New Year's Eve Meditation

The Kadampa Meditation Center in Chelsea offers a serene alternative to the flashy excesses of New Year's Eve in NYC. You'll start the evening snacking on hors d'oeuvres, then sit for resident teacher Kadam Morten leading the Buddha of Compassion practice (prayers, mantras, meditation). You'll finish the night setting intentions for the coming year and toasting 2014 with a booze-free beverage. Cruise into New Year's Day with your dignity intact? How very civilized.