Breaking the First Fetter

Seeing Through the Self-Illusion

with Brittany & James Nepenthe (Frank)

Saturday, March 21
9 AM – 12:30 PM

Brittany and James offer practical tools for directly investigating the sense of self in this half-day retreat. Through guided inquiry and experiential exercises, participants will learn how to look closely at present-moment experience and examine whether a separate self can actually be found. The emphasis is on active investigation rather than philosophy, supporting clear seeing in everyday life.

Offered via Zoom only. We plan to record it and will send the link to registered participants. Please do not share the recording with others.

We need at least eight participants to make this retreat happen.

Teacher Bios

Brittany & James Nepenthe are dharma practitioners specializing in the intersection of relationship as spiritual path, transcendent awakening, and trauma healing. With years of extensive silent retreat experience, they are committed to deep realization in the midst of ordinary life. As a married couple and expectant parents, they are devoted to awakening as householders, with no part of life excluded from the path.

Gratitude Practice

The registration fees for the retreat cover the basic costs of putting on the retreat. None of the fees go to the teachers who spend much time and energy preparing the talks. Please consider supporting James and Brittany with dana (financial generosity) so that they may continue offering the teachings in the future. Dana comes from the heart and is entirely optional. Any amount is supportive.

Cancellation Policy

We understand that life happens and you may not be able to attend the retreat. If you are able to let us know more than two weeks before the event starts, we are happy to provide a full refund to you minus a $10 admin fee. Canceling less than two weeks before the event, we can offer a 50% refund (no less than $10 withheld). If you have to cancel two days before the class, we appreciate you letting us know but are unable to provide a refund. You have the option to donate your partial or entire registration fee to the BDC scholarship fund. This would be much appreciated and help us make sure no one is turned away from BDC retreat’s due to lack of funds.