New Year's Eve Celebration: Reflection, Rhythm, and Ritual

This New Year's Eve celebration is a Buddhist gathering of Dharma reflection, ritual, and live music, held at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California, and also online by Zoom. It is led by James Baraz, MA, a founding teacher of Spirit Rock, with musicians Jennifer Berezan and Christelle Durandy. It suits anyone who would rather close the year in community and reflection than at a party, whether long practiced in the vipassana tradition or new to the Dharma.

What to Expect

The evening runs from 7:00pm to 9:30pm Pacific Time, about two and a half hours. Its theme is impermanence: letting go of what was, envisioning what might be, and opening gracefully to what lies ahead. Together the group reflects on the past year and on the timelessness of the Dharma, then imagines a future that reflects deep aspirations. The teachings serve as a refuge, and participants are invited to visualize how they can support continued awakening to wisdom and love.

The program weaves together Dharma reflections, ritual, live music, and community. The sangha is global, with people in the room at Spirit Rock and others joining by Zoom, so the evening connects one more time before the year turns. The spirit is joyous, and everyone is asked to bring their whole heart.

About the Teachers

James Baraz, MA, holds a master's degree in psychology and is a founding teacher of Spirit Rock Meditation Center. He started the Community Dharma Leader program, the Kalyana Mitta Network, and the Spirit Rock Family Program, and helped create the Heavenly Messengers Training Program. He has led the online course Awakening Joy since 2003.

Jennifer Berezan is a singer-songwriter, teacher, ritualist, and activist. She brings the sacred into original contemporary music that draws on folk, rock, chant, and pop, with Buddhist and earth-based themes running through her work. She creates cross-cultural community concert rituals in devotion to the world.

Christelle Durandy blends Afro-Caribbean, jazz, and other polyrhythmic sounds in an exploration of the musical energy of the African diaspora. She was raised in France by a mother from Reunion Island and a father from Guadeloupe, and she fronts her Afro-Caribbean ensemble Sanktet.

The Setting

The on-land program takes place in the Great Hall of the Community Meditation Center at Spirit Rock in Woodacre. This is not a residential retreat, and overnight accommodations are not provided.

Before You Go

All levels of experience are welcome, including people new to Dharma practice. The program is offered in English and Spanish. It includes the two-hour-plus evening of teaching, music, and ritual, and registration includes unlimited access to the recording, which is expected to be available about ten days after the program. Meals are not included.

Choose one format when registering, on-land or online. A sliding scale supports the teachers, Spirit Rock, and fellow practitioners who need to pay less, and scholarship rates are offered. Volunteer and work exchange opportunities may be available for the in-person program. Online, no one is turned away for lack of funds, as space allows. On-land cancellations are not refunded, though a credit or donation is possible when canceling at least two business days ahead.