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

A New Year's Eve Buddhist online gathering hosted by Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California, this evening of Dharma reflection, ritual and live music is open to practitioners and newcomers alike. It is led by James Baraz, Jennifer Berezan and Christelle Durandy, and brings the Spirit Rock global saṅgha together over Zoom as the year turns.

The theme is impermanence. Participants are invited to let go of what has passed, imagine what might come, and open with some grace to what lies ahead, held in the refuge of the teachings and in each other's company.

What to Expect

The evening runs from 7:00pm to 9:30pm Pacific Time. It opens with Dharma reflections on impermanence and renewal, looking back over the past year and at the timelessness of the teachings. Around 7:30pm the program moves into sacred music, ritual and community celebration. The aim is to visualize how the Dharma can support continued awakening to wisdom and love, and to imagine a future that reflects your deepest aspirations.

Expect a mix of teaching, music and ceremony rather than a silent sit. The tone is joyous, and the invitation is to bring your whole heart.

About James Baraz

James Baraz 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.

About Jennifer Berezan

Jennifer Berezan is a singer-songwriter, teacher, ritualist and activist. She weaves 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.

About Christelle Durandy

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 fronts her Afro-Caribbean ensemble Sanktet.

Before You Go

No prior experience is needed. The gathering welcomes long-time Buddhist practitioners and people new to the tradition or to group practice.

The event is held online via Zoom, so there are no meals, venue or accommodations to arrange. Registration includes unlimited access to the recording, which becomes available about ten days after the program. You need to register by the deadline to receive it.

Pricing is on a sliding scale, with higher rates helping to support the teachers, Spirit Rock and fellow practitioners who need to pay less. Scholarship rates are available, and no one is turned away for lack of funds as space allows. Spirit Rock's registration team can answer questions if you write by noon Pacific Time on the day before the program.