Hasan Lufti Shushud (b. June 8, 1901, d. January 1, 1988) was a saint and Master of Wisdom who lived throughout his life in relative obscurity in and around Istanbul, Turkey. He did not speak of his personal history. We do know that he studied in private schools and began his professional life as a teacher of French and English, but spent the majority of his working life at a series of banks. As for his family life, he was married and had three children, two boys and a girl.
His spiritual life began in 1917 and intensified soon after when he discovered the impact of fasting, zikr (a type of breathing exercise), and suffering, the principal practices in “Itlak, the Path of Annihilation.” He came to understand that direct experience, which can be achieved by these practices, is the only way to complete liberation from our material reality. Itlak Yolu is outside of Islamic Sufism and has affinities with Buddhism and the Shamanism of Central Asia from the time of Ghengis Khan.
Hasan Shushud has two books, both translated into English. His book of aphorisms is entitled Fakir Sozleri (translated literally: Poor Glossary). His other book, Hȃcegȃn Hȃnedȃni (Masters of Wisdom of Central Asia), covers the biographies of the Naqshband Order of Sufism who lived in the fourteenth century. (It should be noted that some Sufis of the Naqshband Order of Sufism may represent some of the characteristics of the Masters of Wisdom and that the period of the Masters of Wisdom started in the twelfth century.) More important than the biographies are the book’s introduction, appendix and glossary: They present unique concepts that deserve the utmost attention.
Especially towards the end of his life, Shushud shared the Itlak practice with all those serious aspirants regardless of their religious background.
His Masters of Wisdom sent me on a long pilgrimage across Turkey and Uzbekistan in 1988. The memories and experiences became infused into my soul.
Dear Reader,
I am currently living in Turkey. I have been deepky touched by both Nevits and Shushuds teachings. I am greatly interested in learning more about the path with someone in person. Is there anyone in Turkey(i am in Istanbul) who is still holds the lineage of Itlak Yolu?
Any help would be greatly appreciated,
Sincerely…
Dear Pars,
I will ask a woman who is in Istanbul periodically. She certainly knows about fasting. That said, would you like to Skype?
Greetings Millicent:
Is there someone you can ask in British Columbia who knows about breathing?
Thank you. Or would it be possible to meet you sometime to see how you were taught?
Thank you!
Dear Pars,
Have you been able to get into practice?
I’m very much interested in haps-i nefes practice and I couldn’t find a proper resource exactly describing how Üstad practised it. If you have any knowledge, would you share? As I don’t think there is a proper lineage of Itlak and I don’t think there is a successor of Üstad, only way remaining is reading his books, and follow his practices. That’s why I asked directly. I hope you’ll get this message after 7 years. Best wishes
For his prophecy, see:
https://www.medjugorjemiracles.com/2011/10/a-muslim-mystic-foresaw-medjugorje/
Peace
Hi can anyone give me practical advice about these practices.
Hello, Abdul,
Thank you for your comment. I will email you directly. Respectfully, Alex (Millicent Alexander)
dear Millicent, am also interested in any information about itlaq (already read all books/ writing of MrShushud and lot of stuff of Benett…)
Thanks Leila Horvath from Munich
and thanks for this beautiful site
Mail: tl24@gmx.de
Dear Leila,
Apologies for my late reply. I will email you privately.
Respectfully,
Alex
(Millicent Alexander)
Dear Alex (Millicent Alexander),
Sorry for taking your time, but could you also drop me an email, please? I am particularly interested in Hasan Shushud’s techniques and you are the first person I came to know who has met with Mr. Shushud.
With my best regards
Dear Millicent,
I’m searching for some guidance on Itlaq practices. Having read Hasan Shushud’s books and the Sufi Path of Annihilation and as you are the only person I know who has met Hasan Shushud, I would kindly ask for your guidance on these practices. Warm regards.
Dear Millicent Alexander,
are there any Hasan Shushud pupils carrying on the Itlaq Yolu line in Germany?
Thank You!
Dear Senad,
I am unaware of anyone doing the practice in Germany (but that doesn’t mean there isn’t someone!). If you are interested in speaking with someone following the practice who lives in another country besides Germany and you are willing to use Skype or Zoom or whatever, I’d be happy to put you in touch with them.
All my best,
Alex (Millicent Alexander)
Dear Alex,
I am on the east coast of the US and was hoping to find someone to help with or even just communicate occasionally with regarding this path. Please let me know if there are any resources or people to contact.
Thank you,
Michael
Dear Michael,
I’m not aware of anyone on the East Coast whom I can refer you to… which doesn’t mean there isn’t someone!!!… but there is a man I know in Canada on your side of the country. I’ll speak to him to see if he can Skype or Zoom or whatever with you. If that fails, I’d be more than happy to speak with you end of October or beginning of November.
Thanks for your patience,
Warmly,
Alex
Dear Millicent Alexander,
I would like too much to be in contact with someone how can guide me in the Itlak Path. I appreciate any information.
Thank you in advance,
All the best
Yamil
Dear Millicent,
I‘m interested in the itlak path and would be thankful for a contact who is in the lineage for introduction into the practice.
Thank you & Best regards,
MBD
I will speak to someone…
Hello my name is Steve Olson. My Spiritual name is Crazy Monk. I have Nevit Ergin’s book SUFI PATH OF ANNIHILATION. And HASAN SHUSHUD’s book Masters of Wisdom. I do daily Spiritual practices and also I have done some fasting. I feel very strongly called to learn the Zikr Spiritual Breathing exercises of Hasan Shushud. Can anyone here teach me? Thank you so much!
Dear Milicent,
I`d like to get rid of this life before it gets rid of me. Can you please help me to go away from this perception.
I live in Australia.
All the best.
Caner
Are there any groups or a school that practise the Teachings of Hasan Shushud. I’m living in the Netherlands/Europe.
Greetings from,
Roelof