad because it speaks of love and service to the Guru, and of the qualities of a true sevadar:
- Complete and joyful obedience to the Guru’s Will
- Deep humility — not seeking to be seen or recognized
- Constant Naam Simran in the heart
Throughout my life in Dharma, this is the way I have lived and delighted in: love and service. I served my teacher, Yogi Bhajan, from 1989 to 2001, and I have served the sangat in the same spirit ever since. I now live in Spain, having passed through India and Mexico, always following the Guru’s call and living through love and service.
That is why I wanted to share this Shabad, and a few stories!
View the words and listen to this Shabad.
About Ajooni Singh
My name is Ajooni Singh. I was born in Mexico, and in 1988 I had my first international cuisine restaurant. I met Master Yogi Bhajan in 1989, and soon after went to live and study with him. In the summer of that year, I started to cook for him. Since at that point, I had no experience with cooking vegetarian food, I used my intuition to transform my original recipes to vegetarian dishes and served him with love and prayers to improve his health. I learned from the Master the use of spices and prepared food for him with flavors from India, Mexico, Italy, as well as Arabic and Yogic recipes. While cooking, I was always thinking about how to cook to heal his body as well as making the food delicious. Over the years I learned from the Master a unique method of Ayurvedic cooking and diet – simple and nutritious — which everyone can enjoy.
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