Beth Crook lives with husband and two daughters in Hartlepool. She started work as a hospital pathology laboratory assistant. She went on to gain a qualification in nursing and worked in hospital for many years.

"The survival of a near fatal car crash, involving my family and myself in 1994, made me start to ask questions about my life and the purpose of my being. I proceeded to look for answers to my questions by attending various classes on Yoga, Martial Arts, and Meditation but I still did not find what I was looking for. I was searching for guidance, the guidance of someone who was able to show me a safe, clear path. Then a friend told me about Ven. Lama Dondrup Dorje. Within a few weeks I attended my first Qigong class with Sifu.

The first thing I noticed when I entered the class was a feeling of warmth and happiness. There was a feeling of calm throughout the duration of the class. I soon realised Ven. Lama Dondrup Dorje had a natural way of radiating such warmth and compassion in everything he did. I felt a great sense of relief and a peaceful feeling I shall never forget. Sifu has a unique grace to him that I could not compare to anything I have ever seen. As I watched him the room appeared brighter.

I once had an experience with Sifu that I would find hard to believe had I not witnessed it in person. Sifu was sitting opposite me, across a table. He asked me if I was aware of everything in the room, and I said, "Yes". He then asked me to look at him. Sifu then closed his eyes. Within a few seconds, to my amazement, everything in the room started to disappear. I looked around and everything except Sifu had disappeared, including the table between us. All I could see was Sifu, who appeared very defined with a brilliant white light around his body. During and after this experience, I felt what I could only describe as a feeling of happiness and peace. The kindness and compassion I received and the feeling of lightness and joy just being in Sifu's presence was something I had never experienced until that day. I am extremely grateful to a true master who is truly a remarkable individual."