Ishan Shivanand’s The Practice of Immortality is a deeply personal account of his journey from the quiet discipline of a monastery to a life of teaching and guiding others across the world. The book blends memoir with instruction, weaving together stories from his childhood, lessons from his gurus, and modern applications of ancient yogic wisdom. The book argues that immortality is not about living forever in the body but about changing our relationship with time, shedding illusions, and learning to live in the present moment. Shivanand introduces practices of breathwork, meditation, and reflection, offering not just philosophy but tools that readers can try for themselves.

I enjoyed the storytelling in this book. The writing is simple, yet it carries weight. He doesn’t drown the reader in technical language. Instead, he paints vivid scenes of life in the monastery, of starlit skies and desert sands, of lessons handed down by his father. These stories are balanced with real-world encounters, like meeting seekers from abroad who came chasing legends of mystical herbs. That mix of sacred tradition and modern longing for meaning makes the book relatable, even when the ideas are lofty. At times, I felt swept away by the rhythm of his words. Other times, I had to pause because the thought itself demanded reflection.

Shivanand circles back to the same themes: time, illusions, the immortal self, and each return felt like another layer being added. Rather than skimming past big ideas, he makes sure they sink in. The rhythm is steady and deliberate, almost meditative in itself, which mirrors the practices he describes. His sincerity shines through on every page. There’s no sense of showmanship, no jargon to hide behind. Instead, it feels like sitting with someone who has lived these lessons and is sharing them with quiet honesty. That tone drew me in and made me more receptive.

I think this book is best suited for readers who are searching for something deeper than self-help hacks or quick fixes. It’s for those who are willing to sit with a story, to think about what it means, and maybe even to try the practices woven into each chapter. If you’re curious about the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern life, or if you’ve ever felt the pressure of time and wished for a way to step outside it, this book has something to offer. I walked away with a sense of calm, a reminder that the immortal self is not something to find far away, but something already inside me, waiting for attention.

Pages: 262 | ASIN : B0D7VKRT8Z