For centuries, math teachers the world over have written the following 
on chalkboards:   If A = B and B = C, then A = C.  Does the same hold 
true with wisdom teachings from various religious traditions? Are 
there any equals signs between the teachings of Jesus and Buddha and 
Lao Tzu?  And what, exactly, is an equal sign?

Joseph Bednarik is the Co-Publisher at Copper Canyon Press, a nonprofit publisher dedicated to poetry. He studied philosophy at Haverford College and speaks regularly at UU congregations throughout the Puget Sound region.