It is a deep, deep question. I think, off the top of my head that -- Spiritually I am responsible for all beings, politically for as much as I can handle working with others, practically for as many as I can respond to without betraying my or their needs, directly for those whom I can care for most powerfully, and all sorts of other distinctions. Taking on responsibilities, assessing where one fits, and sometimes just going with your feelings without logic -- this is what people like Catspaw, Big Mick, and other people here do every day: wrestling with how much they can commit and whether they are getting anywhere. Look at Mick's response to his Birthday thread. Universal guilt in a situation like that is totally useless. I feel passionately about this because my best students are burdened with universal guilt, and get locked into despair.
yours, Peter T.