A Night of Light, Release, and Renewal: CSL San Jose Hosts Its Annual New Year’s Eve Burning Bowl Event

As San Jose prepares to welcome 2026, the Center for Spiritual Living San Jose is opening its doors for one of its most cherished community traditions: the Burning Bowl & Candle Lighting Ceremony, held on Wednesday, December 31st, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at 1195 Clark Street.

For many in the Willow Glen area, this ceremony has become more than an event — it’s a grounding ritual that marks the transition from one year to the next with intention, reflection, and a sense of shared humanity. In a season often filled with noise, pressure, and celebration, this gathering offers something quieter and more personal: a chance to pause.

A Ceremony Rooted in Release and Renewal

The evening begins with the Burning Bowl ritual, where participants are invited to write down habits, worries, or emotional burdens they’re ready to release. These slips of paper are placed into a communal bowl and symbolically surrendered to the flame — a gesture that many attendees describe as both cathartic and empowering.

Following the release, the lights dim for the Candle Lighting Ceremony, a meditative moment where each person sets an intention for the coming year. The room gradually fills with soft candlelight, creating a visual reminder that individual hopes, when held together, create a collective glow.

“This ceremony gives people permission to breathe,” says Rev. Nadene Rogers, spiritual director at CSL San Jose. “It’s a space where you can honor what the year has brought you — the triumphs, the challenges, the unexpected lessons — and then consciously choose how you want to step into the next chapter. It’s deeply personal, but also profoundly communal.”

A Welcoming Space for All

CSL San Jose emphasizes that the event is open to everyone, regardless of spiritual background or experience. Families, individuals, longtime members, and first-time visitors are all invited to participate in whatever way feels comfortable.
The center is known for its inclusive, LGBTQIA+ affirming environment and its commitment to creating accessible spiritual experiences for the broader community. The New Year’s Eve ceremony reflects that ethos: simple, heartfelt, and welcoming.

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, December 31st
• Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
• Location: 1195 Clark St., San Jose
• Suggested Love Offering: $10
• Get your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/n...
• Parking: Ample FREE on-site parking
• Accessibility: All are welcome; no prior spiritual experience needed

For many attendees, the ceremony has become an annual tradition — a way to mark time not just with celebration, but with meaning. Whether you’re closing out a difficult year, celebrating a joyful one, or simply seeking a moment of peace, the Burning Bowl & Candle Lighting Ceremony offers a gentle, reflective way to step into 2026.

More information is available at www.cslsj.org/events or by calling (408) 294-1828.