If we make a mess, it is only normal that we assume responsibility for cleaning it up. When we try avoid cleaning up our own mess, we don’t actually avoid it, we are unpeaceful inside so do not enjoy our having avoided cleaning it up, we have violated our lojong commitments of not passing our burdens onto others, we strengthen our laziness, we generate resentment in others who then do wind up cleaning up our mess, we create a self-inflicted moral hazard encouraging our own reckless behavior because we know how to manipulate others into cleaing up our mess, we never learn our lesson because we think we ‘get away with’ having done wrong, we create a bad habit of most likely trying to do the same thing again in the future, we set a bad example for all those around us of somebody who does not assume responsibility for the consequences of their actions, and we assent to our aversion to the work of cleaning up the mess thus making is stronger and harder next time.

Everything I experience is the karmic result of me having done similarly to others in the past. I must assume responsibility for that and create new dynamics and patterns in my relationships. Everything deluded and negative that others do to me, I have done to others in the past, and now, through the force of my negative karma, others are compelled to themselves engage in negativity. So I have harmed them in the past and am harming them again since they are now compelled into negativity. Everything that happens in my samsara is ultimately my responsibility. I have created this huge mess, therefore, it is up to me to clean it up. I joyfully relate to the problem solving in my life as my opportunity to clean up the mess I have created.

Your turn:  What is a particular karmic mess you have created, and what are you going to do to clean it up?